Fall in love with this leafy design! Find this leaf knit hat pattern at the bottom, plus more cozy styles on the hat pattern page.
Every fall, I seem to catch the same bug. Not a cold, thankfully—but that irresistible urge to knit all the fall things. And nothing kicks off the cozy season better than a brand new leaf knit hat pattern. This year’s obsession? The Carmi Hat, and let me just say: this one checks all the boxes. Leafy texture? Check. Rich fall color? Check. A cable design that looks like you plucked it off a woodland walk? Double check.
In this post, I’m spilling all the tea on how I knit the Carmi Hat—from casting on to final blocking—and sharing some tips along the way so you can knit your own leafy masterpiece. THIS leaf knit hat pattern is waiting for you at the bottom of the post, and if you’re looking for more hat inspo, head over to my free hat pattern page for more options.
Why I Fell in Love with This Leaf Knit Hat Pattern
There’s just something about cables that feels fancy, even when they’re easy. The first time I saw the Carmi Hat, I thought it looked like a pile of swirling autumn leaves dancing around a beanie. And because I’m a total sucker for anything fall-themed, I was immediately hooked.
This leaf knit hat pattern was the perfect combo of structure and fun. The cables are rhythmic without being mind-numbing, and once you hit your groove, the leaf-like pattern practically knits itself.
Yarn Talk: Choosing the Right Base for This Leaf Knit Hat Pattern
I went with Cascade 220 Superwash (affiliate link) for this project, and honestly, I have no regrets. It’s soft, machine-washable, and holds cables like a dream. Cascade 220 Superwash (affiliate link) also comes in a massive color range, so whether you want forest green like I chose, or a rusty orange to match those real leaves, you’re golden.
Using Cascade 220 Superwash (affiliate link) gave the finished hat great stitch definition, and the texture of the cables really pops after blocking. Plus, this yarn (affiliate link) is easy to care for—huge win for gifting.
Getting Started: The Cast-On Moment
For this leaf knit hat pattern, I used the long-tail cast-on to make sure the brim had a good stretch. The pattern recommends a stretchy method, and the long-tail one is my go-to—it’s quick, comfy, and never lets me down.
Once the stitches were on the needles, I joined in the round (triple-checked for twists!) and got into the rhythm of 1×1 ribbing.
The Brim Vibes
There’s something very satisfying about ribbing. Maybe it’s the symmetry, maybe it’s the anticipation, but the ribbed brim of this leaf knit hat pattern is like the calm before the leafy storm. It hugs the head just right and keeps the hat snug, so all that leafy detail stays put once you wear it.
Cables and Leaves and Texture—Oh My!
Now for the fun part: the cable work. This leaf knit hat pattern features alternating cables that give the illusion of leaves fluttering down the sides of the hat. If you’ve never knit cables before, this is a friendly place to start. The pattern is intuitive, and I promise it’s more forgiving than it looks.
I used a cable needle at first (you totally can go without if you’re comfortable), and watching the leaves take shape row by row? Pure knitting joy. Honestly, it’s one of those rare projects where I didn’t want to put it down.
Tips for Knitting This Leaf Knit Hat Pattern
Let me pass along a few things I learned while working on my own Carmi Hat:
- Use stitch markers between each cable repeat. It’s a small step that saves big headaches.
- Cable without a needle if you’re feeling confident. It speeds things up and keeps your project more portable.
- Check your gauge before diving in—especially with cables. Gauge makes a big difference in fit with this leaf knit hat pattern.
- Take your time. Cables are gorgeous, but they do take some focus. Embrace the slower pace.
Shaping the Crown
As I started decreasing toward the top, the cable motifs began to taper off into a neat little crown. I love when a leaf knit hat pattern doesn’t just stop the design cold but flows into the shaping naturally—and the Carmi Hat does just that.
When the stitch count got low, I switched to double-pointed needles to finish it up. Then I bound off, wove in my ends, and gave the whole thing a gentle soak and block to even everything out.
Cascade 220 Superwash (affiliate link) really shines after blocking. The leafy texture looked crisp, defined, and ready for autumn walks and pumpkin patches.
Wearing the Carmi Hat: Yes, I Kept This One
Usually I’m pretty good about gifting my knits, but this time? Nope. This leafy beauty stayed with me. The soft green color, the plush texture from the Cascade 220 Superwash (affiliate link), and the dreamy leaf detail—it’s all just too good.
I wore it the next day on a nature walk with the kids, and it got compliments from strangers and “Mom, that’s a cool hat!” from one of my teens. Victory!
A Leaf Knit Hat Pattern Worth Sharing
If you’re looking for a knit that feels seasonal, thoughtful, and fun to make, this leaf knit hat pattern is a must. It makes a sweet gift, a fall wardrobe staple, or a little treat for yourself. Bonus: because it’s not overly bulky, you can wear it indoors without overheating (ask me how I know).
