Looking for a Knit Hat-Collection of Marly Bird Knit Hats
The Marly Bird Knit Hat Collection is a curated roundup of free and paid knit hat patterns designed by Marly Bird, ranging from beginner-friendly chunky hats to advanced lace and stranded patterns. Whether you're making hats for gifts, donations, craft shows, or yourself, this collection covers every skill level and style — from cozy beanies to elegant cable designs.
⚡ Quick Answer:
This collection includes 25+ knit hat patterns from beginner chunky hats to advanced lace designs. Most work in the round, many include video tutorials, and you can make them in yarn weights from fingering to super bulky. All patterns are designed by Marly Bird, designing since 2007.
Hey, bestie 💛 If you're browsing for your next knit hat pattern — whether it's for a quick gift, a cozy winter essential, or a more complex cable adventure — you've landed in exactly the right spot. I've been designing knit hats for years, and they're one of my absolute favorite projects to create. They work up fast (especially with thicker yarn), they make fantastic gifts with minimal sizing headaches, and honestly… hats are just *fun*. Let's dive in! 🧶
Why Knit Hats Are the Perfect Project 🎩
Knit hats are one of the best ways to develop your skills and make something you'll actually wear (or gift). Here's why they're so special:
🧶 Minimal sizing needed. Unlike sweaters, you don't need exact measurements — most hats fit one size or have 1-2 size options. This makes them *perfect* for gifts without the measuring awkwardness.
⚡ Quick to complete. Using thicker yarn means a hat can be finished in just a few hours or a weekend. Perfect for craft shows, last-minute gifts, or stash-busting projects.
💚 Great for giving back. Baby hats and preemie hats are in constant demand at hospitals and neonatal units. Knit hats are a wonderful way to use your skills to help others.
🎨 Every skill level wins. Whether you've just learned the knit stitch or you're advanced enough for intricate stranded colorwork, there's a hat here for you.
🛍️ Craft-show friendly. Hats are one of the most profitable items to sell at markets and craft shows — they're affordable to make, quick to produce in bulk, and customers love them.
Marly Bird Knit Hat Patterns 🧶
Each of these patterns comes with detailed instructions, and many include video tutorials. Click on any pattern to jump to the free or paid version.
🧶 Ebb and Flow Chunky Knit Hat
Perfect for advanced beginners who want to try something fun and worked in the round. Features an Italian cast-on brim and cozy chunky texture.
Originally designed with Red Heart Evermore. Good alternative: Wonderfluff Ombre
View the FREE Pattern • Includes video tutorial
🧶 Snowboarder Chunky Knit Hat
A must-have winter accessory for slopes or city streets. Bold, chunky, and quick to knit.
Originally designed with Red Heart Grande (discontinued). Substitute: Lion Brand Hometown yarn
View the FREE Pattern • Includes video tutorial
🧶 XOXO Cable Car Knit Hat
A true showstopper! Beautiful cable details that work in the round with clear instructions.
Originally designed with Chic Sheep by Marly Bird™ (discontinued). Perfect substitute: WeCrochet/KnitPicks Swish Worsted
🧶 On Trend Striped Super Slouchy Chic Knit Hat
Fun and simple winter hat for anyone in your life. Slouchy, striped, and totally wearable.
Originally designed with Chic Sheep by Marly Bird™ (discontinued). Perfect substitute: WeCrochet/KnitPicks Swish Worsted
🧶 Absolute Beginner Chunky Knit Hat
Easy knit project! Knit flat then seamed together for a perfect, pressure-free fit. Great first hat project.
Originally designed with Red Heart Collage (discontinued). Excellent substitute: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick in Carousel
View the FREE beginner pattern
🧶 Absolute Beginner Preemie Charity Hat
Make a difference. This beginner-friendly pattern is perfect for knitting hats to donate to hospitals and neonatal units.
