This simple knit-flat hat pattern is a wonderful first project for beginners. If you can knit, purl, and do a few easy decreases, you’ll be able to make this hat with no problem. It’s knit on straight needles and then seamed up the back, making it approachable even if you’re not ready to try knitting in the round yet.

My 14-year-old son picked out these earthy colours from my yarn stash, and I love how his hat turned out. This project knits up quickly and makes a thoughtful handmade gift. You can use up scrap yarn like I did, or keep it simple with a single colour.

So let’s get started.

Materials Needed

You don’t need much to make this hat, just some medium-weight yarn and your favourite pair of straight needles.

Yarn

Aran / Worsted weight yarn (about 55–70 grams / 120–150 yards)
One colour or a mix of leftovers for stripes or a stash-busting version

Tools

5 mm (US 8) straight knitting needles
Tapestry needle (for sewing the seam and weaving in ends)
Measuring tape
Scissors

Skills You Need (Beginner-Friendly)

If you’re just starting out, this is a great way to practise the basics. You’ll only need a few simple knitting skills:

Casting on (long-tail or your favourite method)
Knit stitch
Purl stitch
Basic decreases (knit two together / K2tog)
Binding off and seaming (mattress stitch or whip stitch)

That’s it! If you’re comfortable with these, you’re ready to get started.

Pattern Notes

This hat is knit flat on straight needles and then seamed, which makes it one of the easiest hat patterns for new knitters.

Size: This free pattern fits teens, older kids, and small adults (head circumference: 20–22 inches). To size up for larger heads, just adjust the number of stitches at the cast-on edge in multiples of 2.
Gauge: 18 stitches x 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch with 5 mm knitting needles (see this post if you want to know more about knitting gauge).
Yarn Choices: I used leftover balls of yarn from my stash, but you can knit it in one solid colour too. Bulky yarn or chunky yarn will make a chunky hat that knits up even faster (but remember to adjust the cast on stitches), while acrylic yarns or self-striping yarn are excellent choices for easy care.
Length: The total height of the hat before shaping is about 8 inches (20 cm), but you can add more length for slouchy hats or slouchy beanies, or make it shorter for a child hat or even baby hats.

This free hat knitting pattern is for personal use, but feel free to share your new hat on social media and tag me. I’d love to see your version!

Step-by-Step Knitting Instructions

Cast-On & Ribbing (Brim)

Cast on 88 stitches.
Work in a rib pattern (K1, P1) until the brim measures 2 inches. This creates a stretchy edge and a snug fit at the forehead.

Body of the Hat

Switch to stockinette stitch (knit the right sides / RS rows, purl the wrong sides / WS rows).
Continue until the body of the hat measures 8 inches from the cast-on edge.

Shaping the Crown

Work the decrease rows as written in the pattern, paying attention to the stitch count at the end of the row.
Slip a stitch marker at the beginning if it helps you keep the right place.
When you get to the last st and only a few remaining stitches are left, cut the yarn tail, thread it through the stitches, and pull to close the top of the hat.

Finishing

Use mattress stitch for an almost invisible seam up the back.
Weave in all the loose ends with a tapestry needle.

Optional Customizations

This free teen hat knitting pattern is very flexible. You can change a few details to make it your own:

Striped Hat: Use up leftover yarn or try self-striping yarn for easy colour changes.
Chunkier Versions: Swap in bulky weight yarn for a thicker, heavier hat.
Extra Warmth: Knit a longer rib pattern (3–4 inches) and fold it up for a cuffed brim.
Slouchy Look: Work an extra 1–2 inches before decreases for casual slouchy beanies.
Decorative Touches: Try faux fur pom-poms or hand-made yarn pom poms on top.

This is one of those easy projects you can keep coming back to. It’s fun for stash-busting, perfect for new knitters, and quick enough to make several as gifts. It’s no wonder simple knit hats like this are among the most popular knitting patterns out there.

Tips for Beginners

If this is your first knitted hat, don’t worry—everyone starts somewhere! Here are a few tips to make the process easier:

Take your time with the cast-on edge. A neat start makes the whole project look tidier.
Keep an even tension. If your stitches look a little wobbly, that’s completely normal for new knitters. With practice, your hands will find a natural rhythm.
Mark your rows. If you’re worried about losing track, place a small stitch marker or a scrap of yarn at the beginning of the row.
Seaming made simple. For the neatest finish, use mattress stitch to create an almost invisible seam.

Remember, knitting is meant to be relaxing. There are many different ways to get to the same result, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you.

Printable Pattern (Optional)

If you’d like a clean, no-frills copy of this pattern, I’ve included the instructions in a simple printable format below. Perfect to tuck into your knitting bag for easy reference.

Easy Teen Hat Knitting Pattern Using Straight Needles

Yield: 1

This kids hat knitting pattern for straight needles is a great first knitting project for adults and children who are just learning to knit.

Materials

Yarn: Aran / Worsted weight yarn (about 120-150 yards) in one or more colours

Tools

Needles: 5mm (US 8) straight knitting needles
Tapestry Needle: For sewing the seam and weaving in ends
Measuring Tape
Scissors

Instructions

Cast On: Cast on 88 stitches.

Ribbing (Brim): Work in 1x1 ribbing (Knit 1, Purl 1) for 2 inches (5 cm) to create a snug brim.
Row 1: K2, P2 across the row.

Repeat this row until the brim measures 2 inches.

Body of the Hat: Switch to stockinette stitch:
Row 1 (RS): Knit across.

Row 2 (WS): Purl across.

Repeat these two rows until the hat measures 8 inches (20 cm) from the cast-on edge.

Shaping the Crown (Decrease Rows):
Row 1: (K6, K2tog) repeat across the row (77 stitches).

Row 2: Purl.

Row 3: (K5, K2tog) repeat across the row (66 stitches).

Row 4: Purl.

Row 5: (K4, K2tog) repeat across the row (55 stitches).

Row 6: Purl.

Row 7: (K3, K2tog) repeat across the row (44 stitches).

Row 8: Purl.

Row 9: (K2, K2tog) repeat across the row (33 stitches).

Row 10: Purl.

Row 11: (K1, K2tog) repeat across the row (22 stitches).

Row 12: (K2tog across the row) (11 stitches remain)

Finishing:
Cut a long tail of yarn, about 12 inches.

Thread the tail through a tapestry needle and run the needle through the remaining stitches on the needle.

Pull tight to close the top of the hat.

Seam the Hat:
Use the yarn tail to sew up the seam of the hat using a mattress stitch or whip stitch.

Weave in all loose ends.

Notes

Size: Fits child 10+ or small adult (Fits head circumference 20-22 inches)

Stitch Pattern: Stockinette Stitch: (Knit 1 row, Purl 1 row)

Gauge: 18 stitches x 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch

Optional Customization:

Striped Version: Use two colors, switching every 2-6 rows for a striped look.
Textured Version: Try a ribbed or moss stitch pattern for the body instead of stockinette.
Slouchy Fit: Knit an extra 1-2 inches before starting the crown decreases.
Cuffed Brim: Work 3 inches of ribbing and fold up for extra warmth.
Pom-Pom: Add a pom-pom on top for something extra.

I hope you enjoyed this free hat knitting pattern and that it inspires you to keep creating. It’s a quick knit, a thoughtful gift, and a wonderful way to practice your skills.

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.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out my other easy hat knitting patterns, crafts and tutorials. And subscribe to my newsletter so you never miss a new project.

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