Easiest Knitted Hat

Knitting Pattern by Yay For Yarn 

Skill Level: Beginner
Pattern includes instructions for 10 sizes, so you can make a cozy knitted hat for all your
friends and family. The pattern is also written in 6 different yarn weights, so you can use
any yarn you like, from a #1 Superfine to #6 Super Bulky.

In the photos above, from left to right, top row, hats are made from #1 Superfine (sock /
fingering) yarn, #3 Light (DK / Light Worsted) yarn, and #2 Fine (sport weight / baby) yarn.
Bottom row, from left to right, hats are made from #5 Bulky (chunky) yarn, #4 Medium
(worsted / aran) yarn, and #6 Super Bulky yarn.

Measurements & Sizing

Choose a size by measuring the wearer’s head circumference, and comparing it to these
measurements.  Select the size that most closely matches the head circumference
measurement. The measurements below show what size head each size hat will fit.  

Sizes (according to the wearer’s head

circumference measurement):
Preemie: 12” (30.4 cm) circumference 0-6 Months: 13” (33 cm) circumference
6-12 Months: 14” (35.5 cm) circumference 12-18 Months: 16” (40.6 cm)
circumference
Child Small: 17” (43.2 cm) circumference Child Medium: 18” (45.7 cm)
circumference
Child Large: 19 ¼” (48.9 cm) circumference Adult Small: 21” (53.3 cm)
circumference
Adult Medium: 22” (55.8 cm) circumference Adult Large: 23” (58.4 cm)
circumference
Finished Hat Length: 
Preemie: 15.2 cm (includes 3.8cm brim) 0-6 Months:  17.1 cm (includes
4.4cm brim)
6-12 Months:  18.4 cm (includes 4.4cm brim) 12-18 Months:  22.2 cm (includes
5cm brim)
Child Small:  24.1 cm (includes 5.7cm brim) Child Medium:  25.4 cm (includes
6.3cm brim)
Child Large:  26 cm (includes 6.3cm brim) Adult Small:  28 cm
(includes 7.6cm brim)
Adult Medium:  28.5 cm (includes 7.6cm brim) Adult Large:  29.2 cm (includes
7.6cm brim)
Please Note: The finished hat is smaller than the wearer’s head circumference.  This is for
a reason. Garter stitch, which is just knitting every stitch across every row, is very
stretchy.  Therefore, the hat needs to be smaller than the head so that it can stretch to
comfortably fit on the head. However, this hat does not fit tight, it is just comfortably snug
so it won’t slide off the head.  

Actual Finished Circumference, Unstretched:

Preemie: 9 ¼”, or 23.5 cm 0-6 Months: 10 ¼”, or 26 cm
6-12 Months: 11”, or 28 cm 12-18 Months: 12 ¼”, or 31.1 cm 
Child Small: 13”, or 33 cm  Child Medium: 13 ¾”, or 34.9 cm
Child Large: 14 ¾”, or 37.5 cm Adult Small: 16” , or 40.6 cm 
Adult Medium: 16 ¾”, or 42.5 cm  Adult Large: 17 ½”, or 44.5 cm
 
Finished Hat Will Stretch to At Least:
Preemie: 12 ⅝”, or 32 cm 0-6 Months: 14”, or 35.6 cm
6-12 Months: 15”, or 38 cm 12-18 Months: 16 ⅝”, or 42.2 cm 
Child Small: 17 ¾”, or 45 cm  Child Medium: 18 ¾”, or 47.6 cm
Child Large: 20”, or 50.8 cm Adult Small: 21 ¾” , or 55.2 cm 
Adult Medium: 22 ¾”, or 57.8 cm  Adult Large: 23 ¾”, or 60.3 cm
 #2 Fine, #1 Superfine, & #4 Medium Versions
Next, choose the yarn you would like to use, and check the label to see what weight
category your yarn is in.  Click Here for more information on the Standard Yarn Weight
System.  
 
Checking Your Gauge
It is important to check your gauge before beginning.  Gauge is a measurement of the size
of your stitches. Every knitter is different, and some knit tighter or looser than others.   The
needle sizes given below are a recommendation only. You’ll need to choose a needle size
that gets you the correct gauge for the pattern with your own personal knitting tension.   
 
