If you're looking for knit hat patterns, then you've come to the right place. Here you'll find a complete roundup of Marly Bird knit hat patterns. Many of these are free patterns that are also available as ad-free PDFs for purchase. You'll also find lots of them have video tutorials to accompany them.
We've categorized the knit hat patterns in various ways, starting with links to beginner patterns and then advanced patterns. You'll also find hats for bulky winter knit hats vs, lighter warm weather hats, hats for babies vs. hats for adults, etc. Of course, some hats fall into multiple categories, and we've listed them by name and link a second time where appropriate.
Beginner Knit Hat Patterns by Marly Bird
If you're just beginning to make knit hats, then these are the best patterns for you. These are also great choices for advanced knitters who want easy, instant gratification projects for mindful crafting.
Absolute Beginner Chunky Knit Hat Free Pattern
I wrote this pattern specifically with beginner knitters in mind. It includes all of the notes necessary to make it an easy “first knit hat” pattern. Plus it has a step-by-step video tutorial. Using #7 weight yarn, it works up really quickly.
Absolute Beginner Preemie Baby Hat Free Pattern
Even a brand new knitter can make a hat to donate for charity. This preemie baby hat free knit pattern keeps little heads warm with soft, safe yarn. It works up super fast, since it's such a small item. And yet it's so satisfying to make.
Donna's Denver Football Hat
If you know how to knit and how to purl then you can quickly knit this team spirit hat. You'll work this hat primarily in stockinette stitch. The only thing that makes it slightly more advanced is the use of Kitchener stitch for seaming this bottom-up hat at the end. However, I've included written instructions and a video tutorial for you.
It's So Suite Knit Hat Free Pattern
You might think that the beautiful chevron pattern requires advanced knitting skills. However, that's not the case with this hat. You simply place knits and purls strategically to create the all-over subtle one-color chevron design. The hat requires no shaping and includes a video tutorial for support. This is a one-ball pattern that works up quickly and is great for gifting.
Seed Stitch Knit Hat Free Pattern
Advanced beginners can easily work the seed stitch. You just knit your purls and purl your knits. This is a one-ball quick hat pattern.
Advanced Knit Marly Bird Hat Patterns
If you're an advanced crafter looking for a bit of a challenge, then these knit hat patterns might be right for you.
Honeycomb and Fair Isle Knit Hat Free Pattern
The Capriciously Chic Knit Hat free pattern uses honeycomb cable stitch with Fair Isle colorwork for a bold two-tone design. This design is thick and textured. It comes with a chart and a video tutorial to support you in working the design.
Cable Knit Kat Free Pattern
The Curvaceously Chic Knit Hat free pattern uses cable stitches in combination with regular knit stitch to create terrific all-over texture. This is an intermediate hat pattern designed for joy thanks to a bright color and a fun pom.
Chill Out Winter Hat Pattern
This is a Fair Isle knit hat worked in a traditional snowflake design. It's perfect for winter wear, but it's made with a worsted weight yarn, not a bulkier weight, so it's comfortable in varying temperatures. The Latvian Braid is a particularly fun detail on this hat. It separates the brim from the body on this hat that's worked from brim to crown.
Chic Knit Lace Hat Free Pattern
An advanced beginner who knows how to work with charts could probably tackle this knit lace hat. However, it's really designed for intermediate or advanced crocheters. Using baby cables, lace, and the right yarn, you end up with a sophisticated, romantic, knit slouch hat.
Entrelac Knit Hat
Most of these knitting patterns are free here on the site. But this Entrelac Knit Hat is one that you'll only find in one of my knitting books. Find it in I Can't Believe I'm Entrelac Knitting, available in print and digital form.
Skeeter Beanie Knit Hat
If you like entrelac knit patterns then you might also want to check out the Skeeter Beanie Knit Hat, for sale through Ravelry.
Huckleberry Hat
Here's one more entrelac knit hat pattern for you, also for sale on Ravelry.
