This sweet knit Acorn hat pattern is at the bottom of the post! Find more newborn photo prop patterns here.
As a mom of many and a full-on knitting enthusiast, few things bring me as much joy as blending my two worlds: babies and yarn. So when the idea for this knit Acorn hat pattern popped into my head, it was an instant yes. This project combines everything I love—adorable newborn photo props, earthy fall tones, and a touch of woodland whimsy.
The knit Acorn hat pattern is now one of my favorite go-to projects for fall baby showers and newborn shoots. It’s charming, cozy, and knit with a whole lot of love (and two shades of KnitPicks Wool of the Andes—affiliate link). Let me walk you through what makes this little hat such a gem.
Falling for the Knit Acorn Hat Pattern
The first time I envisioned an acorn-inspired baby hat, I knew I wanted something that felt both playful and timeless. Acorns are these tiny symbols of potential, growth, and cozy autumn days, and I thought, “Why not turn that into a newborn hat?”
I wanted the knit Acorn hat pattern to be as photogenic as it was functional. Something that could easily pair with rustic, woodland-themed photo shoots but also be neutral and soft enough for everyday wear.
Choosing the Right Yarn
The perfect knit Acorn hat pattern starts with the perfect yarn. I went with KnitPicks Wool of the Andes (affiliate link), and let me just say—it’s a game changer. This yarn has just enough structure to give the acorn “cap” that bumpy texture, but it’s still soft enough to be gentle on brand-new baby skin.
I picked a rich chocolate brown for the cap and a warm, toasty beige for the body. The colors were spot on for capturing that classic acorn look. Plus, the tones photographed beautifully against light and dark backgrounds. So if you’re planning a woodland shoot—yes, this hat is absolutely camera-ready.
Knitting the Acorn Hat: Start with the Cap
The knit Acorn hat pattern kicks off with the cap portion, and this is where the magic happens. I used a textured stitch pattern that mimics the rough little bumps of a real acorn’s top. This part was my favorite—I love a good textured stitch that keeps things interesting.
The directions are clear and beginner-friendly, so don’t let the stitch pattern intimidate you. I always recommend using stitch markers to keep track of rows if you’re newer to texture work.
Smooth Sailing on the Body
After finishing the cap, it was time to move onto the body of the acorn—aka the smooth part of the knit Acorn hat pattern. This section is mostly stockinette stitch, which creates a nice contrast to the textured cap. It’s also the part where I relaxed with some cozy knitting time, no counting or purling needed.
This is also where the second color of KnitPicks Wool of the Andes (affiliate link) really shines. The transition from textured brown cap to the smoother nut-colored body gives the hat its adorable acorn vibe. It’s subtle but so satisfying when it all comes together.
The Finished Knit Acorn Hat Pattern
After just a few short evenings of knitting, the hat was finished—and I was obsessed. It looked exactly like a teeny acorn and fit like a dream on a 7 lb. newborn model I worked with. The stretchy ribbing kept it snug without squeezing, and the cap-to-body shape gave it a perfect silhouette for photos.
And the photos? Oh, they were precious. I paired the hat with a woodsy wrap and a soft brown flokati backdrop. The look was earthy, sweet, and just a little whimsical. A classic woodland baby vibe with a handmade twist.
Why I Keep Coming Back to This Pattern
I’ve knit the knit Acorn hat pattern more times than I can count—and not just for photo shoots. It’s an excellent gender-neutral gift and makes a standout piece in baby gift baskets.
It works great for:
- Woodland newborn photo themes
- Fall birth announcements
- Baby shower gifts
- Handmade Etsy shop listings (if you’re a seller!)
- Or just adding a little whimsy to baby’s first wardrobe
Honestly, every time I make one, someone asks if I’ll knit another. It’s become a fast favorite in my handmade collection.
Tips for Success with the Knit Acorn Hat Pattern
Want to give the knit Acorn hat pattern a try? Here are a few tips to make it even smoother:
- Choose the right yarn: I highly recommend KnitPicks Wool of the Andes (affiliate link). It’s soft, warm, and offers all the perfect fall shades.
- Mind your gauge: Babies have tiny heads—too big and the hat falls over their eyes, too small and it won’t fit at all. Take a minute to swatch.
- Don’t skip the texture: The bumpy acorn cap is the charm of this pattern. It’s not hard, and it’s totally worth the effort.
- Block your finished hat: A quick block will even out your stitches and give the cap that polished look.
- Use stitch markers: Especially for beginners—they’re lifesavers when working textured or colorwork sections.
My Favorite Yarn Combo (Affiliate Links Included!)