To check your gauge, use the recommended needle size and the yarn you are using to knit
a square, at least 4” by 4” (10 cm by 10 cm).  (You can always unravel your swatch and
use the same yarn for your hat if you need to.) Click Here to learn more about gauge.  
 
Blocking
Then, you’ll need to block your square.  Blocking is a step that should be done on almost
every knitting project.  It helps relax the fabric, and get it to its final look and feel. Since
blocking relaxes the fabric a bit, it can change the size of your stitches.   This is why it is
important to measure your gauge after you have blocked your gauge swatch. Then, the
finished project will come out to the correct size after it is blocked.  Click Here to learn
more about how to block your knitting.  
 
Once your gauge swatch is blocked, you can measure your gauge.  If your stitches are the
correct size for this pattern, you will get the same measurement as given below for the
yarn weight you are using. 
 
You will need to know how to count your stitches and rows to properly measure your
gauge.  Click Here to learn how to count stitches, and Click Here to learn how to count
rows. 

#1 Superfine / Fingering / Sock Weight Version

If your stitches are too small, you’ll get more stitches than the pattern calls for in the same
measurement.  In this case, you’ll need to use a larger needle size and check your gauge
again.  
If your stitches are too large, you will not have enough stitches as the pattern calls for in
the same measurement.  In this case, you’ll need to use a smaller needle size and check
your gauge again.
You will also want to check your yarn label to make sure you have enough yarn for the size
of hat you want to make.  
 
Reading the Pattern for Different Sizes
– Instructions and Yarn Requirements for size Preemie are given outside the parentheses,
and instructions and yarn requirements for all larger sizes are inside the parentheses like
this:
Preemie (0-6 Months, 6-12 Months, 12-18 Months, Child Small, Child Medium, Child Large,
Adult Small, Adult Medium, Adult Large).
– When only one number is given, it applies to all sizes. To follow pattern more easily, circle
or highlight all numbers that apply to your size before beginning.
 #6 Super Bulky Weight Version

Yarn Requirements, Needle Size, and Gauge:

 
For #1 Superfine / Fingering Weight Yarn:
90 (113, 130, 175, 201, 224, 246, 287, 307, 328) yards of #1 Fingering Weight Yarn
US Size 2 / 2.75 mm knitting needles
Gauge: 20 stitches in 3” (7.6 cm), 42 rows in 3” (7.6 cm)
 
For #2 Fine / Sport Weight: 
68 (85, 98, 132, 152, 169, 186, 217, 232, 248) yards of #2 Sport Weight Yarn
US Size 4 / 3.5 mm knitting needles
Gauge: 22 stitches in 4” (10 cm), 42 rows in 4” (10 cm)
 
For #3 Light / DK Weight:
62 (78, 89, 120, 139, 154, 170, 197, 211, 226) yards of #3 DK Weight Yarn
US Size 6 / 4.0 mm knitting needles
Gauge: 20 stitches in 4” (10 cm), 40 rows in 4” (10 cm)
 
For #4 Medium / Worsted Weight:
57, 72, 82, 111, 128, 142, 156, 182, 195, 208) yards of #4 Worsted Weight Yarn
 US Size 8 / 5.0 mm knitting needles
Gauge: 18 stitches in 4” (10 cm), 34 rows in 4” (10 cm)
 
For #5 Bulky Weight:
49 (62, 71, 96, 110, 123, 135, 157, 168, 179) yards of #5 Bulky Weight Yarn
US Size 10 / 6.0 mm knitting needles
Gauge: 14 ½ stitches in 4” (10 cm), 20 rows in 3” (7.6 cm)
 
For #6 Super Bulky Weight:
31, 39, 45, 60, 69, 77, 85, 99, 106, 113) yards of #6 Super Bulky Weight Yarn
US Size 11 / 8.0 mm knitting needles
Gauge: 10 stitches in 4” (10 cm), 20 rows in 4” (10 cm)

#2 Fine / Sport Weight Version

You Will Also Need:
 Scissors
 Measuring Tape
 Yarn Needle or Blunt Tapestry Needle (If adding a Pom Pom or Tag, your needle should
be able to fit through the holes in the button or tag)
 Faux Fur Pom Pom (optional, click to shop the ones I got on Amazon, less than $1
apiece) 
 Button (for attaching pom pom, optional)
 Leather or Faux Leather Tag (optional)
 If using Super Bulky yarn, you'll also need some embroidery floss (for sewing on the
button and / or tag, optional)
After you have checked your gauge, and chosen the needle size that will give you the
correct gauge for the type of yarn you are using, it is time to cast on.  We will be knitting a
rectangle in garter stitch, which is just knitting each stitch across every row.   
 
