Free Apple Hat Pattern – A Fun and Cute Fall Knit!

Looking for the perfect free apple hat pattern to knit this fall? This adorable hat is a must-have for apple-picking season and makes the sweetest photo prop! Grab your needles, a skein of Cascade 220 Merino (affiliate link), and let’s create an autumn classic! Check out all of our free photo prop patterns here.

The Free Apple Hat Pattern That Brings Back All the Fall Nostalgia

It’s August, which means autumn is just around the corner! I know—crazy, right? Where did the summer go? But I’m not mad about it because fall brings some of my favorite things: crisp mornings, apple-picking adventures, and, most importantly, apple cider donuts. 🍩

Growing up in New England, apple picking wasn’t just an activity—it was an event. My family would pile into the car, head to a local orchard, and spend the afternoon climbing trees, filling baskets, and sneaking bites of fresh apples straight from the branch. Those memories are what inspired me to create this free apple hat pattern, a tiny tribute to those magical autumn days.

How the Apple Cider Beanie Came to Life

This free apple hat pattern has been a decade in the making. Back when I sold knitted photo props, I would get dozens of orders for apple hats every week from August through October. It quickly became one of my best-selling designs!

After years of knitting apple after apple (after apple 🍏), I finally landed on the perfect version—one that’s both timeless and realistic.

The key? Choosing just the right shade of red.

Instead of a true, bright red, I always preferred a dark heathered red. Why? Because it gives the hat a vintage, classic feel and photographs so much better. Reds are tricky for cameras, especially for Canon users, since they can easily look too bright or oversaturated.

Of course, you can get creative with color! A golden yellow makes a beautiful Granny Smith-inspired hat, and a deep green works great for a fresh-picked look. But if you want that perfect “just off the tree” apple aesthetic, I highly recommend using Cascade 220 Merino (affiliate link) in a rich, heathered red.

The Perfect Yarn for the Free Apple Hat Pattern

Let’s talk yarn! When designing this free apple hat pattern, I knew I needed something soft, warm, and baby-friendly. That’s why I love using Cascade 220 Merino (affiliate link).

Not only is it super soft (perfect for delicate baby heads), but it’s also machine washable—a huge bonus for busy moms who don’t have time for handwashing tiny hats!

This yarn also has a lovely stitch definition, so every detail of the apple hat—from the simple stockinette body to the tiny little stem—stands out beautifully.

Customizing Your Free Apple Hat Pattern

One of my favorite things about this free apple hat pattern is how easy it is to customize! You can:

🍏 Change up the colors—red, green, or even a speckled autumnal shade for a rustic look.
🍎 Add a little leaf—attach a knit or crocheted leaf to the top for an extra touch.
🍏 Make it slouchy—knit a few extra rows for a more relaxed, modern fit.

And let’s not forget, this pattern isn’t just for babies! It’s adorable on toddlers, kids, and even adults who love a fun, seasonal accessory. Just size up your needles and adjust the stitch count as needed!

Can You Sell Hats Made From This Free Apple Hat Pattern?

Absolutely! I love seeing makers turn my designs into small-business success stories. If you want to sell finished apple hats from this free apple hat pattern, go for it!

All I ask is that if someone asks where you got the pattern, you send them back to this link: [Insert Blog Link]. Sharing helps keep these free patterns coming!

Why You’ll Love This Free Apple Hat Pattern

So, why should this free apple hat pattern be at the top of your fall knitting list? Here’s why knitters (and photographers!) love it:

🍏 It’s a quick knit—perfect for last-minute gifts or stocking up your craft fair booth.
🍎 The classic apple shape makes it a timeless photo prop.
🍏 The cozy, snug fit keeps little ones warm during crisp autumn outings.
🍎 It’s totally customizable—choose your favorite apple-inspired color!
🍏 And best of all? It’s free!

Let’s Knit Some Apples!

