Free Baby Hat Knitting Patterns

Written by Jessica Published on January 28, 2025

Knit baby hats make such special gifts for a few reasons!

First, there’s something about the time and care that goes into making something by hand. When you knit a baby hat, it’s not just a practical item—it’s a labor of love. The person receiving it can feel the warmth of that effort. Plus, baby hats are often made with soft, gentle yarns that are perfect for a little one’s delicate skin.

Another thing is the personalization factor. You can choose colors or patterns that reflect the parents’ tastes or even something meaningful for the baby, like a custom design or a fun character. A hand-knitted hat can be something they’ll treasure, not just for the baby’s use, but as a keepsake.

Lastly, there’s a cozy and comforting feeling associated with baby hats. They just seem to make babies look extra cute, and it’s like wrapping them up in warmth and care—literally and figuratively! Do you have any baby hats you’ve knitted or are planning to knit?

Sometimes searching for free baby hat knitting patterns can be a bit overwhelming! I’ve saved you the work and found the free patterns for you. Many of these hat patterns I have come across and made for newborn babies of family and friends, and the patterns are some of my favorites. I have sixteen nieces and nephews, so believe me when I say I’ve been on the search for easy knit patterns for baby hats.

These printable free knitting patterns for baby hats include a basic baby hat pattern to some more complex patterns. Whether it’s your first time knitting a hat for a baby or if you are an experienced knitter, I think you will find a pattern to suit your level of knitting. Some patterns are worked on straight needles, others are worked on circular needles. I’ve also only included free knitting patterns for baby hats. Some you may have to enter your email address in order to receive the free pattern, but I promise at the time of writing this post, I am only including free patterns.

I’ve included a list of some of my favorite knitting essentials all found on Amazon.

(This list contains affiliate links. Just a heads up — I get a little cash if you buy something through my links. No extra cost to you, promise!)

Some Basic Knitting Supplies

some basic knitting essentials all found on Amazon

Boye Anodized Aluminum Straight Knitting Needle Set

Aluminum knitting needle set comes with (3) sets of single-point 14 inch needles. Of course, more sizes are available to buy individually.

Boye Circular Knitting Needle Kit

Whether you're an expert stitchery who wants some extra pairs of needles or a beginner looking for their first set, this all-in-one pack has you covered!

Clover Point Protectors

Protect stitches from falling off with these silicone point protectors that hold well!

Point Protectors For Circular Knitting Needles

These point protectors are designed specifically for circular needles, so when you're ready to take a break from knitting you'll have no worries of stitches falling off your needles!

Yarn Needles

Due to the extra large eye, the stitching needles are easy to thread yarn through even without a threader.

Double Pointed Knitting Needles Set

A beautiful set of wooden Knit Picks double pointed knitting needles in 6 sizes with 6 needles included per size.

Stitch Markers

These are great for marking the beginning and ending of pattern stitches, as well as where to increase or decrease the number of stitches.

A knit baby hat makes a great baby shower gift because it’s both thoughtful and practical, plus it shows a personal touch.

Personal Touch: Handmade items always feel more special. A knitted baby hat shows the giver took the time to create something unique, which adds a layer of sentiment. It’s not just another store-bought gift; it’s a gift made with care.
Practicality: Babies need hats for warmth, especially in the first few months, so it’s a functional gift. The parents will definitely use it! Plus, a soft, cozy hat can protect a newborn’s delicate head from cold drafts or the sun.
Customization: Knitting allows you to get creative with colors, designs, and even little personal touches like adding a bow or pom-pom. You can tailor it to match the baby’s nursery, the season, or even the parents’ style.
Keepsake Value: Baby hats, especially knitted ones, tend to become keepsakes. Parents may hang onto the hat as a memento of their baby’s early days, especially if it was handmade.
Comfort and Softness: Babies have sensitive skin, and hand-knitted hats are often made with super-soft, gentle yarns, which are perfect for a newborn’s fragile skin.
Timelessness: Knitted items have a classic, almost vintage feel that transcends trends, making them something that could be passed down to future generations.