You can use any cast on method you like.  I used the Cable Cast On for my hats, but you
can use whatever method you are comfortable with.  If you would like to use the Cable Cast
On, here’s how to work this method:
Cable Cast On
Step 1: Begin by making a slip knot and placing it on your needle.  The slip knot counts as
your first stitch.
Step 2: Knit into the slip knot, but leave the slip knot on the left needle.   
Step 3: Stretch the new stitch so it is loose, and place the new stitch onto the left needle as
if to knit, so that both needles are pointing up.  Remove the right needle from that stitch.
Step 4: Insert the right needle between the previous two stitches on the left needle, and
wrap the yarn around the right needle tip.
Step 5: Pull the yarn through to make a new stitch. 
Step 6: Stretch the new stitch so it is loose, and place the new stitch onto the left needle as
if to knit, so that both needles are pointing up.  Remove the right needle from that stitch.
Repeat steps 4-6 until you have cast on the total number of stitches specified in the
pattern for the yarn you are using and the size you are making.

The Pattern
We will be knitting our hat as a simple rectangle, and assembling it into a hat later. When
you knit your rectangle, cast on the number of stitches for the yarn you are using and the
size you are making. Then, you will knit each stitch across every row until you have the
total number of rows specified for the yarn you are using and the size you are making.
When you count your rows, each squiggly ridge in the fabric is two rows. If you would like
more information on how to count your rows, see this blog post and video tutorial.
 
Remember, instructions and Yarn Requirements for size Preemie are given outside the
parentheses, and instructions and yarn requirements for all larger sizes are inside the
parentheses like this:
Preemie (0-6 Months, 6-12 Months, 12-18 Months, Child Small, Child Medium, Child Large,
Adult Small, Adult Medium, Adult Large).
 
For #1 Superfine:
Cast on 40 (45, 48, 58, 63, 67, 68, 73, 75, 77) stitches.
Knit each stitch across every row until you have worked 130 (144, 154, 172, 182, 194, 208,
224, 236, 246) rows.
 
For #2 Fine:
Cast on 33 (37, 40, 48, 52, 55, 56, 61, 62, 63) stitches.
Knit each stitch across every row until you have worked 98 (108, 116, 130, 138, 144, 156,
168, 176, 184) rows.
 
For #3 Light:
Cast on 30 (34, 36, 44, 48, 50, 51, 55, 56, 58) stitches.
Knit each stitch across every row until you have worked 94 (104, 110, 124, 130, 138, 148,
160, 168, 176) rows.
 
For #4 Medium:
Cast on 27 (30, 33, 39, 43, 45, 46, 50, 51, 52) stitches.
Knit each stitch across every row until you have worked 80 (88, 94, 104, 112, 118, 126,
136, 142, 150) rows.
 
For #5 Bulky:
Cast on 22 (24, 26, 32, 34, 36, 37, 40, 41, 42) stitches.
Knit each stitch across every row until you have worked 62 (68, 74, 82, 88, 92, 98, 108,
112, 118) rows.
 
For #6 Super Bulky:
Cast on 15 (17, 18, 22, 24, 25, 26, 28, 28, 29) stitches.
Knit each stitch across every row until you have worked 46 (52, 56, 62, 66, 70, 74, 80, 84,
88) rows.
 
Once you have finished knitting your rectangle according to the instructions, bind off
loosely, leaving a long tail.

#3 Light / DK Weight Version

Before we begin assembling our hat, it’s important to block our rectangle at this point.
Blocking helps relax the fabric, and get it to its final look and feel. For more information on
how to block your knitting, click here for a video tutorial.
 
