Looking for a free knitted beanie pattern? Check out the hat pattern page for more, and find this unicorn-inspired one at the bottom!
There’s just something special about a free knitted beanie pattern that works for everyone—babies, kids, and grown-ups alike. That’s exactly what the Leah Hat has become for my family. It’s sweet, textured, customizable, and it’s got a funny little backstory too. So grab your needles, pour a cup of tea, and let me tell you all about how this free knitted beanie pattern came to be—and why it’s been a total hit in our household.
And hey—if you’re just here for free knitted beanie patterns, I get it. I’ve linked more over on my hat pattern page. But the Leah Hat pattern? That one’s at the very bottom of this post. Scroll when you’re ready!
Why I Knit (And Why This Free Knitted Beanie Pattern Matters)
Knitting isn’t just a relaxing weekend hobby for me—it’s how I express love. Whether I’m making baby sweaters, shawls, or yes, another free knitted beanie pattern, every stitch tells a little story.
And the Leah Hat’s story starts on a rainy afternoon with my 7-year-old daughter, Leah, who just happens to be deeply in love with unicorns.
Like, unicorn bedsheets, unicorn pajamas, unicorn bedtime stories… the whole deal.
She was sitting beside me while I was working on a new hat design, watching each stitch form with that wide-eyed wonder that only kids have. Suddenly, she blurted out, “Mom! The stitches look like a unicorn horn!” And honestly? They kind of did.
From that moment, the Leah Hat wasn’t just another free knitted beanie pattern. It became her beanie pattern.
Yarn Talk: Why I Used Berroco Vintage (affiliate link)
When it came time to pick yarn, I didn’t even hesitate. I reached for Berroco Vintage (affiliate link), one of my ride-or-die worsted weight yarns. This stuff is soft, easy to knit with, and tough enough to handle everything from playground dirt to winter winds.
Leah’s version is in the dreamiest lavender shade—because of course it is. That girl would make her cereal lavender if she could. For my husband, I used a deep charcoal in Berroco Vintage (affiliate link) that perfectly suits his style. For my teenage son? Denim blue (pictured) in Berroco Vintage (affiliate link). Classic, cool, and not too flashy—just how he likes it.
I even made one for my baby niece in pastel pink Berroco Vintage (affiliate link), and oh my goodness, it brought out the cutest rosy glow in her cheeks!
The Free Knitted Beanie Pattern That Works for Everyone
One of my favorite things about the Leah Hat is how universal it is. It’s the kind of free knitted beanie pattern you can knit over and over and never get tired of. It works for adults, teens, toddlers, and babies, and each version feels like its own unique knit.
The stitch pattern has a gentle twist to it that adds just enough texture without being fussy. It’s interesting to knit, but not so complicated that you can’t binge-watch a show while you work. (Ask me how many episodes of Little House on the Prairie I got through while making this hat…)
Family Time, But Make It Yarny
What surprised me most about this free knitted beanie pattern was how it turned into a family affair. Every time I finished a new version, there was a little buzz of excitement as I handed it off to its future wearer.
And Leah—bless her heart—became the official hat inspector. She’d examine each one, compare it to hers, and nod solemnly like a tiny fashion CEO. If it passed the Leah test, I knew it was good to go.
That whole process made the hat even more special. It wasn’t just a project—it was a memory in the making.
My Tips for Making This Free Knitted Beanie Pattern Your Own
If you’re ready to dive into this free knitted beanie pattern, here are a few helpful tips to get you started:
- Use quality yarn: I recommend Berroco Vintage (affiliate link). It’s soft, durable, and shows off texture beautifully.
- Swatch first: It’s tempting to skip this step, but getting your gauge right means your hat will actually fit!
- Play with colors: This pattern looks great in solids, tonals, or even gentle variegated yarns.
- Add a pom-pom: Totally optional, but it adds a fun little pop (especially if you’re knitting for kids).
Why I Keep Coming Back to This Free Knitted Beanie Pattern
There are so many reasons I love the Leah Hat. Sure, it’s cute and wearable. But more than that, it reminds me of that rainy day with my daughter, when her imagination turned a simple knit into something magical (well, not magical, but you get me!).
