The Rory Knit Hat is a free beginner knit hat pattern in 5 sizes from Toddler through Adult Large, designed by Marly Bird. Featuring the gorgeous Stockinette Windows textured stitch, this worsted weight beanie knits up in a weekend with just knit and purl skills… plus an optional pom pom and your choice of single or folded brim.
⚡ Quick Answer:
The Rory Knit Hat is a free beginner knit hat pattern in 5 sizes — Toddler through Adult Large. You need worsted weight yarn (#4), US 7 (4.5 mm) 16″ circular needles, and the ability to knit and purl in the round. One ball knits any size, and most adults finish in 4–6 hours! 🎉
Hey, bestie 💛
This one is special to me.
Rory was a VIP exclusive for my Turkey Trot 2024 knitters… my most dedicated community members who show up year after year for every knit-along. They got first access. Now it belongs to ALL of you. 💛
I designed Rory to pair with the Lorelai Knit Vest — same beautiful Stockinette Windows stitch, same Turkey Trot 2024 collection, totally wearable as a set or solo. If you loved the vest, you are going to absolutely fall for this hat.
Five sizes. One ball of yarn. A weekend project that practically knits itself once you get the rhythm.
Let's make a Rory. 🎉
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through my links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — it helps keep the free patterns coming! Thanks for supporting my yarn-loving heart. 💛
What You Will Love About This Pattern 💖
✨ Five sizes, one pattern. Toddler, Child, Adult Small, Adult Medium, and Adult Large are all included — knit the whole family a matching set!
🧶 Weekend-ready. Most knitters finish an adult size in 4–6 hours. It's the perfect TV-knitting project… the kind you can do without looking once you've got the rhythm.
💛 Stunning without the stress. The Stockinette Windows texture looks way more complicated than it is. You're just knitting and purling in a simple 14-round repeat. That's it!
🎨 Built for cake yarns. Self-striping and gradient yarns look absolutely magical with this stitch. The color changes play perfectly with the textured windows for a look that's 100x more impressive than the effort required.
🎀 Options, options, options. Choose a single brim or folded brim. Add a faux fur pom pom or keep it clean. Add a leather tag for that designer-finished touch. Make it yours!
🎁 The perfect gift hat. Five sizes means you can make everyone on your list a Rory Hat — and you only have to learn the pattern once. Yes, please. 💛
🔗 Part of the Turkey Trot 2024 collection. Pair Rory with the Lorelai Knit Vest for a full matching set using the same beautiful stitch pattern!
Quick Pattern Overview
🧢 Pattern type: In-the-round knit hat, worked from the brim up to the crown.
📏 Sizes: Toddler (Child, Adult Small, Adult Medium, Adult Large) — five sizes in one pattern.
📐 Finished measurements: 16 (17½, 20¾, 22½, 24)” circumference and 6½ (8¾, 10¾, 11, 12¾)” in length.
🧶 Yarn weight: Worsted weight (#4). One ball covers any size!
📍 Gauge: 20 sts × 32 rounds = 4″ in Stockinette Windows Pattern.
🪡 Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) 16″ circular needles + double-pointed needles for the crown.
⭐ Skill level: Adventurous Beginner. If you can knit, purl, and work in the round… you can knit Rory.
⏱️ Time to knit: Most adults finish in 4–6 hours across a weekend.
Love the Pattern but Want an Ad-Free PDF? ⭐
If you'd love a clean, printer-friendly, ad-free version of the Rory Hat to save to your phone or print out for couch-knitting, grab the PDF from my shop! You get the exact same pattern — just without the ads and screen scrolling. 💛
The Story Behind Rory
Every year I run Turkey Trot — my annual fall knit-along event where a group of dedicated VIP knitters get early exclusive access to my newest designs. In 2024, Rory was one of those exclusives.
My VIP Turkey Trot knitters got to meet Rory first. They tested it, loved it, and made the most beautiful hats. And I always planned to release it to everyone eventually… that day is today! 🎉
Rory is the companion hat to the Lorelai Knit Vest — both use my Stockinette Windows stitch pattern, and both were Turkey Trot 2024 designs. Wear them together and you've got a complete look straight from the collection.
If you were a Turkey Trot 2024 VIP… welcome back, bestie. And if this is your very first time meeting Rory… I'm so glad you're here. Let's knit!
Is This Pattern Right for You?