And if you’re already planning your next hat after this one, don’t miss my full collection of cozy, stylish beanies on the free hat pattern page. Trust me—there’s something leafy, lacy, or textured waiting for your needles.
Final Thoughts on This Leaf Knit Hat Pattern
Knitting the Carmi Hat was a total joy from start to finish. The leaf knit hat pattern has just the right amount of complexity to keep things interesting without overwhelming you. The yarn—Cascade 220 Superwash (affiliate link)—was perfect for stitch definition, color depth, and wearability.
If you’re ready to welcome fall with something handmade and heartfelt, this leaf knit hat pattern is calling your name. The pattern is waiting for you at the bottom of this post, and I can’t wait to see your leafy creations. Don’t forget to tag me when you share them!
Happy knitting!
Materials and Info
Yarn –1 skein Cascade 220 superwash (100g 220yd) (affiliate link)
Other –yarn needle, cable needle, optional – fur pompom
Gauge – 16x24sts per 4x4in or 10x10cm
Needles – 6 (4.25mm) circular or dpn 8 (5mm) circular and/or dpn
Sizes – (newborn, baby), (toddler/child), (small adult, large adult)
Head Measurement – (30-35, 35-40), (45-50), (50-55, 55-60) cms or (14-16, 16-18), (18-20), (20-22, 22-24) ins
Abbreviations
k – knit
P – purl
sl – slip stitch
st – stitch
pm – place marker
k2tog -knit 2 stitches together
ssk – slip next st knitwise, slip next st knitwise, knit the 2 slipped sts together
cb4 – place next 3sts on cable needle, hold in back, k1, k3 from cable needle
cf4 – place next 1sts on cable needle, hold in front, k3, k1 from cable needle
cb3 – place next 2sts on cable needle, hold in back, k1, k2 from cable needle
cf3 – place next 1sts on cable needle, hold in front, k2, k1 from cable needle
yo2 – when you yarn over wrap your yarn 2 times
ktbl – knit through back loop
Carmi Hat Pattern
NEWBORN
With smaller needles, cast on 54 using your favorite stretchy cast on.
Join in the round and pm.
K1P1 around until you have reached 1ins (2.5cms) from cast on edge.
Switch to larger needles.
Round 1 – [k8, p1] around
Round 2 – [cb4, cf4, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 3 – repeat round 1
Round 4 – [k1, cb3, cf3, k1, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 5 – repeat round 1
Round 6 – [k2, k2tog, yo2, ssk, k2, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 7 – [k3, (k1, ktbl1) into yo2, k3, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 8 – [k8, p1, cb4, cf4, p1] around
Round 9 – repeat round 1
Round 10 – [k8, p1, k1, cb3, cf3, k1, p1] around
Round 11 – repeat round 1
Round 12 – [k8, p1, k2, k2tog, yo2, ssk, k2, p1] around
Round 13 – [k8, p1, k3, (k1, ktbl1) into yo2, k3, p1] around
Repeat rounds 1 and 13 until your work measures 4ins (10cms) ending after completing a round 7 or 13.
Switch to dpn when necessary.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [ssk, k4, k2tog, p1] around (42sts)
Round 2 – [k6, p1] around
Round 3 – [ssk, k2, k2tog, p1] around (30sts)
Round 4 – [k4, p1] around
Round 5 – [ssk, k2tog, p1] around (18sts)
Round 6 – [k2, p1] around
Round 7 – [k2tog, p1] around (12sts)
Round 8 – [k2tog] around (6sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the top tight. Weave in ends. Block as desired.
BABY
With smaller needles, cast on 72 using your favorite stretchy cast on.
Join in the round and pm.
K1P1 around until you have reached 1ins (2.5cms) from cast on edge.
Switch to larger needles.
Round 1 – [k8, p1] around
Round 2 – [cb4, cf4, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 3 – repeat round 1
Round 4 – [k1, cb3, cf3, k1, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 5 – repeat round 1
Round 6 – [k2, k2tog, yo2, ssk, k2, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 7 – [k3, (k1, ktbl1) into yo2, k3, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 8 – [k8, p1, cb4, cf4, p1] around
Round 9 – repeat round 1
Round 10 – [k8, p1, k1, cb3, cf3, k1, p1] around
Round 11 – repeat round 1
Round 12 – [k8, p1, k2, k2tog, yo2, ssk, k2, p1] around
Round 13 – [k8, p1, k3, (k1, ktbl1) into yo2, k3, p1] around
Repeat rounds 1 and 13 until your work measures 5ins (12.5cms) ending after completing a round 7 or 13.
Switch to dpn when necessary.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [ssk, k4, k2tog, p1] around (56sts)
Round 2 – [k6, p1] around
Round 3 – [ssk, k2, k2tog, p1] around (40sts)
Round 4 – [k4, p1] around
Round 5 – [ssk, k2tog, p1] around (24sts)
Round 6 – [k2, p1] around
Round 7 – [k2tog, p1] around (16sts)
Round 8 – [k2tog] around (8sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the top tight. Weave in ends. Block as desired.