If you’re ready to make the cutest little apple hat, grab your needles, a skein of Cascade 220 Merino (affiliate link), and let’s get started! Download the free apple hat pattern below.

And if you do knit one, I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram or share it in your favorite knitting group. Happy fall knitting! 🍎✨

Materials and Info

Materials needed: 55-150yds of worsted weight yarn in main color and a few yards for the stem and leaf, size 8 dpn (or circular for magic loop method or larger sizes) a yarn needle

Sizes (head circumference) [finished measurements] –newborn (13ins)[5x5ins], infant (14.5ins)[5.75×5.75ins], sitter (16ins)[6.5×6.5ins], toddler (17ins)[7x7ins], child (19ins)[7.5×7.5ins]

Gauge – 4sts/1in in stockinette st – ~Gauge is very important!~

Apple Cider Beanie Pattern

NEWBORN
With red cast on 54sts. Join in the round.
K1P1 around for 5 rounds.
Work in stockinette st until your work measures 3.5ins from cast on edge.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [k2tog, k4] around (45sts)
Round 2-3 – knit around
Round 4 – [k2tog, k3] around (36sts)
Round 5 – knit around
Round 6 – [k2tog, k2] around (27sts)
Round 7 – knit around
Round 8 – [k2tog, k1] around (18sts)
Round 9 – knit around
Cut red and join brown
Round 10 – [k2tog] around (9sts)
Round 11 – [k2tog, k1] around (6sts)
Knit 5 more rounds in stockinette sts. Bind off.

LEAF
Cast on 3sts in green.
Row 1 – purl across
Row 2 – k1, yo, k1, yo, k1 (5sts)
Row 3 – purl across
Row 4 – k2, yo, k1, yo, k2 (7sts)
Row 5 – purl across
Row 6 – k3, yo, k1, yo, k3 (9sts)
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – k4, yo, k1, yo, k4 (11sts)
Row 9 – purl across
Row 10 – knit across
Row 11 – purl across
Row 12 – k4, vdd, k4 (9sts)
Row 13 – purl across
Row 14 – k3, vdd, k3 (7sts)
Row 15 – purl across
Row 16 – k2, vdd, k2 (5sts)
Row 17 – purl across
Row 18 – k1, vdd, k1 (3sts)
Row 19 – P3tog (1st)
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.

INFANT
With red cast on 60sts. Join in the round.
K1P1 around for 5 rounds.
Work in stockinette st until your work measures 4.25ins from cast on edge.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [k2tog, k4] around (50sts)
Round 2-3 – knit around
Round 4 – [k2tog, k3] around (40sts)
Round 5 – knit around
Round 6 – [k2tog, k2] around (30sts)
Round 7 – knit around
Round 8 – [k2tog, k1] around (20sts)
Round 9 – knit around
Cut red and join brown
Round 10 – [k2tog] around (10sts)
Round 11 – [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] around to last st, k1(7sts)
Knit 5 more rounds in stockinette sts. Bind off.

LEAF
Cast on 3sts in green.
Row 1 – purl across
Row 2 – k1, yo, k1, yo, k1 (5sts)
Row 3 – purl across
Row 4 – k2, yo, k1, yo, k2 (7sts)
Row 5 – purl across
Row 6 – k3, yo, k1, yo, k3 (9sts)
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – k4, yo, k1, yo, k4 (11sts)
Row 9 – purl across
Row 10 – knit across
Row 11 – purl across
Row 12 – k4, vdd, k4 (9sts)
Row 13 – purl across
Row 14 – k3, vdd, k3 (7sts)
Row 15 – purl across
Row 16 – k2, vdd, k2 (5sts)
Row 17 – purl across
Row 18 – k1, vdd, k1 (3sts)
Row 19 – P3tog (1st)
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.

