Snag a free snowman hat knitting pattern (it’s at the bottom!) and check out more photo props here: Photo Prop Patterns
If you’ve ever looked at a newborn in a tiny seasonal hat and audibly gasped (guilty!), then you’re going to love this free snowman hat knitting pattern. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and snowy, and honestly, it was one of the most fun designs I’ve worked on to date. Whether you’re a photographer, a maker of baby gifts, or just a seasonal knitter who enjoys adorable things—this one’s for you.
I’ve got a whole bunch of photo prop patterns that I’ve shared over the years (you can find them all right here), but this particular free snowman hat knitting pattern is right at the bottom of this post. The rest live at that handy little link.
How the Free Snowman Hat Knitting Pattern Came to Be
Winter knitting is the best kind of knitting. The weather outside is icy, the tea is warm, and you finally have the perfect excuse to knit fuzzy, cozy things that make people smile. I wanted to create a free snowman hat knitting pattern that would be just as cheerful as a real snowman—but way warmer and less melty.
So I sat down, yarn and notebook in hand, and started sketching out a newborn beanie that had all the snowman charm we love: button eyes, a carrot nose (yes, an actual bright orange button!), and even optional earmuffs. Because of course snowmen get chilly too.
The Yarn I Chose (and Highly Recommend)
For the base of the beanie, I went with KnitPicks Swish Bulky (affiliate link)—because when you’re knitting for tiny humans, softness is a non-negotiable. This yarn is smooth, warm, and squishy, and it holds its shape beautifully. And since it’s machine washable (because babies), it just checks all the boxes.
I also used KnitPicks Swish Bulky (affiliate link) for the earmuffs. I picked a fun contrasting color to add a little personality, but you can keep it classic too if that’s more your style. Again—KnitPicks Swish Bulky (affiliate link) is such a winner for baby knits. It doesn’t fuzz too much, it’s gentle on delicate skin, and it works up fast thanks to the bulky weight.
A Snowman Face That’s All Smiles
The key to this free snowman hat knitting pattern is in the details. A simple ribbed brim gives it a snug, stretchy fit on a newborn’s head. From there, the hat is knit in the round—perfect for a smooth, seamless finish. If you’re a newer knitter, this pattern won’t stress you out. It’s straight-up fun knitting.
Once the hat’s complete, it’s time to decorate! The snowman face comes together with a couple of securely stitched buttons (I used black for the eyes and a bright orange one for the nose). And you guessed it—I used KnitPicks Swish Bulky (affiliate link) for the earmuff pieces too. The earmuffs are totally optional, but they’re the cutest little bonus detail, and I couldn’t help myself.
The First Time I Used the Hat in a Photoshoot
When the first finished hat came off my needles, I could barely wait to use it in a newborn shoot. I set up a little wintry scene with white blankets and some soft fake snow, and friends—it was too cute. The hat fit like a charm and gave the whole photo so much personality.
There’s something magical (the non-fantasy kind!) about seeing a tiny baby in a snowman hat. The photos turned out so well that I ended up using them on my website to show off the free snowman hat knitting pattern. And yes, the parents melted just like a snowman in the sun.
Let’s Talk About the Knit
The knitting process for this beanie is a joy. It’s small and manageable—perfect for a weekend knit or even a weeknight project if you need a quick turnaround. The bulky yarn (I used KnitPicks Swish Bulky—affiliate link!) means you’ll see progress fast, which keeps the momentum going.
The pattern starts with a 1×1 rib to keep the hat secure on baby’s head. Then it transitions into simple stockinette in the round. Once the decreases start, you’re basically on the home stretch. Add your buttons and optional earmuffs (again, I used KnitPicks Swish Bulky—affiliate link), and you’re ready to gift, shoot, or swoon.
