How To Knit A Hat In The Round With Worsted Weight Yarn

Sharing is caring!

Learn how to knit a hat in 11 sizes in this written pattern with step by step pictures. The sizing includes baby, child, teen and adults so you can make knit hats for everyone.

To make this basic beanie we’ll use circular needles and worsted weight yarn. Since this is very beginner friendly there is no crown shaping. You only need to know how to cast on, make the knit and purl stitch.

A simple hat is a great way to learn to knit in the round. And baby hats are a great project to use up little bits of yarn since they don’t take very much! A new hat makes a great gift any time of year.

Materials

• 42 – 142 yd of *Lion Brand Wool Ease a #4 medium worsted weight yarn (80% Acrylic; 20% Wool, 197 yd (180 m) per 85 g skein) — 1 skein.
• 5 mm (US Size 8) 16” circular knitting needles* (or needle size needed to meet gauge). Optional 30”+ cables for magic loop to decrease.
• Measuring tape, yarn needle, stitch markers (2) and scissors.

Yarn By Size

Baby 0 – 3 mos ~ 42 yd (39 m)

Baby 3 – 6 mos ~ 53 yd (49 m)

Baby 6 – 12 mos ~ 62 yd (57 m)

12 – 24 mos ~ 71 yd (65 m)

Toddler 2 – 3 yrs ~ 83 yd (76 m)

Preschool 4 – 5 yrs ~ 92 yd (84 m)

Child 6 – 10 yrs ~ 102 yd (94 m)

Teen 11+ ~ 114 yd (104 m)

Sm Adult ~ 123 yd (113 m)

Med Adult ~ 133 yd (122 m)

Lg Adult ~ 142 yd (130 m)

Construction

The hat is worked bottom up, with 1×1 ribbing for the brim. Then stockinette stitch for the body of the hat. Finally the top is cinched closed.

Notes

1. This pattern is worked bottom up, in the round. 
2. Stitch multiple is 2. This means you can add or subtract to the number of stitches cast on in groups of 2.

Skill Level

Beginner

Gauge

4 sts x 5 rnds (after blocking) to 1” (2.5 cm) measured in St st.

To be sure your hat is the right size it’s important to knit a gauge swatch first. You can learn more about gauge here.

Stitches / Abbreviations

US Terms

CO – cast on, I use the long tail cast on for this pattern but you can use another method if you prefer.

k – knit

p – purl

rep – repeat

RS – right side

st(s) – stitch(es)

St st – stockinette stitch 

Tutorials

Join to Knit in the Round I love a simple technique and this is the easiest to me, so I recommend it for new knitters. You can join in a different method as well.

Sizing

The pattern includes different sizes, choose according to head size: 

To fit age ~ head circumferences: 

Baby 0 – 3 mos ~ 14” (35.5 cm)

Baby 3 – 6 mos ~ 15” (38 cm)

Baby 6 – 12 mos ~ 16” (40.5 cm)

12 – 24 mos ~ 17” (43 cm)

Toddler 2 – 3 yrs ~ 18” (45.5 cm)

Preschool 4 – 5 yrs ~ 19” (48 cm)

Child 6 – 10 yrs ~ 20” (51 cm)

Teen 11+ ~ 21” (53.5 cm)

Sm Adult ~ 22” (56 cm)

Med Adult ~ 23” (58.5 cm)

Lg Adult ~ 24” (61 cm)

Fit/Adjustments

This hat has a suggested 2” / 5 cm of negative ease. This means the finished hat is 2” / 5 cm smaller than the actual head circumference, and will stretch to fit. 

This free hat pattern is intended to fit like a beanie, for a slouchy hat you can keep knitting to increase the height at least 2″ before moving on. 

This easy hat pattern is designed for a beginner knitter to be able to make. If you are comfortable using magic loop to decrease I’ve added some optional crown decreases.

Scroll down for the free knitting pattern!

Sharing is caring!