A new easy hat knitting pattern – the Alex Hat – is now a free hat knitting pattern here on the blog! Read about my inspiration and the yarn or scroll down for the free pattern.
No time right now? Pin this free hat knitting pattern for later!
*This post contains affiliate links (only for products I love, use and spend my own money on obviously). This means I earn some yarn money if you make a purchase through one of these links (of course at no extra cost for you!), which I promise to use to create more awesome patterns like this one. All opinions are my own. See my full disclosure here.
The Alex Hat is an easy unisex hat knitting pattern. It’s a classic hat with a modern stripe pattern to give it a bit more personality. Versatile, it looks great on both men and women. Worked in the round on circular needles (option to use double pointed needles) with worsted weight yarn, it works up quickly. It’s available in 2 adult sizes to make sure it fits anyone nicely.
The Yarn and Inspiration
The Alex Hat is designed with versatility in mind.
I wanted a classic hat that would look good on anyone and any outfit. A simple modern design you can tailor to any friend or family member for gifting or make in neutral colors and be used by anyone at home.
To that end, I choose to work with the most used yarn weight, worsted weight. In the same spirit, what better yarn could I choose than the well-known, anywhere available, LionBrand Wool-Ease yarn?
It’s a classic, but such a good one! Made out of 80% acrylic and 20% wool, it will keep you nice and warm while being easy to care for and machine washable. Plus it comes in 32 colors; I’m sure you’ll find a combo you’ll fall in love with.
However, you can easily substitute yarn for this free hat knitting pattern with any worsted weight yarn from your stash making this a great project for your leftover yarn! Don’t forget to check your gauge to get the right size hat.
Downloadable PDF
Why I Recommend You Purchase the PDF Pattern
If you’ve never used PDF patterns before, you are missing out on so much convenience!
- You don’t need to take screenshots of the pattern
- You don’t need to have your computer, phone or tablet around to work on your project.
- You don’t need to panic if your husband accidentally closed the page
- You can take notes, highlight your size and write down where you are.
- When your best friend begs you to make her the same sweater, you have the pattern ready.
- It’s a great way to support the blog so I can continue to bring you knitting tutorials.
Grab the printable PDF of the Alex Hat Knitting Pattern now in my Etsy shop or on Ravelry:
Before you Start your Alex Free Hat Knitting Pattern
Materials
- 4.5 mm/ US 7 circular knitting needles (or double pointed needles)
- LionBrand Wool-Ease (Worsted weight, 80% acrylic, 20% wool, 180m/197yd, 85g/3oz):
- S: 110m/120yd main color (MC), 15m/16yd contrasting color (CC).
- L: 150m/164yd main color (MC), 20m/22yd contrasting color (CC).
The pictures show the colors Antler and Denim.
- Tapestry needle to weave in the ends
Size
The unisex hat knitting pattern is available in 2 sizes: S and L. Sizes are noted throughout the pattern in the following way: S (L). The pictures illustrate the women wearing the size small, the men large.
The hat is designed to fit the following head circumferences:
- S: 52 – 58 cm / 20.5” – 22.75”
- L: 59 cm – 65 cm / 23” – 25.5”
Gauge
The gauge for this pattern, in stockinette stitch, is 17 st by 22 rows for a 10 cm by 10 cm square (4” by 4”).
Abbreviations & Instructions
- st = stitch
- k = knit
- p = purl
- k2tog = knit 2 stitches together, single right-leaning decrease
- ssk = slip 2 stitches knitwise, knit these 2 stitches together through back loops; single left-leaning decrease.
Repeat instructions between [] the indicated number of times or until the end of the round/row.
The final number of stitches is indicated at the end of the round/row between < >.
Special Stitches and Techniques
- Stockinette stitch: knit all rounds.
- Magic loop. If you’re not familiar with this technique, this tutorial will help you. Alternatively, you can choose to work with double pointed needles instead. Divide stitches equally on 4 needles when you cast on.
The Actual Easy Hat Knitting Pattern
With your 4.5 mm / US 7 needles and MC yarn, cast on 84 (100) st, join in the round.
Round 1: [k1, p1] around
Repeat Round 1 until you reach 14 cm / 5.5”.
From here onwards, work in stockinette stitch (knit continuously)
Knit 4 rounds.
Switch to CC yarn.
Knit 3 rounds.
Switch to MC yarn.
Knit 2 rounds.
Switch to CC yarn.
Knit 3 rounds.
Knit until you reach 24 (25) cm / 9.5 (10)“ total (including 1*1 ribbing).
You will now start decreasing to shape the hat.
[K2tog, k16 (20), ssk, k1] around. <76 (92) st>
Knit 2 rounds.
[K2tog, k14 (18), ssk, k1] around. <68 (84) st>
Knit 2 round.
[K2tog, k12 (16), ssk, k1] around. <60 (76) st>
Knit 1 round.
[K2tog, k10 (14), ssk, k1] around. <52 (68 st)>
Large size only
Knit 1 round.
[K2tog, kX (12), ssk, k1] around. < X (60) st>
Knit 1 round.
[K2tog, kX (10), ssk, k1] around. < X (52) st>
Both sizes
[K2tog, k8, ssk, k1] around. < 44 (44) st>
[K2tog, k6, ssk, k1] around. <36 (36) st>
[K2tog, k4, ssk, k1] around. <28 (28) st>
[K2tog, k2, ssk, k1] around. <20 (20) st>
With a tapestry needle, pull through all the remaining stitches. Pull tight and weave in the ends.