If you want to replicate the exact look, here’s what I used:
- KnitPicks Wool of the Andes in Chestnut (affiliate link) for the body
- KnitPicks Wool of the Andes in Brindle Heather (affiliate link) for the cap
Both are affordable, accessible, and work beautifully for this knit Acorn hat pattern. I also like that this yarn comes in so many natural tones—you can really play with your acorn shades if you’re feeling creative.
The Magic of Handmade
There’s just something special about creating a tiny hat that looks like it popped out of an autumn fairy tale (okay, not fairy, but you get me). The knit Acorn hat pattern brings together texture, tone, and simplicity in a way that feels both rustic and modern.
Every stitch reminds me of why I love knitting: the ability to create something warm, meaningful, and just plain adorable with my own two hands. Whether you’re crafting for your baby, a grandbaby, or a client’s little one, this pattern is sure to become a favorite in your rotation.
Ready to Cast On?
You can find the full knit Acorn hat pattern at the bottom of this post! If you’re hunting for more adorable newborn photo prop patterns, head over to the full photo prop pattern page where I’ve gathered all the cuteness in one spot.
Happy knitting—and may your needles always find their groove!
Materials and Info
Materials: worsted weight yarn in tan and brown (I used KnitPicks Wool of the Andes), size 8 (5mm) double pointed or circular needles (if using magic loop method), yarn needle, button of choice for embellishment.
Gauge: 4 sts x 6 rows = 1 in
Sizes (appx finished circumference) – newborn (13ins), 0-3mths (14ins), 3-6mths (15ins), 6-12mths (16ins), toddler (17ins), child (18ins)
Acorn Hat Pattern
Newborn
Cast on 52 sts in tan. Join in the round.
Rnd 1 – knit around
Rnd 2-5 – k2 p2 around
Work in stockinette st (knit every round) until work measures 3ins from cast on edge.
Decreases
Rd 1 – k2tog k11 around (48sts)
Rd 2 – k2tog k6 around (42sts)
Rd 3 – knit around
Rd 4 – k2tog k5 around (36sts)
Rd 5 – knit around
Rd 6 – k2tog k4 around (30sts)
Rd 7 – knit around
Rd 8 – k2tog k3 around (24sts)
Rd 9 – knit around
Rd 10 – k2tog k2 around (18sts)
Rd 11 – knit around
Rd 12 – k2tog k1 around (12sts)
Rd 13 – knit around
Rd 14 – k2tog around (6sts)
Rd 15 – knit around
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving several inches (appx 6-8) and pull through the remaining sts. Tie off.
With brown pick up and knit a stitch in each cast-on stitch. Join in the round. (52sts)
Rnd 1 – K1P1 around
Rnd 2 – P1K1 around
Continue working the above 2 rounds (creating a seed stitch pattern) until the edging measures appx 1.5ins.
Bind off in pattern.
Weave in the ends, sew on a button of your choice to help keep the edging in place and enjoy!
0-3mths
Cast on 56 sts tan. Join in the round.
Rnd 1 – knit around
Rnd 2-5 – k2 p2 around
Work in stockinette st (knit every round) until work measures 3.5ins from cast on edge.
Decreases
Rd 1 – k2tog k6 around (49sts)
Rd 2 – knit around
Rd 3 – k2tog k5 around (42sts)
Rd 4 – knit around
Rd 5 – k2tog k4 around (35sts)
Rd 6 – knit around
Rd 7 – k2tog k3 around (28sts)
Rd 8 – knit around
Rd 9 – k2tog k2 around (21sts)
Rd 10 – knit around
Rd 11 – k2tog k1 around (14sts)
Rd 12 – knit around
Rd 13 – k2tog around (7sts)
Rd 14 – knit around
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving several inches (appx 6-8) and pull through the remaining sts. Tie off.
With brown pick up and knit a stitch in each cast-on stitch. Join in the round. (56sts)
Rnd 1 – K1P1 around
Rnd 2 – P1K1 around
Continue working the above 2 rounds (creating a seed stitch pattern) until the edging measures appx 1.5ins.
Bind off in pattern.
Weave in the ends, sew on a button of your choice to help keep the edging in place and enjoy!
3-6mths
Cast on 60 sts in tan. Join in the round.
Rnd 1 – knit around
Rnd 2-5 – k2 p2 around
Work in stockinette st (knit every round) until work measures 4ins from cast on edge.