This free knitted beanie pattern is a little piece of our story—and now, it gets to be part of yours too. Whether you’re knitting one for yourself or gifting it to someone special, you’re adding joy stitch by stitch.
One Last Note Before You Knit
If you’re looking for even more free knitted beanie patterns, don’t forget to check out my full hat pattern page here. There’s a whole collection of designs ready for you to explore, from lacy styles to chunky knits and everything in between.
But if it’s the Leah Hat you’re after—and I hope it is—that free knitted beanie pattern is waiting for you right at the bottom of this post. Scroll down and grab it when you’re ready!
Materials and Info
Materials Needed: 60-220yds worsted weight yarn (I used Berrocco Vintage), size 8 (5mm) dpn or circular, size 6 (4mm) dpn or circular needles, yarn needle
Gauge: 5sts/in in stockinette st
Sizes (appx head circumference) [appx finished measurements laid flat]: newborn (12-14ins) [5.5×5.5ins], baby (14-16ins) [6.5x6ins],toddler (16-18ins) [7.5x7ins], child (18-20ins) [7.5×7.5ins], ladies (20-22ins) [8.5×8.5ins], mens (22-24ins) [9.5x9ins]
Stitch Key:
K – knit p – purl
sl – slip stitch k2tog – knit next 2 sts together
ssk- slip next stitch knitwise, slip next stitch knitwise, knit the 2 slipped sts together
ll – long loop –insert needle in the middle stitch 3 Rounds down of your k3 rib, wrap yarn and pull through making a loop loosely, leave the loop on your needle
Leah Hat Pattern
NEWBORN
Cast on 56 on smaller needles. Join in the round.
Work 4 rounds k1p1 ribbing.
Switch to larger needles.
Round 1 – [k3,p1] repeat [to] across
Round 2 – [k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 3 – [k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 4 – [ll, k3, ll, p1, k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 5 – [sl ll, k3, sl ll, p1, k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 6 – [ssk using your ll and next st, k1, k2tog using the next st and ll, p1, k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Repeat Rounds 3-6 until your work measures appx 4.5ins from cast on edge ending after completing a Round 3.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [ll, k3, ll, p1, k2, ssk] repeat [to] across (49sts)
Round 2 – [sl ll, k3, sl ll, p1, k1, k2tog] repeat [to] across (42sts)
Round 3 – [ssk using your ll and next st, k1, k2tog using the next st and ll, p1, k2tog] repeat [to] across (35sts)
Round 4 – [k3, k2tog] repeat [to] across (28sts)
Round 5 – [k2, k2tog] repeat [to] across (21sts)
Round 6 – [k1, k2tog] repeat [to] across (14sts)
Round 7 – [k2tog] repeat [to] across (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.
BABY
Cast on 64 on smaller needles. Join in the round.
Work 5 rounds k1p1 ribbing.
Switch to larger needles.
Round 1 – [k3,p1] repeat [to] across
Round 2 – [k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 3 – [k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 4 – [ll, k3, ll, p1, k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 5 – [sl ll, k3, sl ll, p1, k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 6 – [ssk using your ll and next st, k1, k2tog using the next st and ll, p1, k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Repeat Rounds 3-6 until your work measures appx 5ins from cast on edge ending after completing a Round 3.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [ll, k3, ll, p1, k2, ssk] repeat [to] across (56sts)
Round 2 – [sl ll, k3, sl ll, p1, k1, k2tog] repeat [to] across (48sts)
Round 3 – [ssk using your ll and next st, k1, k2tog using the next st and ll, p1, k2tog] repeat [to] across (40sts)
Round 4 – [k3, k2tog] repeat [to] across (32sts)
Round 5 – [k2, k2tog] repeat [to] across (24sts)
Round 6 – [k1, k2tog] repeat [to] across (16sts)
Round 7 – [k2tog] repeat [to] across (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
Cast on 72 on smaller needles. Join in the round.
Work 5 rounds k1p1 ribbing.
Switch to larger needles.