Originally designed with Red Heart Baby Hugs (discontinued). Substitute: Lion Brand Basic Stitch Yarn
View the FREE preemie hat pattern
🧶 Curvaceously Chic Knit Hat
Something for the intermediate knitter! Fun cables and bright color yarn with interesting shaping.
Originally designed with Chic Sheep by Marly Bird™ (discontinued). Perfect substitute: Swish Worsted from WeCrochet/KnitPicks
🧶 Road to Success Chic Knit Hat
A fan favorite! Simple cable detail makes this easy knit a bit more elevated and interesting.
Originally designed with Chic Sheep by Marly Bird™ (discontinued). Perfect substitute: Swish Worsted from WeCrochet/KnitPicks
Download the FREE pattern • Watch video tutorial
🧶 Geri Lacy Knit Hat
This was the beginner knitting class project when Marly worked at Knit Knack in Olde Town Arvada. Named after the shop owner — a true classic!
Great knit hat pattern in the round with simple lace details and easy crown shaping instructions.
Originally designed with Cascade 220 (not superwash). For a washable wool substitute: try this superwash merino
🧶 Capriciously Chic Knit Hat
Intermediate-level sophistication. Cable details and thoughtful shaping throughout.
Originally designed with Chic Sheep by Marly Bird™ (discontinued). Perfect substitute: Swish Worsted from WeCrochet/KnitPicks
🧶 Game Day Knit Hats
Stranded knitting, simple geometric shapes, and bright colors make for outstanding, spirited hats! Perfect for showing team spirit.
Great knit hat pattern in the round with simple, easy-to-follow instructions.
Designed with Swish Worsted by WeCrochet/KnitPicks
❣️ Buy the pattern + fingerless mitts set
🧶 Seed Stitch Knit Hat
A one-ball knit project! Great knit hat pattern in the round with simple, easy-to-follow instructions.
Originally designed with Chic Sheep by Marly Bird™ (discontinued). Perfect substitute: Swish Worsted from WeCrochet/KnitPicks
🧶 Afternoon Delight Quickie Hat
Scrap yarn now has a purpose — and it's a quick, fun knit! Featuring a delightful butterfly stitch pattern.
Great knit hat pattern in the round with simple instructions and a cool stitch pattern. Plus, there's even a video tutorial!
Originally designed with Chic Sheep by Marly Bird™ (discontinued). Perfect substitute: Swish Worsted from WeCrochet/KnitPicks
View the FREE pattern • Watch video tutorial
🧶 Sharon Hat and Mitten Knit Set
Stranded knitting that is NOT hard at all! Hat with chart for stitch pattern, plus mittens with afterthought thumb and simple shaping.
The original O'Go Big Donut yarn was a fan favorite but discontinued. For a light worsted acrylic: try Brava Worsted. Or splurge on merino with Swish Worsted from WeCrochet/KnitPicks
🧶 Nicole's Courage Pink Courage Hat
Cable knitting in any color to bring awareness to your chosen cause. Marly designed this one for her friend Nicole, who passed away from breast cancer at a young age. A hat with heart.
Pattern includes charts for both the body and the cable crown. Originally designed with a discontinued sock yarn. Substitute: Stroll Tonal merino/nylon blend
More Recent Hat Designs 🎩
These are Marly's newer knit hat patterns — all the same quality and care, with updated techniques and modern styling.
🧶 Every Day Knit Hat Pattern
The knit hat you'll wear every day. Simple, classic, and endlessly wearable in any color.
🧶 Free Ribbed Knit Hat Pattern (Dip Stitch)
Textured ribbed stitch with a modern twist. Great for showing off beautiful yarn.
🧶 Cable Knit Hat
Classic cables with modern construction. Timeless and elegant.
🧶 Bulky Knit Hat Pattern for Beginners
Thick, cozy yarn and simple stitch patterns make this perfect for brand-new knitters.
