I received a request for an easy to knit hat pattern for beginners who do not yet know how to knit with circulars or DPNs (double pointed needles.) We’re happy to oblige with this new hat pattern, designed to be knitted with straight knitting needles. It’s not totally plain – we threw in some decorative stitches – horizontal seed stitch lines – but you can easily omit them and still have great results. The ribbing on the base of the cap allows it to fit most heads.
This hat is loose fitting – you can use a smaller needle and yarn for a tighter fit. Or, check out another straight needle hat pattern here These are both versatile and great for gifts. You can knit it in your favorite sports colors or have it match that Griffindor scarf you couldn’t help but make, or use a decorative yarn to give it a classy look.
The cuff in the image is turned up. If you do not wish to turn the cuff up, you can eliminate the first 14 rows of the hat body after you’ve knitted the cuff (this includes the first 2 rows of decorative stitching).
Items you’ll need to make your hat:
- Size 6 (4.25mm) straight knitting needles
- Yarn used in this example: Lion Brand Wool. You can use any yarn in this category: Medium, Worsted-Weight, Afghan, Aran Yarn
Gauge: 1″ x 1″ = 5 stitches and 6 rows
Pattern Size: Adult – one size fits most
Begin With The Cuff:
- Loosely cast on 114 st.
- Row 1: (k2, p2) Repeat to end
- Row 2: (p2, k2) Repeat to end *
* Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until the cuff measures 2 inches
Knit the Hat Body
- Knit in St st for 12 rows
- Next 2 rows – Decorative horizontal stitching – k 2 rows in a seed stitch
- Knit in St st for another 9 rows
- Next 2 rows – Decorative horizontal stitching – k 2 rows in a seed stitch
- Knit 9 rows in St st
- Next 2 rows – Decorative horizontal stitching – k 2 rows in a seed stitch
Taper Off The Hat Top
- Beginning on a knit row, (k11, k2tog) Repeat 7 times, k to end
- Next Row: Purl
- Next Row: (k10, k2tog) Repeat 7 times, k to end
- Next Row: Purl
- Next Row: (k9, k2tog) Repeat 7 times, k to end
- Next Row: Purl
- Next Row: (k8, k2tog) Repeat to end
- Next Row: Purl
- Next 2 rows – Decorative horizontal stitching – k 2 rows in a seed stitch
- Next Row: (k7, k2tog) Repeat ro end
- Next Row: Purl
- Next Row: (k6, k2tog) Repeat to end
- Next Row: Purl
- Next Row: (k5, k2tog) Repeat to end
- Next Row: Purl
- Next Row: (k4, k2tog) Repeat to end
- Next Row: Purl
- Next Row: (k3, k2tog)
- Next Row: Purl
- Next Row: (k2tog) Repeat to end
- Next Row: Purl
- Next Row: (k2tog) Repeat to end
- Next Row: Purl
Finishing
- Leaving a long tail (about 24″, to be safe) cut the yarn and thread it through the remaining 9 loops and back through the first loop. Pull snug. Use the remaining tail to sew the seam closed. If you used a different color for the cuff, switch to that color to sew the cuff section closed. Weave in all loose ends.
Knitting Abbreviations Used:
- ( ) – work instructions within parentheses in the place directed
* – repeat instructions following the single asterisk as directed
k – knit
k2tog – knit 2 stitches together
p – purl
St st – stockinette stitch/stocking stitch
st(s) – stitch(es)