To Block
For natural fibers, pin project out to finished measurements (below) on foam blocking mats.
Spray with water until fully saturated, allow to dry.
OR
For acrylic fibers, pin project out to finished measurements (below) on an ironing board or
several layers of towels. Hold a steaming iron 2”-3” over the surface of the fabric, making
sure all of the fabric is penetrated by the steam. Allow to cool / dry.
 
Finished Width of Panel
Preemie: 6”, or 15.2 cm
0-6 Months: 6 ¾”, or 17.1 cm
6-12 Months: 7 ¼”, or 18.4 cm
12-18 Months: 8 ¾”, or 22.2 cm
Child Small: 9 ½”, or 24.1 cm
Child Medium: 10”, or 25.4 cm
Child Large: 10 ¼”, or 26 cm
Adult Small: 11”, or 28 cm
Adult Medium: 11 ¼”, or 28.5 cm
Adult Large: 11 ½”, or 29.2 cm
 
Finished Length of Panel
Preemie: 9 ¼”, or 23.5 cm
0-6 Months: 10 ¼”, or 26 cm
6-12 Months: 11”, or 28 cm
12-18 Months: 12 ¼”, or 31.1 cm 
Child Small: 13”, or 33 cm 
Child Medium: 13 ¾”, or 34.9 cm
Child Large: 14 ¾”, or 37.5 cm
Adult Small: 16” , or 40.6 cm 
Adult Medium: 16 ¾”, or 42.5 cm 
Adult Large: 17 ½”, or 44.5 cm

#5 Bulky Weight Version

Assembly
Lay your rectangle out so the rows are running vertically. The cast on edge should be at
one side, and the bind off edge at the other side.
 
Bring the two short edges to the center. Thread the long yarn tail through your yarn
needle.
 
Beginning at the corners, stitch the two short ends of the rectangle together. I use a whip
stitch for this. Once you have finished the seam, take one more stitch at the end of the
seam, wrap the yarn around the needle, and pull the needle through to make a knot.
 
We will now cinch the top of the hat closed. Your rectangle is now sewn into a tube. With
your yarn needle, make your way around the top edge of the tube, picking up a strand of
yarn from every other pair of rows. (In other words, every other squiggly ridge.)
 
Once you have picked up stitches all the way around the edge, pull on your yarn to tighten,
and cinch the hat closed.
 
Bring the yarn needle through to the inside of the hat. Pull on the yarn to make sure the
top of the hat is cinched tightly. Then, take a small stitch on the inside of the hat, right
next to the hole, wrap the yarn around the needle, and pull the needle through to make a
knot.
 

#4 Medium / Worsted Weight Version - Back View, Worn Slouchy

Pom Pom
If you are not adding a pom pom, or if you are using Super Bulky yarn, weave in the yarn
tails into the seam. (If using Super Bulky, use embroidery floss to add remaining details.)
 
If you would like to add a pom pom, you can use what’s left of the current yarn tail to
attach the pom pom. I used faux fur pom poms, and the ones I use have an elastic loop on
the bottom with which to attach them. I chose to sew a button to the inside of the hat, and
pull the loop through the top of the hat and around the button. This makes the pom pom
removable so the hat can be washed.
 
To add a pom pom in this manner, use the remaining yarn tail to sew a button to the inside
of the top of the hat, right next to the little hole at the top. Then, make a small knot on the
inside of the hat, and weave in the yarn tail. To add the pom pom, poke your crochet hook
up through the small hole in the top of the hat. Grab the elastic loop with the hook. Pull the
loop through to the inside of the hat, and stretch it around the button to secure.
 
Now, you can add a leather or faux leather tag if you like. I chose to fold my tag around the
edge of the hat.
 
If you are using Super Bulky yarn, you will need to use embroidery floss to sew on the tag,
as the yarn will likely be too thick to fit through the holes in the tag. If you are using a
thinner yarn, you can use a length of your project yarn to sew on your tag.
Weave in any remaining yarn tails.
Ta-Da! You’ve just made a simple hat out of a knitted rectangle. Now all that’s left to do is
to wear it!