Here are some super simple free knitting patterns and easy ways how to knit a beanie. If you know how to do garter and stocking stitch, you will be able to knit these up with ease and in less than an afternoon.
This is the ideal project for the beginner knitter. The first project (Pattern number 1) is for adults and teens and the second one (Pattern number 2) is for a baby.
How To Knit A Beanie
How To Knit A Beanie: Pattern 1
This beanie, unlike the ones above that are done in ribbing, is done in garter stitch. The shape is the same and you can add a pom pom to the top of the beanie if you wish.
Size:
To fit any average-sized head. The finished length is 23cm with the brim of the hat turned back.
You Will Need:
5 x 25g balls of double knitting wool in your color or colors of choice.
4mm knitting needles
Yarn Needle
Size:
To fit any average-sized head. The finished length is 23cm with the brim of the hat turned back.
Abbreviations:
You can see all the knitting abbreviations here.
Tension:
17sts and 36 rows = 10cm knitted in garter stitch.
Let’s Knit It:
Using 4mm needles cast on 78 sts.
Work in g st (every row k) for 25cm.
Shape Top:
Dec Row 1: k1, *k2tog, k5, rep from * to end 67 sts.
Next and every foll alt row: k to end.
Dec Row 2: k1, *k2tog, k4 rep from * to end, 56 sts.
Dec Row 3: k1, *k2tog, k3, rep from * to end 45 sts.
Dec Row 4: k1, *k2tog, kk2 rep from * to end 34 sts.
Dec Row 5: k1, *k2tog, k1, rep from * to end 23 sts.
Dec Row 6: k1, *k2tog, rep from * to end. 12 sts.
Cut yarn, leaving a long end. Thread cut end through the rem sts, draw up tightly and secure end.
Finishing:
Use the yarn end to join the back seam with the right sides together. Reverse seam for 5 cm for the brim. Turn back the brim.
Optional Extra:
Cut out a 90mm circle and make a pom pom for the top.
You could also make a couple of pom poms in different colors and secure them with a press fastener for a quick change, according to what you are wearing for the day.
How To Knit A Beanie – Pattern 2
You can keep baby warm with this simple beanie, which is quick to make and a great way of using up leftover or odd balls of yarn.
Size:
To fit 0-3(3-6; 6-12; 12-18; 18-24) months.
You Will Need:
1 x 50g ball of Elle Premier Natural Cotton DK (Color A)
1 x 50g ball of Elle Premier Natural Cotton DK (Color B)
4mm knitting needles
Tension:
22 sts and 28 rows to 10 cm measured over stocking stitch using 4mm needles.
To Make:
Using 4mm needles and color A, c/on 66 (74; 82; 90; 98) sts.
Work 6 rows in g st.
Now start working in a stripe patt, do not cut the yarn at the end of the stripe, rather loosely weave the yarn not in use up the side. Join in color B.
Next Row (WS): P
Next Row: K
Using color A, and starting with a p row, work two rows in st st.
Cont in st st, working in stripes of 2 rows in color B and 2 Rows in color A until work measures 9(10; 11: 13; 14) cm from the beg, ending with a WS row.
Shape Crown:
Cont working in stripe patt throughout.
1st Row (RS): [k6(7; 8; 9; 10) k2 tog] 8 times, k2[58(66; 74; 82; 90) sts].
2nd Row: P
3rd Row: [k5(6; 7; 8; 9), k2 tog] 8 times, k2[50(58; 66; 74; 82) sts].
4th Row: P
5th Row: K4(5; 6; 7; 8), k2 tog] 8 times, k2[42(50; 58; 66; 74) sts].
6th Row: P
Cont in this way, working 1st less between the dec and p every alt row until 18 sts rem on the needles, ending with a WS row.
Next Row: [k2 tog] 9 times [9 st].
Break off the yarn, leaving about 50cm for sewing up. Thread yarn through rem 9 sts and pull tight to make a ring.
To Complete:
Sew the back seam using a mattress stitch, being careful to match the stripes as you work the seam. Here is a video explaining how to do mattress stitch.
Mattress stitching is done in the space between the edge stitch and the stitch next to it. Sew each row with matching thread so the stripes appear to be continuous.
Fasten off the yarn at the wrong side of the work.
Neatly sew loose ends onto the WS of the work.
Press the hat lightly to shape it.
And that my fellow knitting friends are two different ways how to make a beanie and really simple ones at that.
If you want to churn out beanies by the dozen, you may want to look a buying a loom knitting machine like this one.
I’ve never been able to successfully knit a beanie – the patterns I have come across usually make use of circular needles which for the life of me I have just never been able to figure out. Thank you for this quick and easy pattern for knitting a beanie, I will give it a a go since we are heading into winter now!
Do you have any tutorials on how to use those circular needles?
Hi Lynne and thanks for stopping by.
Here is a post that you will hopefully find helpful on how to use circular knitting needles.
This looks easy enough for anyone to knit a beanie! Coming into winter in Australia, I think I might give this a go. I don’t suppose you can guide on how to do a pony tail hole, instead of having a pom pom? I just can’t envisage how to finish it off, but I’d love to have the pony tail hole. Thank you!
If you want a ponytail hole, then you simply don’t draw the last row of knitting in so tightly so that it closes up. Leave a hole instead for your pony. You could also simple cast off the last row and when you sew the hat up leave a hole for the pony.
This actually sounds like a pretty good opportunity for me to knit my wife a beanie this year for Christmas. She always love gifts that have a personal touch and this would be perfect.
From reading your tutorial it seems like something one can easily learn to do and doesn’t require too many materials, I could knit these beanies while watching TV or something. Thanks for sharing this tutorial.
I do most of my knitting in front of the TV, so at least you can be productive while being idle at the same time.
With Amazon selling beanies like hot cakes in some seasons, it becomes important for some people to know that knitting a beanie and even become good suppliers to people who need them may be a worthwhile venture.
The training provided has elaborated on using fingers as a guide as well as ensuring that the beanie is not loosely knitted with some parts being tighter than others.
The explanation on how to get into the rhythm and testing the tensions with the needle plus paying attention to the mood, a well-knit beanie will be a good product.