Tips for a Professional Finish
When sewing on the buttons, I always double (ok, triple) check they’re stitched securely. Babies love to grab and tug, and we never want a button popping off. I also weave in my ends very neatly since the inside of the hat will likely be visible at some point during a photoshoot. And if I’m gifting it, I like to include a little card that says “handmade with love—and machine washable!”
Oh, and one last yarn shoutout—KnitPicks Swish Bulky (affiliate link) really does elevate the look of the hat. It has a soft sheen that photographs beautifully, and the color options are just fun.
Sharing the Free Snowman Hat Knitting Pattern
There’s something so satisfying about sharing a free snowman hat knitting pattern that other makers can enjoy. I love seeing how people customize it—some add little scarves or use different buttons for silly faces. One knitter even made a pink snowgirl version with eyelashes. Obsessed!
When you make one, please tag me if you post it—I seriously love seeing your projects. And don’t forget to check out the rest of my photo prop knitting patterns right here. This particular pattern is at the bottom of this post, but there’s a whole treasure trove waiting for you at that link.
Why This Free Snowman Hat Knitting Pattern Is a Favorite
So why is this pattern one of my personal favorites? Honestly, it’s just pure joy. It’s fast, adorable, and endlessly customizable. It looks amazing in photos, makes a perfect winter baby gift, and gives off serious cozy holiday vibes.
I also love that it’s easy enough for beginners but still engaging for more advanced knitters. You can whip one up in a night or two with your trusty needles and some KnitPicks Swish Bulky (affiliate link) by your side.
Let’s Get Knitting!
Whether you’re making this snowman beanie for your next newborn photo session, a baby shower gift, or your own little one’s first winter, I hope you have as much fun knitting it as I did designing it.
You’ll find the free snowman hat knitting pattern just below—scroll a bit and it’s right there waiting for you! The rest of the props are all hanging out on the photo prop pattern page, so definitely check that out too if you’re building a little collection.
Happy knitting, and may your stitches be soft, your yarn be bulky, and your snowmen be smiling!
Materials and Info
Materials – 60-120yds of bulky weight (size 5) yarn, appx 20yds of worsted weight (size 4 yarn) for the earmuffs, snowman buttons, yarn needle, size 10.5 (6.5mm) double pointed needles, size 8 (5mm) double pointed needles
Gauge – with bulky yarn and large needles – 3sts/in
Stitch Key
k – knit
p – purl
k2tog – knit 2 together
Snowman Beanie Pattern
Newborn
Cast on 39sts in bulky weight yarn using your larger sized needles.
Rounds 1-4 – [k2p1] around
Increase 1 stitch, k around (40sts)
Continue working in stockinette st until your work measures 4ins from cast on edge.
Decreases
Round 1 – [k2tog k3] around (32sts)
Round 2 – knit around
Round 3 – [k2tog k2] around (24sts)
Round 4 – [k2tog k1] around (16sts)
Round 5 – [k2tog] around (8sts)
Using a needle and thread sew on the snowman face buttons. If you would like your snowman without earmuffs this is where you will stop. For earmuffs see the end of the pattern.
0-3mths
Cast on 42sts in bulky weight yarn using your larger sized needles.
Rounds 1-4 – [k2p1] around
Continue working in stockinette st until your work measures 4ins from cast on edge.
Decreases
Round 1 – [k2tog k4] (34sts)
Round 2 – knit around
Round 3 – [k2tog k3] around (28sts)
Round 4 – knit around
Round 5 – [k2tog k2] around (21sts)
Round 6 – [k2tog k1] around (14sts)
Round 7 – [k2tog] around (7sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn and pull through remaining stitches. Using a needle and thread sew on the snowman face buttons. If you would like your snowman without earmuffs this is where you will stop. For earmuffs see the end of the pattern.
3-6mths
Cast on 45sts in bulky weight yarn using your larger sized needles.
Rounds 1-5 – [k2p1] around
Continue working in stockinette st until your work measures 4.5ins from cast on edge.
