Celebrate fall with the Cable Pumpkin Beanie: a free knit pumpkin hat for your little ones! A charming newborn photo prop and fun project. Get the more free photo prop pattern here.
Why You’ll Love This Cable Pumpkin Beanie
Knitting this beanie is a joy because it combines adorable fall vibes with timeless cable textures. Whether you’re creating a prop for your next newborn photo shoot or a gift for a fall baby, this pattern will have everyone swooning.
I used KnitPicks Brava Worsted (affiliate link) for this pattern, and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s soft, durable, and budget-friendly, making it perfect for baby knits. You can find KnitPicks Brava here (affiliate link).
Features of the Free Knit Pumpkin Hat Pattern
This pattern is designed to mimic the ridged texture of a pumpkin, complete with bold cables that give it depth and character. It’s worked in the round with minimal seaming, making it beginner-friendly for those who are ready to tackle cables.
Key Features:
- Cable stitches create a ribbed pumpkin-like effect.
- The top of the hat is cinched to resemble the stem.
- Sized for newborns, making it an ideal photo prop.
You can customize the color, but I love using the orange shade of KnitPicks Brava Worsted (affiliate link) for that classic pumpkin look.
Materials Needed
To knit your Cable Pumpkin Beanie, here’s what you’ll need:
- Yarn: KnitPicks Brava Worsted (affiliate link) in orange and green (find it here (affiliate link)).
- Needles: US size 8 (5mm) circular needles and double-pointed needles for the crown.
- Cable needle: My go-to option.
- Tapestry needle: For weaving in ends.
Knitting the Cable Pumpkin Beanie
This free knit pumpkin hat pattern is surprisingly straightforward. If you’re comfortable knitting in the round and doing basic cables, you’ll breeze through it!
The Process:
- Cast On: Start with a stretchy cast-on for the brim.
- Ribbing: Work in a knit 2, purl 2 rib for a snug fit.
- Cables: Transition into the cable pattern, which gives the beanie its pumpkin texture.
- Crown Shaping: Decrease gradually while maintaining the cable structure until the top cinches closed.
- Stem (Optional): Use green yarn to knit a small i-cord stem and sew it to the top of the beanie.
Why I Chose KnitPicks Brava
I love Brava Worsted for baby knits because it’s soft on sensitive skin, machine washable, and comes in a wide range of vibrant colors. The pumpkin orange shade is ideal for this project, and the green makes the stem pop.
If you’re ready to try this yarn, you can grab it here (affiliate link). Trust me, it’s worth adding to your stash!
Tips for Success
- Block Your Cables: Blocking helps the cables pop, giving your pumpkin texture more definition. A set of blocking mats like these (affiliate link) is a great investment.
- Practice Cables First: If you’re new to cables, practice the stitch pattern on scrap yarn before starting.
- Use Stitch Markers: Place markers between repeats to keep track of your cable pattern. My favorite markers are here (affiliate link).
Styling Ideas
This free knit pumpkin hat pattern is perfect for newborn photo props, but it can also be styled in everyday settings. Pair it with a cozy cardigan or fall-themed blanket for a complete seasonal look. It also makes a thoughtful baby shower gift!
Customize Your Cable Pumpkin Beanie
The beauty of this pattern is that it’s easy to adapt:
- Color Variations: Try a cream or mustard shade for a unique twist.
- Size Adjustments: Increase or decrease the stitch count in multiples of the cable repeat to create larger or smaller sizes.
- Add Embellishments: Sew on a cute leaf or a small tendril using green yarn for added charm.
Why You’ll Want to Knit This Again and Again
I’ve made several of these beanies already, and every time I do, I fall in love with the pattern all over again. It’s quick to knit, uses minimal yarn, and has such a festive vibe. Plus, seeing it on a sweet baby’s head is the ultimate reward!
Share Your Cable Pumpkin Beanie
If you make this beanie, I’d love to see your finished work! Share it on Instagram and tag me so I can celebrate your creation. This free knit pumpkin hat pattern is a favorite among my readers, and I’m thrilled to add yours to the gallery.
Knitting the Cable Pumpkin Beanie is the perfect way to celebrate the fall season. It’s a fun, quick project that results in a delightful newborn photo prop or thoughtful gift. I hope this free knit pumpkin hat pattern inspires you to grab your needles, pick up some KnitPicks Brava Worsted here (affiliate link), and dive into the world of seasonal knitting.