All in all, a knit baby hat is both meaningful and useful, making it an ideal gift for a baby shower. I hope you found a free knitting pattern from this compilation to make and take as your next baby shower gift. 🙂 It’ll be the perfect gift!

What are some things to check for before starting one of these tiny hats knitting pattern?

level of difficulty
yarn gauge
what kind of knitting needles are used
how much of a beautiful yarn you need
basic knitting stitches

Let’s find some printable free knitting patterns for baby hats!

From beginner knitters to advanced and everything in between, I think you will find a pattern that suits your level of knitting.

Free Baby Hat Knitting Patterns

Candy Cap Pattern

For this one, you just need to create a free account in order to get the free printable pattern. The Candy Cap is an adorable little beanie made using just one skein of their baby-friendly Uptown Bamboo DK.
The pattern is available in size newborn, 3 month, 6-12 months, and 12-24 months. It is knit in the round from the bottom up.

Photo Credit: sascha-lovetoknit.blogspot.com

Simple Striped Baby Hat

Once again a simple pattern which can be knitted on dpn’s, one circular needle (magic loop method) or two knitting needles and closed with a seam in the end. Both versions are available in this pattern.
The pattern is available in preemie, newborn, 6 months, 12 months, and toddler.

Photo Credit: www.yarnspirations.com

Happy Place Baby Hat Pattern

This adorable baby hat is worked back and forth in rows and seamed in back. The first and last stitch on every row is worked in stocking stitch to form edge for seaming.
Directions are for size Preemie, Newborn, 6 months, and 12 months.

Photo Credit: theknittingtimes.com

Simple Baby Beanie Hat Free Knitting Pattern

Here's a great pattern for a basic beanie that is knit flat and the size is approximately 0-3 months. A self-striping yarn works great for this project!

Photo Credit: www.purlsoho.com

Top Knot Baby Hat

This delightfully simple free baby hat knitting pattern is all stockinette stitch all the way, starting with an effortless rolled brim. The pattern is available in newborn, 3-6 months and 6-12 months.

Photo Credit: www.yarnspirations.com

Sweet Baby Hat Knitting Pattern

Cozy up to this sweet knit hat featuring a knit 2, purl 2 rib for the brim, giving it a nice snug fit. Red Heart Soft is your yarn on this project, in any shade that you love for baby.
The pattern is available in preemie and baby size.

Photo Credit: ohlalana.com

You Are Loved Free Hat Pattern

This hat is worked flat and feature a textured heart in seed / moss stitch. The pattern is available in 4 sizes (newborn, 1 to 6 months, 6 to 12 months and toddlers) and is a perfect gift for Valentine’s day. Or any other day!

1-2-3 Baby Beanie

This pattern is available in 0-3 months, 3-6 months and 6-12 months.

Photo Credit: www.knitpicks.com

Bee Stitch Hat

This sweet little hat is a fantastic addition to any baby's wardrobe! Knit in the round, with a very easy stitch pattern, this hat is a fun, quick project to make! There is only one end to weave in, and a jumbo pom-pom gives it that "awwwww!!!" factor.

Photo Credit: www.garnstudio.com

Baby Pearl Hat

This pattern is worked in the round with double pointed needles and has directions for size preemie all the way through 4 years.

Photo Credit: littleredwindow.com

Bow Baby Hat Knitting Pattern

This is not only just ADORABLE but is also a quick knit project for baby girl! It's worked on circular needles as well as double pointed needles and is available in size 12 months for free. (More sizes are available if you want to buy the pattern.)

Photo Credit: theknitmckinley.com

Baby Rhode Trip Hat

This hat is knit in the round and uses basic cabling and twisted stitches. This is a great project for an adventurous beginner ready to take on a cabled hat or an experienced knitter looking for an easy to remember, quick cabled hat pattern. It's available in sizes preemie, 3-6 months and 18 months.

Photo Credit: www.allaboutami.com

Basic Knitted Baby Hat

These quick projects are so satisfying since you can whip one beanie up in one sitting! The size generally fits size 6-9 months. It's an easy baby hat with so many possibilities of colors and pom pom choices!