🧶 Bashful Knit Lace Hat
Delicate lace stitches with a sophisticated slouchy fit. For the lace-loving knitter.
Knit Balaclava Patterns 🧶
For extra warmth in the coldest months — balaclavas cover your entire head, neck, and face. Maximum protection, maximum style.
🧶 Cozy Sideline Knit Balaclava
The ultimate cold-weather statement. Cozy, covered, and impossibly stylish.
View the pattern [MARLY: update to final URL once post 56916 is published]
Also available: Shopify PDF • Etsy
🧶 Chill Guard Balaclava
A paid pattern from the This or That Marly a la Moda 2026 collection. Premium design, premium warmth.
View the pattern [MARLY: update to final URL when available]
Get New Hat Patterns Delivered to Your Inbox 📧
Join my newsletter and stay in the loop! You'll get first dibs on new patterns, exclusive tips, and exclusive content before anyone else.
Join our Newsletter
Get Free Crochet & Knitting
Pattern Links & Coupons!
Frequently Asked Questions About Knit Hats 🤔
Can I really make these hats as gifts for the holidays?
Absolutely! Hats are a fantastic idea for holiday gifts. Honestly, you usually just need a basic size, not an exact measurement, to make the pattern work perfectly. Plus, they work up so quickly, especially if you use chunkier yarn — you could easily knit 5-6 before December!
I want to donate knit hats. What kind should I make?
Making hats for newborns and preemie babies is such a wonderful way to use your knitting skills to help others. Hospitals and neonatal units are always grateful for donations. The Absolute Beginner Preemie Charity Hat is perfect for this — it's beginner-friendly and makes a real difference in a baby's life.
Which hat is best for an advanced beginner?
The Ebb and Flow Chunky Knit Hat is a fantastic choice! It's specifically designed for advanced beginners who want to try something fun and worked in the round. It even includes a video tutorial to walk you through the Italian cast-on and the rest of the construction.
What's the best yarn substitute for Chic Sheep?
The #1 substitute for discontinued Chic Sheep by Marly Bird™ is WeCrochet/KnitPicks Swish Worsted. It's a beautiful merino blend, same weight, same gorgeous drape, and honestly — many people prefer it to the original! You'll find it used as the recommended substitute throughout this collection.
Which hats work up the fastest?
If you use thicker yarns like Grande, Super Saver Chunky, or other bulky weights, hats work up incredibly fast — sometimes in just a few hours! The Snowboarder Chunky Knit Hat and Absolute Beginner Chunky Hat are both quick projects. Plus, quick-knit hats are amazing items to sell at craft shows — you can build inventory quickly before your next event.
Do I need exact head measurements?
Nope! Most of these patterns use standard hat sizing (S/M/L or just “one size”). Because hats stretch and fit a range, you don't need precise measurements like you would for a sweater. This is one of the best things about hat knitting — less measuring stress, more making joy!
Can I use these patterns even if the original yarn is discontinued?
Absolutely! That's why I've included yarn substitutes throughout this collection. Look for the same weight and fiber type, and you'll get great results. The Seed Stitch Hat works with ANY worsted-weight yarn, the Bashful Lace works with DK merino or merino-silk — you have options!
Final Thoughts
Whether you're picking up needles for the first time or you've been knitting since childhood, there's a hat in this collection that's calling your name. From quick beginner projects to sophisticated stranded colorwork, from charity donations to craft-show bestsellers — hats are the project that keeps on giving.
Grab your yarn, pick your favorite pattern from the list above, and start knitting. And if you cast one on, please please PLEASE share your progress! Tag me @marlybird on Instagram or Facebook and use #MMMDI (Marly Made Me Do It), #MarlyBird, or the pattern name so I can see your beautiful finished hat. 💛🧶
❤️ Your BiCrafty Bestie,
Marly Bird
All these hats are lovely! I’ve made four of them thus far and all were really easy to knit! Thanks Marly fro these beautiful patterns!