Today I am sharing a classic newborn knit hat pattern for hospitals. It can be a nice keepsake hat, a coming home outfit, or a cute prop for the first baby photos to keep in your hospital bag. Or a lovely charity project idea. The hat has a comfy, slightly slouchy shape that makes it even more cute.
Copyright note: this pattern is available for personal use only. No unauthorized reproduction, in whole or in part, or distribution of this pattern or content is allowed.
Supplies needed
- U.S. 8 (5 mm) double-point knitting needles
- U.S. 8 (5 mm) 16 in or 24 in circular needles (for sizes 12 months+)
- Tapestry needle for weaving the end
Yarn
You will need worsted weight yarn, 1 skein (50 gr/75 m each).
Featured – Paris cotton by Drop Design®.
Yarn alternatives suggestions – Big baby merino wool by Drop Design®.
Gauge
17 sts / 22 rows to make a square swatch 4×4 in (10×10 cm) with U.S. 8 (5 mm) knitting needles. Please, pay attention to the tension! Adjust your stitches count accordingly if the ready swatch will be smaller/larger than 4×4 in (10×10 cm).
Stitches
In this pattern, you will do knit and purl stitches.
Abbreviations used
in – inches cm – centimeters
st– stitch sts /stitches
K2tog – knit 2 stitches together DPNs- double-point needles
K – knit stitch
Before you start
This hat is worked in a row on 3 double-point knitting needles. The size of the finished hat will fit a newborn, 0-3 months baby.
It is highly recommended to make a swatch 4×4 in (10×10 cm) (see the GAUGE above) to make sure your gauge is not different and if it is to adjust the number of stitches to cast on accordingly.
Instructions
Cast on 52 sts on U.S.8 (5 mm) on circular knitting needles. Distribute all sts on 3 double-point knitting needles. Knit with 4th knitting needle in a row. Start with the brim.
Row 1 – 10: *2 knit sts, 2 purl sts*. Repeat from * to *.
Row 11: knit all sts.
Repeat row 11 until your hat measures 4.3 in (11 cm) and then start to shape the crown.
Crown.
Row 1: *k 7 sts, k2tog*. Knit from * to * till the end of the row.
Row 2: k all stitches
Row 3: * k6 sts, k2tog*. Knit from * to* till the end of the row.
Row 4: k all stitches
Row 5: *k5, k2tog*. Knit from * to* till the end of the row.
Row 6: k all stitches
Row 7: *k4, k2tog*. Knit from * to* till the end of the row.
Row 8: *k3, k2tog*. Knit from * to* till the end of the row.
Row 9: *k2, k2tog*. Knit from * to* till the end of the row.
Row 10: *k1, k2tog*. Knit from * to* till the end of the row.
Row 11: *k2tog*. Knit from * to* till the end of the row.
Cut the yarn leaving a 6 in (15 cm) long tail. Thread the tapestry needle with yarn, draw it through all remaining stitches, and gently pull the yarn tail inside the hat. Weave the ends.
Did you make a hat using this pattern? Share with me! I would love to see your beautiful work.
More of my free knitting and crochet patterns can be found here.
Tag me @sofiewhitedesigns or @sofiewhiteblog on Instagram to share how your project turns out. In the “Made by You” stories highlight you will find examples of projects done with my patterns.
Happy making!