Skill Level: What “Adventurous Beginner” Means
“Adventurous Beginner” means you've completed a few basic knitting projects and you're ready for something with a little more texture and interest. You don't need to be experienced… you just need to be willing to try something new!
ℹ️ You Can Knit Rory If You Can:
- Cast on stitches
- Knit and purl in the round
- Work a simple 14-round stitch repeat (it's really just K and P in different arrangements!)
- Do basic crown decreases (K2tog and SSK)
- Switch to double-pointed needles when the stitch count gets small
The crown decreases are the only technique that might feel new if you're a true beginner — but they're simpler than they look, and there's a video tutorial linked below to walk you through exactly what to do. You've got this! 💪
At a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Skill Level | Adventurous Beginner |
| Sizes | Toddler, Child, Adult S, Adult M, Adult L |
| Circumference | 16 (17½, 20¾, 22½, 24)” |
| Length | 6½ (8¾, 10¾, 11, 12¾)” |
| Yarn Weight | Worsted (#4) |
| Needle Size | US 7 (4.5 mm) |
| Gauge | 20 sts × 32 rows = 4″ |
| Time to Knit | 4–6 hours (adult size) |
| Techniques | Cast on, K, P, K2tog, SSK, working in the round, DPNs |
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What Is the Stockinette Windows Pattern?
The Stockinette Windows Pattern is the signature stitch that gives the Rory Hat its beautiful textured look. It's also the same stitch used in the Lorelai Knit Vest — which is exactly why these two pieces look so stunning worn together.
How the Stitch Pattern Works
The pattern is a 14-round repeat worked over a multiple of 8 stitches. The first 4 rounds create a horizontal textured stripe (alternating purl and knit rounds). Then rounds 5–14 create the “windows” — vertical columns of 2 purl stitches set against 6 knit stitches that create a beautiful ribbed window effect.
It sounds more complicated than it is! Once you've done one full repeat, your hands will remember. It's a truly satisfying rhythm to knit. 🧶
💡 Designer Tip:
Use stitch markers every 8 stitches when you cast on to help you track your pattern repeats. The pattern even calls for this in the Notes section — it's a game-changer for keeping your place, especially on the toddler and child sizes!
Reading the Chart
A visual chart for the Stockinette Windows Pattern is available with the pattern below. Charts are read from right to left, bottom to top (just like you knit!). Each row on the chart represents one round of knitting.
If you're new to reading charts, don't worry — the written instructions are right there alongside the chart. You can use whichever format works best for your brain. 💛
Yarn + Materials for the Rory Hat
The Yarn: Lion Brand Ferris Wheel
The Rory Hat was originally designed using Lion Brand Ferris Wheel... a 100% acrylic worsted weight cake yarn that comes in beautiful self-striping colorways. The sample was made in Pink Marmalade and Wasabi — you'll need one ball of each.
Lion Brand Ferris Wheel is a great cake yarn — it has just enough yardage to cover any of the five sizes (270 yards / 247 m per ball), and the self-striping colorways create beautiful color variation without any colorwork required on your part. 🎨
Why This Yarn Works So Well for This Pattern
Here's the secret to why Rory looks so impressive: the Stockinette Windows stitch creates natural visual breaks in the fabric. When you pair that with a self-striping or color-changing cake yarn… those color transitions land right inside the textured windows, creating a look that seems far more complex than it actually is.
You get a multi-toned, textured hat with zero colorwork. Zero! Just knitting and purling in a simple repeat. That's the magic. ✨
💡 Designer Tip:
One ball of worsted weight yarn covers ALL five sizes of the Rory Hat — yes, even Adult Large! That makes this one of the most budget-friendly pattern purchases (or free gifts to yourself) in your knitting library. 😄
Other Yarns That Work Great
Any worsted weight (#4) yarn will work beautifully for the Rory Hat. Self-striping and cake yarns are especially fun with the Stockinette Windows texture… but solid colors are gorgeous too and really show off the stitch definition.
| Yarn | Fiber | Yards | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lion Brand Roll With It | 100% Acrylic | 656 yd | Great self-striping alternative — similar vibe to Ferris Wheel! |
| Caron Cinnamon Swirl Cakes | 100% Acrylic | Varies | Budget cake yarn, available at Michaels — beautiful color gradients |
| Lion Brand Wool-Ease | 80% Acrylic / 20% Wool | 197 yd | Solid color, machine washable — great stitch definition for showing off the pattern |
| Loops & Threads Impeccable | 100% Acrylic | 268 yd | Budget pick, widely available at Michaels — great for gifting a whole batch of Rory Hats! |
| KnitPicks Brava Worsted | 100% Premium Acrylic | 218 yd | The upgrade budget pick — excellent stitch definition, great color range |
💡 Designer Tip:
This pattern is especially beautiful with self-striping or cake yarns — the color changes play perfectly with the Stockinette Windows texture. One ball is all you need for any size! If you're using a solid color, choose something that shows off texture well (avoid very fluffy or fuzzy yarns that can obscure the pattern).