Bulky Winter Knit Hat Patterns
Working with bulky yarns gives you warm knit hats that are cozy in the winter. These are great for gifts and donations to charity. Moreover, they work up quickly so you get that satisfaction of a quick project.
Of the projects shown above, here are the ones that also fit into the Bulky Knit Hat Category:
- Absolute Beginner Chunky Knit Hat Free Pattern
- Capriciously Chic Knit Hat Free Pattern
- Curvaceously Chic Knit Hat Free Pattern
Here are some other bulky knit hat patterns:
Ebb and Flow Knit Hat Free Pattern
This fast knit hat free pattern works up super quickly because the pattern calls for super bulky weight yarn. Have it done in just a couple of hours.
Pom Pom Knit Hat Free Pattern
Use a special jumbo weight yarn that's designed with pom poms on a string to create this cozy winter knit hat. The body of the hat is made with simple stockinette stitch so that the brim and top pom take center stage.
Snowboarder Knit and Crochet Hat
Bicrafty folks will find that they can make both a knit version and a crochet version of this warm, chunky snowboarder hat.
Berry Burst Hat and Scarf Set
This pattern set was published in the Winter 2012 issue of Love of Knitting, which you can purchase in digital version.
Spring and Summer Knit Hat Patterns
You can wear hats all year long. However, bulky hats are often too hot to wear in the winter months. That's when you'll want to check out these lighter weight knit hat patterns instead.
Of the projects shown above, here are the ones that are great for warmer weather:
And although it can be used all year long, if you're looking for knit hats made with lightweight yarn then you might want to check out:
Pink Courage Knit Chemo Cap
This bottom-up seamless hat is worked in the round using soft yarn that makes it a prefect chemo cap. I designed this in honor of my friend Nicole. It's filled with beautiful intertwining cables which she loved, representing all of the lives hers touched before we lost her too soon to cancer.
Slouchy Knit Hat Free Pattern
The bright green color of this hat is perfect for spring! It's a slouch hat with a ribbed brim and a pom on top. The star of the design is a bold cable panel.
Striped Slouch Hat Free Knit Pattern
This is another knit hat pattern that works throughout the year. It's a unisex striped design worked in four different colors.
Paris Beret Knit Hat
Although warm, the beret style is truly perfect for spring. This hat pattern was published in the June / July 2012 issue of Your Knitting Life which is now available for eReader download on Nook.
Slouchy Bliss Knit Hat Pattern
Use luxury yarn to make this chic knit hat. Find the pattern for sale on Ravelry.
Gerri Hat Knit Pattern
The eyelets on this knit hat pattern make it perfect for springtime. Buy the pattern on Ravelry.
Knit Hats for Babies
The following hats are only available in baby sizes:
Knit Hats for Adults
The following hats are designed for adult sizes only:
- Chill Out Winter Hat Pattern
- Capriciously Chic Knit Hat Free Pattern
- Donna's Denver Football Hat Free Pattern
- It's So Suite Knit Hat Pattern
- Pink Courage Knit Chemo Cap
- Pom Pom Knit Hat Free Pattern
- Slouchy Knit Hat Free Pattern
And here are some other knit hat patterns for adults:
Afternoon Delight Quickie Knit Hat Pattern (with matching cowl pattern)
This is a stash busting quickie hat pattern. Work it up in a few short hours using a combination of basic knit stitches and a few special stitches. It's a colorful Aran or Worsted weight knit hat. Moreover, it comes with the free pattern for a matching knit cowl.
Double Dip Knit Hat Free Pattern
This ribbed knit hat pattern uses dip stitches to create fishtail braid texture. Thanks to complete photo and video tutorials, this is easier than you might expect.
Knit Skater Hat Free Pattern
This striped knit skater hat pattern was designed with men and teen boys in mind. However, it's a sporty, casual, unisex design.
