Looking for an easy beanie knitting pattern you’ll actually want to wear? This one’s at the bottom—but check out my favorite hat patterns here too: Click for the full collection of free hat patterns!
I’m not saying I’m obsessed with hats, but let’s just say my circular needles have seen their fair share of beanie action lately. Out of all the ones I’ve tried, the Porter Hat has officially earned a permanent spot in my go-to pattern pile. It’s everything I want in an easy beanie knitting pattern—stylish, functional, fun to make, and beginner-friendly without being boring.
And let me tell you, this little number is so satisfying to knit. You get the cozy warmth of a beanie without feeling like you’ve wrapped your head in a wool blanket. That’s thanks to the pretty lace detail, which adds just enough ventilation for those in-between chilly days. Whether you’re heading out for a morning walk or tossing your hat into a weekend bag, this one has your name written all over it.
Why I Fell for This Easy Beanie Knitting Pattern
You know those days when it’s kind of cold… but not really cold? That’s where the Porter Hat shines. It’s my go-to hat for transitional weather—spring, fall, and those odd warm days in winter. The lace makes it breathable (but not too airy), and the snug ribbing keeps it comfortably in place on breezy days.
The first time I knit it, I was genuinely surprised by how quickly it came together. It’s one of those projects you can start on a Friday night and wear by Sunday morning. So if you’re anything like me and appreciate a quick win on your needles, this easy beanie knitting pattern is exactly what you need.
Getting Started: What You’ll Need
I knit my Porter Hat using Cascade 220 Superwash (affiliate link), and I absolutely loved how it worked up. It has just the right amount of structure for the lace to pop, and it’s soft enough that you’ll actually want to wear it all day. Bonus points: it comes in a rainbow of gorgeous colors.
If you’re curious, Cascade 220 Superwash (affiliate link) is a worsted-weight yarn, which makes it easy to substitute if you have a different yarn in your stash. But I highly recommend sticking with the original for your first hat—it’s just that good.
The pattern itself calls for a circular needle and some DPNs for the crown shaping, along with your basic tools: stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, and a bit of patience (but not too much!).
What Makes This an Easy Beanie Knitting Pattern?
Glad you asked. While it looks fancy thanks to the lace design, the stitches are simple enough for adventurous beginners. Seriously—if you can knit, purl, yarn over, and knit two together, you’ve already got this in the bag.
I think what makes this an especially easy beanie knitting pattern is how well the instructions are laid out. There’s no guessing, no complicated charts, and the repeats are easy to memorize after a few rounds. That means you can knit this while watching your favorite show or sipping your tea during nap time.
How I Made It My Own
I’m always looking for ways to add a personal spin to my projects. The first time I knit this hat, I used Cascade 220 Superwash (affiliate link) in a deep teal, which made the lace stand out beautifully. Then I got bold and tried a variegated colorway, which gave it a whole different vibe—still pretty, just a bit more playful.
I’ve also tried this easy beanie knitting pattern with and without a pom-pom. Both versions are adorable, but the pom-pom definitely brings out the fun factor. If you’ve got scraps from a contrasting color, give it a try!
New Skills Without the Stress
One thing I really appreciated about knitting this hat was how it gently introduced me to lace knitting without overwhelming me. If you’ve been wanting to dip your toes into lace patterns but haven’t taken the plunge, this easy beanie knitting pattern is the perfect place to start.
The lace gives you that satisfaction of knitting something elegant while still being totally approachable. Plus, it makes the hat look way more complicated than it actually is—a win-win in my book.
Why This Hat Deserves a Spot on Your Needles
If you’re still on the fence, let me give you a few more reasons to cast on:
- It’s a fast, fun knit that won’t collect dust in your project bag.
- It makes a beautiful gift (ask me how I know—I’ve already knit three for family!).
- It’s practical and pretty, which is basically the knitter’s dream combo.
- The lace pattern adds interest but isn’t fussy.
- And of course—it’s just an all-around perfect easy beanie knitting pattern to keep in your rotation.