Needles & Notions
🪡 Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) 16″ circular needles plus a set of 5 double-pointed needles (or 2 circulars / magic loop cord) in the same size.
📌 Stitch markers. You'll want to place one every 8 stitches at the cast-on to keep your pattern repeats organized — plus a distinctive marker at the beginning of the round.
🪢 Tapestry needle for finishing and weaving in ends.
🎀 Optional: Faux fur pom pom, leather tag, and leather rivets if you want to add those finishing touches. (Video tutorial below for adding the pom pom!)
🧴 Optional: Eucalan Wool Wash for washing your finished hat. It's a no-rinse formula — gentle on fibers, no fuss.
Tips for Knitting the Rory Hat
Choosing Your Size
The Rory Hat fits snugly around the head but is slouchy on top, so use the finished circumference measurement (not the cast-on count) to choose your size. Measure the widest part of the head (just above the ears) with a soft tape measure, then choose the size that's 1–2″ smaller than that measurement for a comfortably snug hat.
The Adult Medium (22½” circumference) fits most average adult heads. If you're between sizes… go with your gauge! A slightly looser gauge = go down a size. A tighter gauge = go up a size.
Such a fun knit slouchy hat pattern to knit up for you and your family.
ℹ️ Size Reference Guide:
- Toddler: 16″ finished circumference (fits ~18–19″ head)
- Child: 17½” finished circumference (fits ~19–20″ head)
- Adult Small: 20¾” finished circumference (fits ~21–22″ head)
- Adult Medium: 22½” finished circumference (fits ~23–24″ head)
- Adult Large: 24″ finished circumference (fits ~25–26″ head)
Need something outside the range? The stitch multiple is 8, so you can add or subtract stitches in increments of 8 and adjust needle size to hit your gauge. Just make sure you're working with a multiple of 8 stitches for the pattern to work out!
Single Brim vs. Folded Brim — Which Should You Choose?
The single brim (1½–2½” depending on size) sits flat with a clean edge. The folded brim (3–5″ depending on size) folds up on itself for extra warmth and a classic beanie silhouette. Both versions use the same simple 1×1 ribbing — the folded brim just asks you to work twice as long before you start the body.
My recommendation? If you're knitting for cold weather or for someone who runs warm… single brim. If you want maximum coziness and that classic folded-cuff beanie look… go folded! Both are beautiful. 💛
How to Add a Faux Fur Pom Pom
An optional faux fur pom pom takes the Rory Hat from “cute” to “absolutely irresistible.” 🎀
The pom pom is completely removable — it attaches to the finished hat after all the knitting is done. Watch Marly's tutorial video below for step-by-step instructions on adding a removable faux fur pom pom: How to Add a Removable Faux Fur Pom Pom — Marly Bird on YouTube.
Adding a Leather Tag
Want that designer-finished look? Add a small leather tag to the brim using leather rivets. This is purely optional and purely gorgeous. 😍
The pattern lists leather tags and leather rivets in the optional notions. Pick them up at a craft store or online — and watch how a tiny tag makes the whole hat look like it came from a boutique.
I've ordered from this etsy shop and have been happy with the tags. Night Owl Laser
💡 Designer Tip:
Leather tags make incredible gifts. If you're making a batch of Rory Hats for holiday giving, grab a set of tags and suddenly your handknit gifts look like something you'd find in a boutique shop window. It's a tiny detail with huge impact!
Video Tutorials
Rory doesn't have a dedicated step-by-step tutorial video, but all the foundational skills you need are right on Marly's YouTube channel! 🎬 Search for cast-ons, knit and purl basics, ribbing, weaving in ends, or the faux fur pom pom — it's all there to watch alongside your knitting.
