The easiest (and quickest) way to learn how to knit a simple hat.
Skill Level | Beginner
Available Sizes | Baby, Toddler, Child
When you’re ready to learn how to knit a basic hat, this project is the way to go. It’s quick and easy enough for even a beginner knitter.
If you’re a pro at our Easy Knit Hat and you’re ready to try your hand at crown decreases, our really easy baby hat is the perfect project for you! Even if that’s not your goal, this is a great every day knit baby hat to gift or donate.
With this project, you’ll improve your knit/purl skills and practice a new one, the knit two together decrease. Take these skills with you to create even more intricate, more beautiful hats in the future!
Before you begin, review this page entirely so you understand the full scope of the project. We prepared a list of recommended supplies and abbreviations you’ll need to get started as well as a video tutorial and written instructions to walk you through this really easy knit baby hat from start to finish.
- 1 cake; Lion Brand Mandala Thick & Quick (Colorway pictured: Turbine)
- Baby 30 yds / 27 m
- Toddler 56 yds /37 m
- Child 75 yds/ 46 m
- US 13 Circular Knitting Needles, 16″
- US 13 Double Point Needles
- Yarn Needle
- Scissors
FAQ: Do I have to use double point needles?
Yes, you will need double point needles to knit the crown of most knit hats, including this one. You can, however, skip the circular needles and knit the entire thing on double point needles if you’re comfortable doing so.
- CO Cast On
- K Knit
- K2tog Knit Two Together
- P Purl
- Rep Repeat
- St(s) Stitch(es)
Finished Size
- Baby | 14.5″ circumference; 6.5″ long | fits 15-16″
- Toddler | 16.5″ circumference; 7.5″ long | fits 17-19″
- Child | 18.5″ circumference; 8.5″ long | fits 19-21″
Gauge
11 sts x 13.5 rows = 4″
(Stockinette stitch)
This really easy knit baby hat is worked bottom up. You will use circular needles for most of the hat and switch to double pointed needles to knit the crown.
Check your gauge. Use any size needle to obtain gauge. This will make sure your hat will come out the right size and that you will have enough yarn to finish the project.
Additional Notes: Instructions for sizes are given as follows:
Baby (Toddler, Child)
Switch to double point needles when stitches no longer fit on circular needles.
Need to Print this Pattern?
You’ll find the full pattern for free here on this page. However, if you’d like a PDF version of this pattern to print or save for offline use, you can purchase it from our PDF shop.
Band
Rounds 1: CO 36 (42, 48) . *K1. P1. Rep from * to end of round.
Round 2: *K1. P1. Rep from * to end of round.
Repeat: Rep last round 5 (5, 7) more times.
Sides
Next Round: K all sts.
Repeat: Rep last round 10 (14, 15) more times.
Crown
Round 1: *K4. K2tog. Rep from * to end of round. {30 (35, 40) sts}
Round 2: *K3. K2tog. Rep from * to end of round. {24 (28, 32) sts}
Round 3: *K2. K2tog. Rep from * to end of round. {18 (21, 24) sts}
Round 4: *K1. K2tog. Rep from * to end of round. {12 (14, 16) sts}
Round 5: *K2tog. Rep from * to end of round. {6 (7, 8) sts}
Finishing
Fasten off leaving an 8″ tail. Use a yarn needle to thread the tail through the remaining stitches. Secure the opening and weave in the ends.