SITTER
With red cast on 66sts. Join in the round.
K1P1 around for 5 rounds.
Work in stockinette st until your work measures 5ins from cast on edge.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [k2tog, k4] around (55sts)
Round 2-3 – knit around
Round 4 – [k2tog, k3] around (44sts)
Round 5 – knit around
Round 6 – [k2tog, k2] around (33sts)
Round 7 – knit around
Round 8 – [k2tog, k1] around (22sts)
Round 9 – knit around
Cut red and join brown
Round 10 – [k2tog] around (11sts)
Round 11 – [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] around to last 2sts, k2tog (7sts)
Knit 5 more rounds in stockinette sts. Bind off.

LEAF
Cast on 3sts in green.
Row 1 – purl across
Row 2 – k1, yo, k1, yo, k1 (5sts)
Row 3 – purl across
Row 4 – k2, yo, k1, yo, k2 (7sts)
Row 5 – purl across
Row 6 – k3, yo, k1, yo, k3 (9sts)
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – k4, yo, k1, yo, k4 (11sts)
Row 9 – purl across
Row 10 – knit across
Row 11 – purl across
Row 12 – k4, vdd, k4 (9sts)
Row 13 – purl across
Row 14 – k3, vdd, k3 (7sts)
Row 15 – purl across
Row 16 – k2, vdd, k2 (5sts)
Row 17 – purl across
Row 18 – k1, vdd, k1 (3sts)
Row 19 – P3tog (1st)
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.

TODDLER
With red cast on 72sts. Join in the round.
K1P1 around for 5 rounds.
Work in stockinette st until your work measures 5.5ins from cast on edge.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [k2tog, k4] around (60sts)
Round 2-3 – knit around
Round 4 – [k2tog, k3] around (48sts)
Round 5 – knit around
Round 6 – [k2tog, k2] around (36sts)
Round 7 – knit around
Round 8 – [k2tog, k1] around (24sts)
Round 9 – knit around
Cut red and join brown
Round 10 – [k2tog] around (12sts)
Round 11 – [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] around (8sts)
Knit 5 more rounds in stockinette sts. Bind off.

LEAF
Cast on 3sts in green.
Row 1 – purl across
Row 2 – k1, yo, k1, yo, k1 (5sts)
Row 3 – purl across
Row 4 – k2, yo, k1, yo, k2 (7sts)
Row 5 – purl across
Row 6 – k3, yo, k1, yo, k3 (9sts)
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – k4, yo, k1, yo, k4 (11sts)
Row 9 – purl across
Row 10 – knit across
Row 11 – purl across
Row 12 – k4, vdd, k4 (9sts)
Row 13 – purl across
Row 14 – k3, vdd, k3 (7sts)
Row 15 – purl across
Row 16 – k2, vdd, k2 (5sts)
Row 17 – purl across
Row 18 – k1, vdd, k1 (3sts)
Row 19 – P3tog (1st)
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.

CHILD
With red cast on 78sts. Join in the round.
K1P1 around for 5 rounds.
Work in stockinette st until your work measures 7ins from cast on edge.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [k2tog, k4] around (65sts)
Round 2-3 – knit around
Round 4 – [k2tog, k3] around (52sts)
Round 5 – knit around
Round 6 – [k2tog, k2] around (39sts)
Round 7 – knit around
Round 8 – [k2tog, k1] around (26sts)
Round 9 – knit around
Cut red and join brown
Round 10 – [k2tog] around (13sts)
Round 11 – [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] around to last st, k1 (9sts)
Knit 5 more rounds in stockinette sts. Bind off.

Abbreviations

K – knit

P – purl

k2tog – knit 2 together

p3tog – purl 3 together

vdd – vertical double decrease – Insert right needle through the first 2 sts on the
left needle as if to knit and slip both together to the right hand needle. Knit the next
stitch. Insert the left hand needle through the front of the 2 slipped stitches and pull
the slipped stitches over the knitted stitch

Download Apple Cider Beanie PDF

apple-cider-beanie Download

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