Photo Credit: www.lionbrand.com

Baby Crown Hat Pattern

Create a free account in order to download this free pattern. This knit hat pattern is made with light weight yarn and has a skill level of easy.

Photo Credit: www.yarnspirations.com

Beginner Baby Knit Bonnet Pattern

Keep baby toasty with this vintage looking sweet knit bonnet. The pattern is available in 6-12 months and 18-24 months. It's worked on straight needles and has a beginner skill level.

Photo Credit: crazyhands.net

Knit Pixie Hat Free Pattern

This pattern is worked on flat needles and has directions for size 0-3 months and is an easy pattern!

Make one of these hats your next knitting project!

Many of these patterns are available in a larger size. Look at the pattern’s specific directions, but when you see the numbers in parentheses they typically are the number of stitches for that pattern’s different sizes.

Maybe you don’t have a little one to gift with a knit baby hat. Did you know that local hospitals are looking for these donations?

Donating knit baby hats to your local hospital is a wonderful way to give back to your community and make a tangible difference in the lives of new parents and babies. Here are some reasons why it’s such a meaningful contribution:

1. Support for Local Families

By donating to a local hospital, you’re directly helping families in your community. Hospitals often distribute baby hats to new parents, especially those who may not have had the resources to purchase baby clothes or hats for their newborns. Your donation can offer warmth and comfort to those in need without adding to their financial burden during a challenging and emotional time.

2. Help Vulnerable Newborns

Premature or underweight babies can have a harder time regulating their body temperature, and a cozy, soft knit hat can help keep them warm in those critical first hours or days. Your hats can make a real difference in providing that extra layer of protection against cold environments.

3. Creating a Personal Connection

Handmade gifts have a deeper emotional resonance than store-bought items. A knit hat represents a personal touch—a gift that someone made with their own hands, often with a lot of care and love. When parents receive a hand-knit hat, it can offer a sense of comfort and connection during a major life change.

4. Giving Back to the Community

Hospitals are an essential part of every community, and donating to them is a great way to directly support local healthcare and families. Your knitted hats not only provide warmth to babies, but they also represent your involvement in making your community a better place. It’s a way to contribute something tangible to a shared cause. What a good way to give back to the community!

5. Fostering a Sense of Belonging

When you donate to a local hospital, you’re joining a network of people who care about the well-being of others. This kind of giving helps strengthen the community bond, and when you contribute in this way, you become part of something bigger—a collective effort to support each other in times of joy and need.

6. Brightening a Parent’s Day

For new parents, especially those going through a tough time or a challenging hospital stay, receiving a knit baby hat can brighten their day. It’s a small but thoughtful gesture that shows someone cares, and it can provide a moment of joy and relief during an emotional or exhausting time. Any new parent would appreciate the thought put into this!

7. It’s a Lasting Keepsake

Many parents treasure the first items their babies wear, especially if they are handmade. Donating knit hats gives parents a keepsake that they might cherish for years to come. It’s a tangible reminder of their baby’s early days, and it might even be passed down to future generations.

8. Spreading Warmth in More Ways Than One

The act of knitting itself is often seen as a form of self-care and relaxation, so by donating your knit hats, you’re not just providing warmth to babies, but also spreading the warmth and goodwill that comes from making something by hand. Plus, it’s an activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from seasoned knitters to beginners.

9. Encourages More People to Give

When people see how meaningful and easy it is to donate handmade items, they might be inspired to give back in their own way, creating a ripple effect of kindness and generosity in your community. Your donation could encourage others to knit or donate in other ways, strengthening the spirit of giving.

10. A Small Effort, Big Impact

Knitting a baby hat is relatively simple, but the impact is huge. A small act of kindness can help brighten a parent’s day, provide comfort to a newborn, and make a lasting impact on your community. It’s a great way to use your skills to do something good without requiring a lot of time or resources.

If you’re thinking of donating to a hospital, it’s a good idea to call ahead or check the hospital’s website for any specific guidelines they might have (like yarn restrictions or size guidelines). Hospitals may also have partnerships with organizations that collect knitted items for babies, which could be another route to explore! A little hat can mean so much!

Do you already knit for donations, or is this something you’re considering?