Affiliate Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Cable Pumpkin Beanie Materials and Info
Materials needed: 55-150yds of worsted weight yarn in main color and a few yards for the stem and leaf, size 9 dpn (or circular for magic loop method or larger sizes) a yarn needle and a cable needle
Sizes – preemie (10ins), newborn (13ins), 0-6mth (14.5ins), 6-12mth (16ins), toddler (17ins), child (19ins), teen/sm adult (21ins), adult (23ins)
Gauge – 4sts/1in in stockinette st – ~Gauge is very important!~
Cable Pumpkin Beanie Pattern
Preemie
Cast on 56sts
Rounds 1-3 – [k6, p1] repeat [ ] around
Round 4 – [cb6, p1] repeat [ ] around
Rounds 5-8– [k6, p1] repeat [ ] around
Repeat rounds 1-8 2 times more.
Decreases
Round 1 – [k5, ssk] repeat [ ] around (48sts)
Round 2 – [ssk, k2, k2tog] repeat [ ] around (32sts)
Round 3 – knit around
Cut orange yarn. Work from here with green for the stem.
Round 4 – [ssk, k2tog] repeat [ ] around (16sts)
Round 5 – knit around
Round 6 – [k2tog] repeat [ ] around (8sts)
Round 7-12 – knit around
Bind off. Cut yarn. Weave in ends. Make a leaf (found at the end of the pattern) and tack into place.
Newborn
Cast on 63sts in main color
Rounds 1-3 – [k6, p1] repeat [ ] around
Round 4 – [cb6, p1] repeat [ ] around
Rounds 5-8– [k6, p1] repeat [ ] around
Repeat rounds 1-8 2 times more. Then repeat rounds 1-4
Decreases
Round 1 – [k5, ssk] repeat [ ] around (54sts)
Round 2 – [ssk, k2, k2tog] repeat [ ] around (36sts)
Round 3 – knit around
Cut orange yarn. Work from here with green for the stem.
Round 4 – [ssk, k2tog] repeat [ ] around (18sts)
Round 5 – knit around
Round 6 – [k2tog] repeat [ ] around (9sts)
Round 7 – [k2tog, k1] repeat [ ] around (6sts)
Round 8-13 – knit around
Bind off. Cut yarn. Weave in ends. Make a leaf (found at the end of the pattern) and tack into place.
0-6mths
Cast on 70sts
Rounds 1-3 – [k6, p1] repeat [ ] around
Round 4 – [cb6, p1] repeat [ ] around
Rounds 5-8– [k6, p1] repeat [ ] around
Repeat rounds 1-8 3 times more.
Decreases
Round 1 – [k5, ssk] repeat [ ] around (60sts)
Round 2 – [ssk, k2, k2tog] repeat [ ] around (40sts)
Round 3 – knit around
Cut orange yarn. Work from here with green for the stem.
Round 4 – [ssk, k2tog] repeat [ ] around (20sts)
Round 5 – knit around
Round 6 – [k2tog] repeat [ ] around (10sts)
Round 7 – [k2tog, k1] repeat [ ] around to last sts, k1 (7sts)
Round 8-13 – knit around
Bind off. Cut yarn. Weave in ends. Make a leaf (found at the end of the pattern) and tack into place.
6-12mths
Cast on 77sts in main color
Rounds 1-3 – [k6, p1] repeat [ ] around
Round 4 – [cb6, p1] repeat [ ] around
Rounds 5-8– [k6, p1] repeat [ ] around
Repeat rounds 1-8 3 times more. Then repeat rounds 1-4
Decreases
Round 1 – [k5, ssk] repeat [ ] around (66sts)
Round 2 – [ssk, k2, k2tog] repeat [ ] around (44sts)
Cut orange yarn. Work from here with green for the stem.
Round 3 – knit around
Round 4 – [ssk, k2tog] repeat [ ] around (22sts)
Round 5 – knit around
Round 6 – [k2tog] repeat [ ] around (11sts)
Round 7 – [k2tog, k1] repeat [ ] around to last 2 sts, k2tog (7sts)
Round 8-13 – knit around
Bind off. Cut yarn. Weave in ends. Make a leaf (found at the end of the pattern) and tack into place.
Toddler
Cast on 84sts
Rounds 1-3 – [k6, p1] repeat [ ] around
Round 4 – [cb6, p1] repeat [ ] around
Rounds 5-8– [k6, p1] repeat [ ] around
Repeat rounds 1-8 4 times more.
Decreases
Round 1 – [k5, ssk] repeat [ ] around (72sts)
Round 2 – [ssk, k2, k2tog] repeat [ ] around (48sts)
Cut orange yarn. Work from here with green for the stem.