Ratatouille Knit Hat Pattern
This easy knit pattern is for a tam-style hat. You can purchase the pattern on Ravelry.
Eyelet Hat and Scarf Pattern Set
Find this pattern set published in the Holiday 2008 issue of Knit Simple. Back issues available for sale.
Knit Hat Patterns with Pom Poms
These knit hat patterns all have pom poms that make them just a little bit more fun:
- Absolute Beginner Chunky Knit Hat
- Curvaceously Chic Knit Hat
- Donna's Denver Football Hat
- Double Dip Knit Hat
- It's So Suite Knit Hat
- Knit Skater Hat Free Pattern
- Pom Pom Knit Hat Free Pattern
- Slouchy Knit Hat Free Pattern
You'll also find a Marly Bird knit hat pattern with a pom in the book Stitch Mountain: 30 Warm Knits for Conquering the Cold.
And the Slouchy Knit Hat with Pom in Knitting for Dummies, 3rd Edition.
Knit Hat Patterns with Cables
These knit hats, which you can learn more about above, all featuring cables:
- Bashful Knit Lace Hat
- Capriciously Chic Knit Hat
- Curvaceously Chic Knit Hat
- Pink Courage Chemo Cap
- Slouchy Knit Hat Free Pattern
And if you love cables then you might want to buy my Dual Cable Knit Hat pattern.
You Might Also Like:
In addition to all of these knit hat patterns, you might also like:
- Free Quick Knit and Crochet Patterns
- Free Knit and Crochet Patterns Using Chic Sheep
- 26 Free Super Bulky Knit and Crochet Patterns
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of knit hat patterns does Marly Bird design?
Marly designs hats for every season, occasion, and skill level! You'll find classic ribbed beanies, colorwork hats with Fair Isle and mosaic patterns, cable hats with bold texture, slouchy hats, hats with pom-poms, earflap hats for cold weather, and lighter-weight options for spring and fall. There are designs for men, women, and children. Marly's hat collection is a great resource because each pattern comes with video tutorial support and is designed with real crafters in mind… achievable, wearable, and satisfying to make.
What skill level do I need for Marly Bird knit hat patterns?
The collection covers a full range! Simple beginner-friendly ribbed hats use just knit and purl in the round. More adventurous patterns add colorwork, cable crosses, or textured stitches. The Keystone Cable Hat and colorwork hats like the Kaleidoscope Harmony are rated adventurous beginner to intermediate. All of Marly's hat patterns come with video tutorial support so you're never left to figure something out alone. Pick the pattern that matches your current skill level and use it as a stepping stone to the next challenge.
How do I pick the right hat size?
Measure around your head just above the ears with a flexible tape measure. Most adult heads are 21 to 23 inches. Hat patterns typically include slight negative ease (the hat is slightly smaller than head circumference) so it fits snugly. Check the pattern's “finished measurements” and compare to your head measurement plus the intended ease. When between sizes, go with the smaller one since knit fabric stretches. For gifting without knowing the recipient's size… a standard adult medium (fits 21 to 22-inch head) works for most adults.
How much yarn do I need for a knit hat?
Most adult hats in worsted weight use between 100 and 200 yards. Simple beanies are on the lower end… textured or colorwork hats that use more yarn or have colorwork sections are higher. Each pattern will specify the exact yardage needed. For colorwork hats with two colors, check the yardage for each color separately. It's always smart to buy slightly more than listed in case your gauge runs larger or you want to make matching items. Leftover hat yarn makes great smaller projects!
What's the best way to make the hat fit perfectly?
Gauge… gauge… gauge! Even a small gauge difference creates a noticeably different hat size. Check your gauge by knitting a small swatch in the round (since circular gauge can differ from flat gauge) and measure it after lightly blocking. If your gauge is too loose, try a smaller needle size. If too tight, go larger. This step is especially important for fitted accessories like hats where the difference between a hat that fits well and one that falls over your eyes can be just a few stitches per inch.