Trust me, once you knit one, you’re going to want to make another. I’ve already started a second one in Cascade 220 Superwash (affiliate link) in a soft blush pink for spring.
More Easy Beanie Knitting Patterns You’ll Love
This Porter Hat isn’t the only great beanie out there, and if you’re in the mood for more (I always am), I’ve got a whole page of free hat patterns waiting for you. From chunky knits to classic ribbed styles, I’ve rounded up all my favorites in one spot so you can easily find your next cast-on.
👉 Explore all my free hat patterns here.
But if you’re here specifically for the Porter Hat, scroll on down—this easy beanie knitting pattern is right at the bottom of this post.
Final Thoughts
Knitting the Porter Hat reminded me why I love this craft so much. It’s relaxing, creative, and just plain fun. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a gentle intro to lace or a seasoned knitter who wants a quick and pretty project, this easy beanie knitting pattern ticks all the boxes.
The combo of Cascade 220 Superwash (affiliate link) and this sweet little lace design is a match made in knitting heaven. Plus, there’s something super satisfying about finishing a project you know you’ll wear again and again.
So if your needles are itching for something new, give this pattern a try. I promise—you won’t be disappointed.
📌 Don’t forget: the Porter Hat free pattern is at the bottom of this post. But if you want more options to keep those needles busy, check out the full free hat pattern page here!
Happy knitting, friend! 💛
Materials and Info
MATERIALS & INFO
Yarn – 1skein Cascade 220 (100g220yd)
Gauge – 20x28sts per 4x4in or 10x10cm
Needles – 7 (4.5mm) circular and/or dpn
Other –yarn needle, cable needle,
optional – fur pompom
Sizes – (newborn, baby), (toddler, child), (small adult, large adult)
Head Measurement – (30-35, 35-40), (40-45, 45-50), (50-55, 55-60)cms or (12-14, 14-16), (16-18, 18-20), (20-22, 22-24)ins
ABBREVIATIONS
k – knit
P – purl
sl – slip stitch
st – stitch
yo – yarn over
k2tog – knit the next 2 sts together
psso – pass slipped stitch over
Porter Hat Pattern
NEWBORN
Cast on 60 using your favorite stretchy cast on.
Join in the round.
Work in [k1, p1] ribbing for 1in (2.5cms).
Round 1 – knit around
Round 2 – [k3, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo] repeat around
Round 3-8 – repeat rounds 1 and 2
Round 9 – knit around
Round 10 – [yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, k3] repeat around
Rounds 11-16 – Repeat round 9 and 10
Repeat rounds 1-16 until your work measures 4ins (10cms) ending on a round 8 or 16.
Switch to dpn when necessary.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [k2tog, k4] around (50sts)
Round 2 – knit around
Round 3 – [k2tog, k3] around (40sts)
Round 4 – knit around
Round 5 – [k2tog, k2] around (30sts)
Round 6 – knit around
Round 7 – [k2tog, k1] around (20sts)
Round 8 – [k2tog] around (10sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving 9 -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the top tight. Weave in ends. Block as desired.
BABY
Cast on 72 using your favorite stretchy cast on.
Join in the round.
Work in [k1, p1] ribbing for 1in (2.5cms).
Round 1 – knit around
Round 2 – [k3, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo] repeat around
Round 3-8 – repeat rounds 1 and 2
Round 9 – knit around
Round 10 – [yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, k3] repeat around
Rounds 11-16 – Repeat round 9 and 10
Repeat rounds 1-16 until your work measures 5ins (12.5cms) ending on a round 8 or 16.
Switch to dpn when necessary.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [k2tog, k4] around (60sts)
Round 2 – knit around
Round 3 – [k2tog, k3] around (48sts)
Round 4 – knit around
Round 5 – [k2tog, k2] around (36sts)
Round 6 – knit around
Round 7 – [k2tog, k1] around (24sts)
Round 8 – [k2tog] around (12sts)
Round 9 – [k2tog] around (6sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving 9 -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the top tight. Weave in ends. Block as desired.