Round 3 – knit around
Round 4 – [ssk, k2tog] repeat [ ] around (24sts)
Round 5 – knit around
Round 6 – [k2tog] repeat [ ] around (12sts)
Round 7 – [k2tog] repeat [ ] around (6sts)
Round 8-13 – knit around
Bind off. Cut yarn. Weave in ends. Make a leaf (found at the end of the pattern) and tack into place.
Child
Cast on 91 in main color
Rounds 1-3 – [k6, p1] repeat [ ] around
Round 4 – [cb6, p1] repeat [ ] around
Rounds 5-8– [k6, p1] repeat [ ] around
Repeat rounds 1-8 4 times more. Then repeat rounds 1-4
Decreases
Round 1 – [k5, ssk] repeat [ ] around (78sts)
Cut orange yarn. Work from here with green for the stem.
Round 2 – [ssk, k2, k2tog] repeat [ ] around (52sts)
Round 3 – knit around
Round 4 – [ssk, k2tog] repeat [ ] around (26sts)
Round 5 – knit around
Round 6 – [k2tog] repeat [ ] around (13sts)
Round 7 – [k2tog] repeat [ ] around to last st, k1 (7sts)
Round 8-13 – knit around
Bind off. Cut yarn. Weave in ends. Make a leaf (found at the end of the pattern) and tack into place.
Teen/Small Adult
Cast on 98 in main color
Rounds 1-3 – [k6, p1] repeat [ ] around
Round 4 – [cb6, p1] repeat [ ] around
Rounds 5-8– [k6, p1] repeat [ ] around
Repeat rounds 1-8 5 times more.
Decreases
Round 1 – [k5, ssk] repeat [ ] around (84sts)
Cut orange yarn. Work from here with green for the stem.
Round 2 – [ssk, k2, k2tog] repeat [ ] around (56sts)
Round 3 – knit around
Round 4 – [ssk, k2tog] repeat [ ] around (28sts)
Round 5 – knit around
Round 6 – [k2tog] repeat [ ] around (14sts)
Round 7 – [k2tog] repeat [ ] around (7sts)
Round 8-13 – knit around
Bind off. Cut yarn. Weave in ends. Make a leaf (found at the end of the pattern) and tack into place.
Adult
Cast on 105 in main color
Rounds 1-3 – [k6, p1] repeat [ ] around
Round 4 – [cb6, p1] repeat [ ] around
Rounds 5-8– [k6, p1] repeat [ ] around
Repeat rounds 1-8 5 times more. Then repeat rounds 1-4
Decreases
Round 1 – [k5, ssk] repeat [ ] around (90sts)
Cut orange yarn. Work from here with green for the stem.
Round 2 – [ssk, k2, k2tog] repeat [ ] around (60sts)
Round 3 – knit around
Round 4 – [ssk, k2tog] repeat [ ] around (30sts)
Round 5 – knit around
Round 6 – [k2tog] repeat [ ] around (15sts)
Round 7 – [k2tog] repeat [ ] around to last st, k1 (8sts)
Round 8-13 – knit around
Bind off. Cut yarn. Weave in ends. Make a leaf (found at the end of the pattern) and tack into place.
Leaf
Cast on 9sts in green leaving a long tail to sew the leaf onto your hat.
Row 1 – purl across
Row 2 – k1, m1, k7, m1, k1 (11sts)
Row 3 – purl across
Row 4 – k1, m1, k9, m1, k1 (13sts)
Row 5 – purl across
Row 6 – k5, sl1, k2tog, psso, k5 (11sts)
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – k4, sl1, k2tog, psso, k4 (9sts)
Row 9 – purl across
Row 10 – k3, sl1, k2tog, psso, k3 (7sts)
Row 11 – purl across
Row 12 – k2, sl1, k2tog, psso, k2 (5sts)
Row 13 – purl across
Row 14 – k1, sl1, k2tog, psso, k1 (3sts)
Row 15 – p3tog Do not bind off. Cut yarn and pull through remain stitch. Weave in this end. Use the cast on tail to tack your leaf unto the hat near the base of the stem.
Cable Pumpkin Beanie Abbreviations
K – knit
P – purl
k2tog – knit 2 together
ssk – slip slip knit
sl – slip
psso – pass slipped stitch over
cb6 – sl the next 3sts onto cable needle, hold in back, k the next 3sts, k the 3 sts from the cable needle
Download Cable Pumpkin Beanie PDF
