Looking for a beautiful free beanie knitting pattern that’s as elegant as it is simple? The Martha Beanie is here to wow you! And while you’re here, check out all of our other hat patterns here.

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Knitting lace has always been one of my favorite techniques, but let’s be honest—it can sometimes feel a little intimidating. That’s why I designed the Martha Beanie, a free beanie knitting pattern that combines the timeless charm of lacework with the cozy texture of garter stitch. This pattern may look intricate, but trust me, it’s much simpler than it seems. Whether you’re a seasoned lace knitter or someone who’s ready to dip their toes into the world of lace for the first time, the Martha Beanie is a delightful project that you’ll love from start to finish.

The Inspiration Behind the Martha Beanie

The Martha Beanie is actually the sibling pattern to my Martha Socks. I fell in love with the lace and garter stitch combination when I first created the sock pattern, and I knew it had to live on in another design. What better way to celebrate such a versatile stitch pattern than with a beanie that works for everyone? With sizes ranging from newborn to large adult, this free beanie knitting pattern is perfect for creating matching family sets or making thoughtful handmade gifts.

Materials You’ll Need

For this pattern, I chose Cascade 220 Superwash (affiliate link), a yarn I’ve relied on for years for its softness, durability, and incredible stitch definition. It’s the ideal choice to showcase the lace details in the Martha Beanie. Paired with size 7 knitting needles, the result is a lightweight yet warm hat that’s perfect for cooler weather.

I love how Cascade 220 Superwash (affiliate link) offers so many color options. Whether you prefer a subtle pastel or a bold jewel tone, this yarn makes the lace and garter stitches pop beautifully. And because it’s superwash, it’s easy to care for—perfect for hats that will be worn over and over again.

Why You’ll Love This Free Beanie Knitting Pattern

There’s something so satisfying about knitting a pattern that looks far more complicated than it actually is. That’s exactly what you’ll get with the Martha Beanie. The lace pattern is intuitive, with easy-to-follow repeats that you’ll quickly memorize, making this a great project for TV knitting or on-the-go crafting.

One of my favorite features of this pattern is how the decreases at the crown blend seamlessly into the lace design. It’s those little details that make the Martha Beanie feel polished and professional, even though it’s simple to knit.

Another reason to love this pattern? The size inclusivity. From the tiniest newborn to the largest adult, this free beanie knitting pattern ensures a perfect fit for everyone. I’ve already made a matching set for my family, and they’ve been a hit on chilly outings.

Tips for Knitting the Martha Beanie

• Swatching is key. While the lace pattern has a bit of give, it’s always a good idea to knit a swatch to make sure your gauge is spot on. The last thing you want is a beanie that’s too tight or too loose!
• Use stitch markers. I find it helpful to place markers between each lace repeat. It keeps me on track and makes it easy to spot any mistakes before they become a problem.
• Don’t rush the decreases. The crown shaping is designed to keep the lace pattern intact, so take your time to follow the instructions carefully.
• Block your beanie. Blocking is a must for lace patterns, as it really opens up the stitches and showcases the design. A gentle wet block is all you need to make the Martha Beanie look its best.

Ways to Style the Martha Beanie

This free beanie knitting pattern creates a hat that’s as versatile as it is beautiful. For casual outings, pair it with a cozy sweater and jeans. The garter stitch adds a touch of texture that complements any outfit. Want to dress it up? The lace pattern gives the beanie an elegant feel, making it the perfect accessory for a tailored coat or scarf.

The Martha Beanie also makes an excellent gift. I’ve already made several for friends and family, and they’ve all been thrilled with how soft and stylish the finished hat is. Plus, with the range of sizes, it’s easy to customize the beanie for anyone on your list.

Why Choose a Free Beanie Knitting Pattern?

When I first started designing knitting patterns, one of my goals was to make patterns more approachable and accessible. That’s why offering free patterns, like the Martha Beanie, is so important to me. I want every knitter—whether you’ve been knitting for decades or just picked up your first pair of needles—to feel confident tackling a knitting project.

The Martha Beanie strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication. It’s a quick knit, but the finished result looks like something you’d find in a high-end boutique. And isn’t that one of the best things about knitting? Taking a humble ball of yarn and turning it into something truly special.

Final Thoughts on the Martha Beanie

If you’re ready to add a touch of elegance to your knitwear collection, the Martha Beanie is the perfect project for you. This free beanie knitting pattern is a joy to knit and even more enjoyable to wear. The combination of garter and lace stitches creates a timeless design that you’ll reach for season after season.

So, grab your size 7 needles, pick your favorite shade of Cascade 220 Superwash (affiliate link), and let’s get started on this gorgeous beanie! Whether you’re knitting one for yourself, a loved one, or the whole family, the Martha Beanie is sure to become a favorite in your knitting repertoire.

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Materials and Info

Materials Needed: 75-250yds worsted weight yarn (I used Cascade 220 Superwash (affiliate link) size 7 (4.5mm) dpn or circular, yarn needle

Gauge: 20sts/10cms or 4ins   

Sizes (appx head circumference) [appx finished measurements laid flat]:

Newborn (33cms,13ins) [16.5x13cms, 6.5x5ins]

baby (38cms, 15ins) [19×16.5cms, 7.5×6.5ins]

toddler (43.5cms, 17ins) [22x18cms, 8.5x7ins]

child (46cms,18ins) [23x19cms, 9×7.5ins]

teen/small adult (51cms, 20ins) [25.5x18cms, 10×8.5ins]

large adult (56cms, 22ins) [28x23cms, 11x9ins]

MARTHA STITCH PATTERN

Round 1 – (p2, k1b, p2, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk) repeat (to) around

Round 2 – knit around

Round 3 – (p2, k1b, p2, k5) repeat (to) around

Round 4 – Knit around

Stitch Key:

K – knit                  

p – purl

st – stitch              

k2tog – knit 2 stitches together

ssk – slip, slip, knit the slipped sts together

vdd – vertical double decrease – slip next 2 stitches as if you were going to knit them together, knit the next stitch, pass 2 slipped stitches over the knitted sts together

K1B- Knit in row below, inserting right needle into the st in the row below the next st. Knit this st as well as the stitch above it on left needle.

Martha Free Beanie Knitting Pattern

Cast on 60, 70 (80, 90) 100, 110. Join in the round.

Work 2.5cms or 1ins k1p1 ribbing.

Work in Martha Stitch Pattern until your work measures appx 9, 10.5 (13.5, 14.5) 17, 19.5 cms or 3.5, 4 (5.25, 5.75) 6.5, 7.5 ins from cast on edge ending after completing a row 2.

DECREASES

Round 1 – [p1 vdd, p1, k5] repeat [to] around [48, 56 (64, 72) 80, 88 sts]

Round 2 – knit around

Round 3 – [vdd, k2tog, yo, k1, you, ssk] repeat [to] across [36, 42 (48, 54) 60, 66 sts]

Round 4 – knit around

Round 5 – [k2, vdd, k1] repeat [to] across [24, 28 (32, 36) 40, 44 sts]

Round 6 – knit around

Round 7 – [k1, vdd] repeat [to] across [12, 44 (16, 18) 20, 22 sts]

Round 8 – knit around

Round 9 – [k2tog] repeat [to] across [6, 7 (8, 9) 10, 11 sts]

Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving a long enough tail to weave in ends. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the top tight. Weave in ends. Block as desired.

Martha Beanie PDF Download

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