TODDLER
Cast on 78 using your favorite stretchy cast on.
Join in the round.
Work in [k1, p1] ribbing for 1in (2.5cms).
Round 1 – knit around
Round 2 – [k3, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo] repeat around
Round 3-8 – repeat rounds 1 and 2
Round 9 – knit around
Round 10 – [yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, k3] repeat around
Rounds 11-16 – Repeat round 9 and 10
Repeat rounds 1-16 until your work measures 6ins (15cms) ending on a round 8 or 16.
Switch to dpn when necessary.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [k2tog, k4] around (65sts)
Round 2 – knit around
Round 3 – [k2tog, k3] around (52sts)
Round 4 – knit around
Round 5 – [k2tog, k2] around (39sts)
Round 6 – knit around
Round 7 – [k2tog, k1] around (26sts)
Round 8 – [k2tog] around (13sts)
Round 9 – [k2tog] around to last st, k1 (7sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving 9 -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the top tight. Weave in ends. Block as desired.
CHILD
Cast on 90 using your favorite stretchy cast on.
Join in the round.
Work in [k1, p1] ribbing for 1.25ins (3cms).
Round 1 – knit around
Round 2 – [k3, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo] repeat around
Round 3-8 – repeat rounds 1 and 2
Round 9 – knit around
Round 10 – [yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, k3] repeat around
Rounds 11-16 – Repeat round 9 and 10
Repeat rounds 1-16 until your work measures 7ins (17.5cms) ending on a round 8 or 16.
Switch to dpn when necessary.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [k2tog, k4] around (75sts)
Round 2 – knit around
Round 3 – [k2tog, k3] around (60sts)
Round 4 – knit around
Round 5 – [k2tog, k2] around (45sts)
Round 6 – knit around
Round 7 – [k2tog, k1] around (30sts)
Round 8 – [k2tog] around (15sts)
Round 9 – [k2tog] around to last st, k1 (8sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving 9 -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the top tight. Weave in ends. Block as desired.
SMALL ADULT
Cast on 102 using your favorite stretchy cast on.
Join in the round.
Work in [k1, p1] ribbing for 1.25ins (3cms).
Round 1 – knit around
Round 2 – [k3, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo] repeat around
Round 3-8 – repeat rounds 1 and 2
Round 9 – knit around
Round 10 – [yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, k3] repeat around
Rounds 11-16 – Repeat round 9 and 10
Repeat rounds 1-16 until your work measures 8ins (20cms) ending on a round 8 or 16.
Switch to dpn when necessary.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [k2tog, k4] around (85sts)
Round 2 – knit around
Round 3 – [k2tog, k3] around (68sts)
Round 4 – knit around
Round 5 – [k2tog, k2] around (51sts)
Round 6 – knit around
Round 7 – [k2tog, k1] around (34sts)
Round 8 – [k2tog] around (17sts)
Round 9 – [k2tog] around to last st, k1 (9sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving 9 -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the top tight. Weave in ends. Block as desired.
LARGE ADULT
Cast on 108 using your favorite stretchy cast on.
Join in the round.
Work in [k1, p1] ribbing for 1.25ins (3cms).
Round 1 – knit around
Round 2 – [k3, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo] repeat around
Round 3-8 – repeat rounds 1 and 2
Round 9 – knit around
Round 10 – [yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, k3] repeat around
Rounds 11-16 – Repeat round 9 and 10
Repeat rounds 1-16 until your work measures 9ins (22.5cms) ending on a round 8 or 16.
Switch to dpn when necessary.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [k2tog, k4] around (90sts)
Round 2 – knit around
Round 3 – [k2tog, k3] around (72sts)
Round 4 – knit around
Round 5 – [k2tog, k2] around (54sts)
Round 6 – knit around
Round 7 – [k2tog, k1] around (36sts)
Round 8 – [k2tog] around (18sts)
Round 9 – [k2tog] around (9sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving 9 -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the top tight. Weave in ends. Block as desired.
Porter Hat PDF
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