Decreases
Rd 1 – k2tog k13 around (56sts)
Rd 2 – k2tog k6 around (49sts)
Rd 3 – knit around
Rd 4 – k2tog k5 around (42sts)
Rd 5 – knit around
Rd 6 – k2tog k4 around (35sts)
Rd 7 – knit around
Rd 8 – k2tog k3 around (28sts)
Rd 9 – knit around
Rd 10 – k2tog k2 around (21sts)
Rd 11 – knit around
Rd 12 – k2tog k1 around (14sts)
Rd 13 – knit around
Rd 14 – k2tog around (7sts)
Rd 15 – knit around
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving several inches (appx 6-8) and pull through the remaining sts. Tie off.
With brown pick up and knit a stitch in each cast-on stitch. Join in the round. (60sts)
Rnd 1 – K1P1 around
Rnd 2 – P1K1 around
Continue working the above 2 rounds (creating a seed stitch pattern) until the edging measures appx 2ins.
Bind off in pattern.
Weave in the ends, sew on a button of your choice to help keep the edging in place and enjoy!
6-12mths
Cast on 64 sts in tan. Join in the round.
Rnd 1 – knit around
Rnd 2-5 – k2 p2 around
Work in stockinette st (knit every round) until work measures 4.5ins from cast on edge.
Decreases
Rd 1 – k2tog k6 around (56sts)
Rd 2 – knit around
Rd 3 – k2tog k5 around (48sts)
Rd 4 – knit around
Rd 5 – k2tog k4 around (40sts)
Rd 6 – knit around
Rd 7 – k2tog k3 around (32sts)
Rd 8 – knit around
Rd 9 – k2tog k2 around (24sts)
Rd 10 – knit around
Rd 11 – k2tog k1 around (16sts)
Rd 12 – knit around
Rd 13 – k2tog around (8sts)
Rd 14 – knit around
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving several inches (appx 6-8) and pull through the remaining sts. Tie off.
With brown pick up and knit a stitch in each cast-on stitch. Join in the round. (64sts)
Rnd 1 – K1P1 around
Rnd 2 – P1K1 around
Continue working the above 2 rounds (creating a seed stitch pattern) until the edging measures appx 2ins.
Bind off in pattern.
Weave in the ends, sew on a button of your choice to help keep the edging in place and enjoy!
Toddler
Cast on 68 sts in tan. Join in the round.
Rnd 1 – knit around
Rnd 2-5 – k2 p2 around
Work in stockinette st (knit every round) until work measures 5ins from cast on edge.
Decreases
Rd 1 – k2tog k15 around (64sts)
Rd 2 – k2tog k6 around (56sts)
Rd 3 – knit around
Rd 4 – k2tog k5 around (48sts)
Rd 5 – knit around
Rd 6 – k2tog k4 around (40sts)
Rd 7 – knit around
Rd 8 – k2tog k3 around (32sts)
Rd 9 – knit around
Rd 10 – k2tog k2 around (24sts)
Rd 11 – knit around
Rd 12 – k2tog k1 around (16sts)
Rd 13 – knit around
Rd 14 – k2tog around (8sts)
Rd 15 – knit around
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving several inches (appx 6-8) and pull through the remaining sts. Tie off.
With brown pick up and knit a stitch in each cast-on stitch. Join in the round. (68sts)
Rnd 1 – K1P1 around
Rnd 2 – P1K1 around
Continue working the above 2 rounds (creating a seed stitch pattern) until the edging measures appx 2.5ins.
Bind off in pattern.
Weave in the ends, sew on a button of your choice to help keep the edging in place and enjoy!
Child
Cast on 72 sts in tan. Join in the round.
Rnd 1 – knit around
Rnd 2-5 – k2 p2 around
Work in stockinette st (knit every round) until work measures 5.5ins from cast on edge.
Decreases
Rd 1 – k2tog k6 around (63sts)
Rd 2 – knit around
Rd 3 – k2tog k5 around (54sts)
Rd 4 – knit around
Rd 5 – k2tog k4 around (45sts)
Rd 6 – knit around
Rd 7 – k2tog k3 around (36sts)
Rd 8 – knit around
Rd 9 – k2tog k2 around (27sts)
Rd 10 – knit around
Rd 11 – k2tog k1 around (18sts)
Rd 12 – knit around
Rd 13 – k2tog around (9sts)
Rd 14 – knit around
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving several inches (appx 6-8) and pull through the remaining sts. Tie off.
With brown pick up and knit a stitch in each cast-on stitch. Join in the round. (72sts)
Rnd 1 – K1P1 around
Rnd 2 – P1K1 around
Continue working the above 2 rounds (creating a seed stitch pattern) until the edging measures appx 2.5ins.
Bind off in pattern.
Weave in the ends, sew on a button of your choice to help keep the edging in place and enjoy!
Acorn Hat PDF
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