📄 Want a clean, printable version? Grab the ad-free PDF — no ads, no scrolling, just the pattern. Perfect for your project bag! 🧶
Rory Knit Hat || Pattern Details
Designed by Marly Bird | marlybirdhouse.com
Sizes & Measurements
To Fit Size: Toddler (Child, Adult Small, Adult Medium, Adult Large)
Sample knit in: Adult Medium (average hat size)
Finished Circumference: 16 (17½, 20¾, 22½, 24)” [40.5 (44.5, 52.5, 57, 61) cm]
Finished Length: 6½ (8¾, 10¾, 11, 12¾)” [16.5 (22, 27.5, 28, 32.5) cm]
Gauge
20 stitches × 32 rounds = 4″ [10 cm] in Stockinette Windows Pattern.
Use any size needle to obtain gauge. Always swatch! Your gauge determines your size.
Materials
Yarn: Lion Brand Ferris Wheel (100% Acrylic, 270 yds/247 m, 3 oz/85 g, CYCA #4 Worsted)
- Pink Marmalade — 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) ball
- Wasabi — 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) ball
Needles: US 7 [4.5 mm] 16″ [40.5 cm] circular needles + set of 5 double-pointed needles, or size required for gauge
Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle, leather tags, leather rivets, optional Faux Pom Pom
Abbreviations
- K — Knit
- K2tog — Knit Two Together
- P — Purl
- PM — Place Marker
- RS — Right Side
- Sl — Slip
- St(s) — Stitch(es)
- WS — Wrong Side
Special Stitches
SSK (Slip, Slip, Knit): Slip 2 stitches, one at a time, as if to knit. Insert left-hand needle into the front of these two stitches and knit them together from this position (1 stitch decreased).
Pattern Stitches
Stockinette Windows Pattern (Circular) — worked in the round over a multiple of 8 sts.
Round 1: Purl.
Round 2: Knit.
Round 3: Purl.
Round 4: Knit.
Round 5: *P2, K6; repeat from * around.
Round 6: Knit.
Round 7: *P2, K6; repeat from * around.
Round 8: Knit.
Round 9: *P2, K6; repeat from * around.
Round 10: Knit.
Round 11: *P2, K6; repeat from * around.
Round 12: Knit.
Round 13: *P2, K6; repeat from * around.
Round 14: Knit.
Repeat Rounds 1–14 for Stockinette Windows Pattern worked in the round.
Stockinette Windows Pattern (Flat) — worked back-and-forth over a multiple of 8 sts. Note: Hat is worked in the round. The flat version is given here for the purposes of measuring gauge.
Row 1 (WS): Knit.
Row 2: Knit.
Row 3: Knit.
Row 4: Knit.
Row 5: *P6, K2; repeat from * to end.
Row 6: Knit.
Row 7: *P6, K2; repeat from * to end.
Row 8: Knit.
Row 9: *P6, K2; repeat from * to end.
Row 10: Knit.
Row 11: *P6, K2; repeat from * to end.
Row 12: Knit.
Row 13: *P6, K2; repeat from * to end.
Row 14: Knit.
Repeat Rows 1–14 for Stockinette Windows Pattern worked flat.
Chart
Notes
- Directions are for size Toddler; changes for sizes (Child, S, M, L) are in parentheses. When only one number is given, it applies to all sizes.
- When casting on, place a marker every 8 sts to not lose count and to more easily keep track of pattern repeats.
- Hat is made from the bottom brim to crown.
- If you want a safety net as you knit, adding a lifeline every so often will be helpful — just to make sure you have a point to rip back to if something goes wrong. (video help)
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I'm thrilled to share this amazing pattern with you, many patterns on my blog are absolutely free! I kindly request that you don't copy and paste or distribute this pattern. Prefer an ad-free experience? Buy a digital PDF pattern for a small fee from one of my online stores for a seamless crafting journey.
I appreciate your support and readership. You are the reason I can keep doing what I love and sharing it with others. So, thank you from the bottom of my yarn-loving heart! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no cost to you.
Rory Knit Hat || Pattern Instructions
Brim
Cast on 80 (88, 104, 112, 120) sts. Join round being careful not to twist cast-on edge, and mark first st.
Round 1: *K1, P1; repeat from * to end of round.
For single-layer brim:
Repeat the last round for 1½ (2, 2¼, 2½, 2½)” [4 (5, 5.5, 6.5, 6.5) cm].
For folded brim:
Repeat the last round for 3 (4, 4½, 5, 5)” [7.5 (10, 11.5, 12.5, 12.5) cm].
Finishing
Thread yarn tail into a tapestry needle.