Round 1 – [k3,p1] repeat [to] across
Round 2 – [k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 3 – [k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 4 – [ll, k3, ll, p1, k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 5 – [sl ll, k3, sl ll, p1, k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 6 – [ssk using your ll and next st, k1, k2tog using the next st and ll, p1, k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Repeat Rounds 3-6 until your work measures appx 6ins from cast on edge ending after completing a Round 3.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [ll, k3, ll, p1, k2, ssk] repeat [to] across (63sts)
Round 2 – [sl ll, k3, sl ll, p1, k1, k2tog] repeat [to] across (54sts)
Round 3 – [ssk using your ll and next st, k1, k2tog using the next st and ll, p1, k2tog] repeat [to] across (45sts)
Round 4 – [k3, k2tog] repeat [to] across (36sts)
Round 5 – [k2, k2tog] repeat [to] across (27sts)
Round 6 – [k1, k2tog] repeat [to] across (18sts)
Round 7 – [k2tog] repeat [to] across (9sts)
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.
CHILD
Cast on 80 on smaller needles. Join in the round.
Work 6 rounds k1p1 ribbing.
Switch to larger needles.
Round 1 – [k3,p1] repeat [to] across
Round 2 – [k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 3 – [k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 4 – [ll, k3, ll, p1, k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 5 – [sl ll, k3, sl ll, p1, k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 6 – [ssk using your ll and next st, k1, k2tog using the next st and ll, p1, k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Repeat Rounds 3-6 until your work measures appx 6.5ins from cast on edge ending after completing a Round 3.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [ll, k3, ll, p1, k2, ssk] repeat [to] across (70sts)
Round 2 – [sl ll, k3, sl ll, p1, k1, k2tog] repeat [to] across (60sts)
Round 3 – [ssk using your ll and next st, k1, k2tog using the next st and ll, p1, k2tog] repeat [to] across (50sts)
Round 4 – [k3, k2tog] repeat [to] across (40sts)
Round 5 – [k2, k2tog] repeat [to] across (30sts)
Round 6 – [k1, k2tog] repeat [to] across (20sts)
Round 7 – [k2tog] repeat [to] across (10sts)
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.
LADIES
Cast on 96 on smaller needles. Join in the round.
Work 6 rounds k1p1 ribbing.
Switch to larger needles.
Round 1 – [k3,p1] repeat [to] across
Round 2 – [k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 3 – [k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 4 – [ll, k3, ll, p1, k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 5 – [sl ll, k3, sl ll, p1, k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 6 – [ssk using your ll and next st, k1, k2tog using the next st and ll, p1, k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Repeat Rounds 3-6 until your work measures appx 7.5ins from cast on edge ending after completing a Round 3.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [ll, k3, ll, p1, k2, ssk] repeat [to] across (84sts)
Round 2 – [sl ll, k3, sl ll, p1, k1, k2tog] repeat [to] across (72sts)
Round 3 – [ssk using your ll and next st, k1, k2tog using the next st and ll, p1, k2tog] repeat [to] across (60sts)
Round 4 – [k3, k2tog] repeat [to] across (48sts)
Round 5 – [k2, k2tog] repeat [to] across (36sts)
Round 6 – [k1, k2tog] repeat [to] across (24sts)
Round 7 – [k2tog] repeat [to] across (12sts)
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.
MENS
Cast on 104 on smaller needles. Join in the round.
Work 7 rounds k1p1 ribbing.
Switch to larger needles.
Round 1 – [k3,p1] repeat [to] across
Round 2 – [k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 3 – [k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 4 – [ll, k3, ll, p1, k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 5 – [sl ll, k3, sl ll, p1, k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 6 – [ssk using your ll and next st, k1, k2tog using the next st and ll, p1, k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Repeat Rounds 3-6 until your work measures appx 8ins from cast on edge ending after completing a Round 3.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [ll, k3, ll, p1, k2, ssk] repeat [to] across (91sts)
Round 2 – [sl ll, k3, sl ll, p1, k1, k2tog] repeat [to] across (78sts)
Round 3 – [ssk using your ll and next st, k1, k2tog using the next st and ll, p1, k2tog] repeat [to] across (65sts)
Round 4 – [k3, k2tog] repeat [to] across (52sts)
Round 5 – [k2, k2tog] repeat [to] across (39sts)
Round 6 – [k1, k2tog] repeat [to] across (26sts)
Round 7 – [k2tog] repeat [to] across (13sts)
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.
Leah Hat PDF
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