Free Kids Hat Knitting Pattern for Beginners (Flat Knit)

This kids hat knitting pattern for straight needles (ages 4 to 10 years) is a great first knitting project for adults and children who are just learning to knit.

Knitting a hat for children is actually quite easy, especially if you use two straight needles instead of circular ones. This method allows you to knit the hat flat and then simply sew it together, making it an excellent beginner-friendly project.

If you or your child can knit, purl and decrease stitches (or want to learn them in the process), this hat is a great way to practice and create something useful at the same time.

Another advantage about this project is that wool is naturally stretchy, so even if your size isn’t perfect, the hat will likely fit. And with some leftover yarn, you can make a very unique, colourful stripey hat.

If you’re looking for a rewarding and quick knit, grab some yarn and needles, and let’s get started.

Materials You’ll Need

To make this hat, you’ll need the following:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (~100g). I like to choose soft wool for warmth and comfort.
• Needles: US 7 (4.5mm) or US 8 (5mm) straight knitting needles.
• Tapestry or yarn needle: For sewing the hat together and weaving in ends.
• Scissors
• Stitch marker (optional) – To help track decreases.

Understanding Gauge

Gauge is important in knitting to ensure your finished hat fits well. For this pattern:

• Gauge: 18 stitches x 24 rows = 4” (10 cm) in stockinette stitch using US 8 (5mm) needles.
• If your stitches are too tight, try using larger needles.
• If your stitches are too loose, try smaller needles.

Since the hat is stretchy, a slight difference in gauge shouldn’t be a problem, but it’s still a good idea to check before starting.

Step-by-Step Kids Hat Knitting Pattern (4 to 10 years old)

Casting On

I sometimes like to use knitting needles that are one size smaller (for this pattern 4 mm) when I knit the brim, because it makes for a snug fit. But it’s not necessary if you only have knitting needles in one size.

Make a slip knot. Then, using the long-tail cast-on method (or your preferred method), cast on 80 stitches.

Brim (Ribbing Section)

To create a stretchy and comfortable brim, work in a simple knit 2, purl 2 (K2, P2) ribbing across every row for:

• 1.5” (4 cm) for a standard brim
• 2.5” (6 cm) for a fold-over brim

Body of the Hat (Stockinette Stitch)

Once the brim is complete, switch to stockinette stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows). Continue knitting until the total height of the hat reaches 7″ (18 cm).

Shaping the Crown (Decreases)

To give the hat a rounded top, start decreasing as follows:

1. Row 1: (Knit 6, K2tog) repeat across the row (at the end of the row you should have 70 stitches left)
2. Row 2: Purl across
3. Row 3: (Knit 5, K2tog) repeat across the row (60 stitches)
4. Row 4: Purl across
5. Row 5: (Knit 4, K2tog) repeat across the row (50 stitches)
6. Row 6: Purl across
7. Row 7: (Knit 3, K2tog) repeat across the row (40 stitches)
8. Row 8: Purl across
9. Row 9: (Knit 2, K2tog) repeat across the row (30 stitches)
10. Row 10: Purl across
11. Row 11: (Knit 1, K2tog) repeat across the row (20 stitches)
12. Row 12: (K2tog across the row) (10 stitches remain)

When only a few stitches remain, cut the yarn, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Closing the Top

Thread the yarn tail through a tapestry needle and carefully run it through the remaining stitches, pulling tight to close the top of the hat. Secure the yarn with a few stitches to hold it in place.

Seaming the Hat

Fold the hat in half with the right sides facing in. Use the mattress stitch for an invisible seam or a simple whipstitch for an easier option. Once done, turn the hat right-side out.

Weaving in Ends

Use the tapestry needle to weave in any loose ends to keep the hat secure and neat.

Customization Ideas

Want to make your hat unique? Here are some fun ideas:

• Add a Pom-Pom: Attach a yarn pom pom or a faux fur pom for a fun touch.
• Colour Blocking or Stripes: Use multiple colours to create stripes or a colour-blocked look. Or try self-striping yarn for an easier option.
• Different Brim Styles: Try a longer ribbed brim for a fold-up edge or a garter stitch brim for a different texture.
• Personalized Embroidery: Add initials, stars or simple designs using embroidery stitches.

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What if my hat is too big or too small?

• If it’s too big, try using smaller needles or reducing the stitch count slightly.
• If it’s too small, switch to larger needles or add extra stitches in multiples of 8.

Can I use a different yarn weight?

Yes. Just adjust your needle size and stitch count accordingly. Super bulky yarn will make a chunkier, thicker hat, while DK yarn will create a lighter version.

How do I make this a slouchy hat?

Add an extra 1-2 inches to the body length before starting the decreases.

This simple hat is a fantastic beginner-friendly project that knits up quickly and makes a wonderful handmade gift. It is really the easiest hat I have ever knitted.

If you try this free knitting pattern, I’d love to see your finished hats! Share your projects in the comments or let me know on YouTube.

If you enjoyed this tutorial, be sure to check out my other knitting projects (no need for circular needles or double-pointed needles) and subscribe for more creative inspiration.

• Simple Baby Hat Knitting Pattern (with video tutorial)
• How to Knit a Hat without a Pattern (on 2 straight needles)
• Easy Fingerless Gloves (with video)

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