Weave tapestry needle through center of all remaining live sts, and pull tight like a drawstring.
Secure tail to the wrong side of the hat.
Weave in all loose ends.
Optional: Add Pom Pom to top of hat.
Optional: Add Leather Tag with Leather Rivets.
Make It a Set — Pair Rory with the Lorelai Knit Vest
Rory and the Lorelai Knit Vest were designed as a collection — and they are absolutely stunning together. Both use the Stockinette Windows stitch pattern, so they share the same beautiful texture in coordinating colorways. 🧶
Knit the vest in one colorway and the hat in the coordinating colors… or go matchy-matchy and use the same yarn for both. Either way, you'll have a complete Turkey Trot 2024 look that's totally wearable from October through March.
Both patterns are free here on the blog! 💛
Ravelry crafters: favorite and queue Rory on Ravelry to save it to your library! Your queue is your knitting wishlist. 💛
More Free Knitting Patterns You'll Love
Love a good knit hat? Here are more free knitting patterns from my collection — all designed with that same Marly Bird balance of beautiful and beginner-friendly! 🧶
🎨 Kaleidoscope Harmony Knit Hat — A stunning colorwork hat that's more approachable than it looks. Perfect next step after Rory!
🌈 Harmony Hues Knit Hat — A beautiful stash-buster hat using multiple colors from your yarn collection. Great for using up those special one-skein finds.
🧡 Lorelai Knit Vest — The companion vest to Rory, using the exact same Stockinette Windows stitch. Wear them as a matched set!
Browse all my free knit patterns in one place: Free Knitting Patterns by Marly Bird 💛
Want to go deeper into knitting skills? Check out what's available at Marly Bird House — courses, workshops, and community for knitters and crocheters at every level! 🏡
Frequently Asked Questions About the Rory Hat
What does “Adventurous Beginner” mean?
Adventurous Beginner means you've completed a few basic knitting projects and you're ready to try something with a little more texture. If you can knit, purl, and work in the round, you can knit the Rory Hat. The crown decreases are the only technique that might feel new… and there's a video tutorial linked above to walk you through them!
Can I make this hat on magic loop?
Yes! The pattern calls for 16″ circular needles, but you can absolutely use magic loop on any longer cable. When the stitch count decreases at the crown, just switch to DPNs or continue on magic loop — whichever you prefer. Both work perfectly.
What if I want a bigger or smaller size?
The pattern already includes 5 sizes from Toddler (16″ circumference) to Adult Large (24″ circumference). If you need something outside that range, the stitch multiple is 8, so you can add or subtract stitches in increments of 8 and adjust your needle size to hit your gauge. The pattern structure stays exactly the same!
Can I use a different yarn?
Absolutely! Any worsted weight yarn (#4) will work — see the substitute table above for some of my favorites. Self-striping and cake yarns are especially fun with the Stockinette Windows stitch pattern because the color changes play so beautifully with the texture. Solid colors look gorgeous too and show off the stitch definition wonderfully.
How do I add a pom pom?
The pattern calls for an optional faux fur pom pom that attaches after the hat is complete. It's fully removable! Marly has a video tutorial showing exactly how to attach one — watch the Removable Faux Fur Pom Pom tutorial here. You can also use a traditional yarn pom pom if you prefer that look.
Can I sell hats made from this pattern?
Yes! You may sell finished hats made from this free pattern. Please credit Marly Bird as the designer — a simple “pattern by Marly Bird of marlybird.com” in your listing description is perfect. Thank you for the support! 💛
Is this the same stitch as the Lorelai Vest?
Yes! The Stockinette Windows pattern in Rory is inspired by the stitch pattern in the Lorelai Knit Vest. They make a beautiful matching set — knit the vest, make the hat, and you have a complete Turkey Trot 2024 look!
How long does this hat take to knit?
Most knitters finish an adult size in 4–6 hours, often spread across a weekend. It's a wonderful TV-knitting project — the stitch pattern is simple enough to do without looking once you've got the 14-round rhythm locked in. Smaller sizes knit up even faster!
Final Thoughts
I held this one back for my VIP Turkey Trot knitters… and now it belongs to all of you. That feels exactly right. 💛
Rory is one of those hats that looks like you spent way more time on it than you did. The Stockinette Windows texture is beautiful, the sizing covers the whole family, and one ball of yarn gets you all the way to the crown. It's genuinely one of my favorite designs from 2024.
❤️ Your BiCrafty Bestie,
Marly Bird