TODDLER/CHILD
With smaller needles, cast on 90 using your favorite stretchy cast on.
Join in the round and pm.
K1P1 around until you have reached 1.25ins (3cms) from cast on edge.
Switch to larger needles.
Round 1 – [k8, p1] around
Round 2 – [cb4, cf4, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 3 – repeat round 1
Round 4 – [k1, cb3, cf3, k1, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 5 – repeat round 1
Round 6 – [k2, k2tog, yo2, ssk, k2, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 7 – [k3, (k1, ktbl1) into yo2, k3, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 8 – [k8, p1, cb4, cf4, p1] around
Round 9 – repeat round 1
Round 10 – [k8, p1, k1, cb3, cf3, k1, p1] around
Round 11 – repeat round 1
Round 12 – [k8, p1, k2, k2tog, yo2, ssk, k2, p1] around
Round 13 – [k8, p1, k3, (k1, ktbl1) into yo2, k3, p1] around
Repeat rounds 1 and 13 until your work measures 6.5ins (16cms) ending after completing a round 7 or 13.
Switch to dpn when necessary.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [ssk, k4, k2tog, p1] around (70sts)
Round 2 – [k6, p1] around
Round 3 – [ssk, k2, k2tog, p1] around (50sts)
Round 4 – [k4, p1] around
Round 5 – [ssk, k2tog, p1] around (30sts)
Round 6 – [k2, p1] around
Round 7 – [k2tog, p1] around (20sts)
Round 8 – [k2tog] around (10sts)
Round 9 – [k2tog] around (5sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches
and cinch the top tight. Weave in ends. Block as desired.
SMALL ADULT
With smaller needles, cast on 108 using your favorite stretchy cast on.
Join in the round and pm.
K1P1 around until you have reached 1.25ins (3cms) from cast on edge.
Switch to larger needles.
Round 1 – [k8, p1] around
Round 2 – [cb4, cf4, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 3 – repeat round 1
Round 4 – [k1, cb3, cf3, k1, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 5 – repeat round 1
Round 6 – [k2, k2tog, yo2, ssk, k2, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 7 – [k3, (k1, ktbl1) into yo2, k3, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 8 – [k8, p1, cb4, cf4, p1] around
Round 9 – repeat round 1
Round 10 – [k8, p1, k1, cb3, cf3, k1, p1] around
Round 11 – repeat round 1
Round 12 – [k8, p1, k2, k2tog, yo2, ssk, k2, p1] around
Round 13 – [k8, p1, k3, (k1, ktbl1) into yo2, k3, p1] around
Repeat rounds 1 and 13 until your work measures 8ins (20cms) ending after completing a round 7 or 13.
Switch to dpn when necessary.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [ssk, k4, k2tog, p1] around (84sts)
Round 2 – [k6, p1] around
Round 3 – [ssk, k2, k2tog, p1] around (60sts)
Round 4 – [k4, p1] around
Round 5 – [ssk, k2tog, p1] around (36sts)
Round 6 – [k2, p1] around
Round 7 – [k2tog, p1] around (24sts)
Round 8 – [k2tog] around (12sts)
Round 9 – [k2tog] around (6sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the top tight. Weave in ends. Block as desired.
LARGE ADULT
With smaller needles, cast on 126 using your favorite stretchy cast on.
Join in the round and pm.
K1P1 around until you have reached 1.25ins (3cms) from cast on edge.
Switch to larger needles.
Round 1 – [k8, p1] around
Round 2 – [cb4, cf4, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 3 – repeat round 1
Round 4 – [k1, cb3, cf3, k1, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 5 – repeat round 1
Round 6 – [k2, k2tog, yo2, ssk, k2, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 7 – [k3, (k1, ktbl1) into yo2, k3, p1, k8, p1] around
Round 8 – [k8, p1, cb4, cf4, p1] around
Round 9 – repeat round 1
Round 10 – [k8, p1, k1, cb3, cf3, k1, p1] around
Round 11 – repeat round 1
Round 12 – [k8, p1, k2, k2tog, yo2, ssk, k2, p1] around
Round 13 – [k8, p1, k3, (k1, ktbl1) into yo2, k3, p1] around
Repeat rounds 1 and 13 until your work measures 9ins (22.5cms) ending after completing a round 7 or 13.
Switch to dpn when necessary.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [ssk, k4, k2tog, p1] around (98sts)
Round 2 – [k6, p1] around
Round 3 – [ssk, k2, k2tog, p1] around (70sts)
Round 4 – [k4, p1] around
Round 5 – [ssk, k2tog, p1] around (42sts)
Round 6 – [k2, p1] around
Round 7 – [k2tog, p1] around (28sts)
Round 8 – [k2tog] around (14sts)
Round 9 – [k2tog] around (7sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the top tight. Weave in ends. Block as desired.
Carmi Hat PDF
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