Decreases
Round 1 – [k2tog k13] (42sts)
Round 2 – [k2tog k4] (34sts)
Round 3 – knit around
Round 4 – [k2tog k3] around (28sts)
Round 5 – [k2tog k2] around (21sts)
Round 6 – [k2tog k1] around (14sts)
Round 7 – [k2tog] around (7sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn and pull through remaining stitches. Using a needle and thread sew on the snowman face buttons. If you would like your snowman without earmuffs this is where you will stop. For earmuffs see the end of the pattern.
6-12mths
Cast on 48sts in bulky weight yarn using your larger sized needles.
Rounds 1-5 – [k2p1] around
Continue working in stockinette st until your work measures 5ins from cast on edge.
Decreases
Round 1 – [k2tog k4] (40sts)
Round 2 – knit around
Round 3 – [k2tog k3] around (32sts)
Round 4 – knit around
Round 5 – [k2tog k2] around (24sts)
Round 6 – [k2tog k1] around (16sts)
Round 7 – [k2tog] around (8sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn and pull through remaining stitches. Using a needle and thread sew on the snowman face buttons. If you would like your snowman without earmuffs this is where you will stop. For earmuffs see the end of the pattern.
Toddler
Cast on 51sts in bulky weight yarn using your larger sized needles.
Rounds 1-6 – [k2p1] around
Continue working in stockinette st until your work measures 5.25ins from cast on edge.
Decreases
Round 1 – [k2tog k15] around (48sts)
Round 2 – [k2tog k4] (40sts)
Round 3 – knit around
Round 4 – [k2tog k3] around (32sts)
Round 5 – knit around
Round 6 – [k2tog k2] around (24sts)
Round 7 – [k2tog k1] around (16sts)
Round 8 – [k2tog] around (8sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn and pull through remaining stitches. Using a needle and thread sew on the snowman face buttons. If you would like your snowman without earmuffs this is where you will stop. For earmuffs see the end of the pattern.
Child
Cast on 54sts in bulky weight yarn using your larger sized needles.
Rounds 1-6 – [k2p1] around
Continue working in stockinette st until your work measures 5.75ins from cast on edge.
Decreases
Round 2 – [k2tog k4] (45sts)
Round 3 – knit around
Round 4 – [k2tog k3] around (36sts)
Round 5 – knit around
Round 6 – [k2tog k2] around (27sts)
Round 7 – [k2tog k1] around (18sts)
Round 8 – [k2tog] around (9sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn and pull through remaining stitches. Using a needle and thread sew on the snowman face buttons. If you would like your snowman without earmuffs this is where you will stop. For earmuffs see the end of the pattern.
If you want to stop here this is what your hat will look like
Earmuffs for newborn – 3-6mths (make 2)
Cast on 40sts using your worsted weight yarn and smaller needles leaving a long tail (apps 18-24ins) to sew muffs onto hat.
Round 1 &2 – knit around
Round 3 – [k2tog] around (20sts)
Round 4–6 – knit around
Round 7 – [k2tog] 10sts
Do not bind off. Cut yarn and pull through remaining stitches. Sew onto your snowman on either side of the face.
Earmuffs for 6-12mths – child (make 2)
Cast on 48sts using your worsted weight yarn and smaller needles leaving a long tail (apps 18-24ins) to sew muffs onto hat.
Round 1-3 – knit around
Round 4 – [k2tog] around (24sts)
Round 5–7 – knit around
Round 8 – [k2tog] 12sts
Do not bind off. Cut yarn and pull through remaining stitches. Sew onto your snowman on either side of the face.
Band (between muffs)
Cast on 5 sts in bulky weight yarn using your smaller needles leaving appx 8ins to sew the band onto the hat.
Knit every row until your band reaches from one ear muff to the other without being stretched. Bind off leaving appx 8ins to sew band onto hat. Sew the band so it is touching from the top of one earmuff to the other.
Snowman Beanie PDF
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