Free knitting patterns for hats are one of my favorite things to keep on my needles, and if you love free hat knitting patterns. Hats are such a good project when you want something useful, giftable, and not too overwhelming. In this post, I am sharing the Sarah Beanie, a fitted lace beanie pattern that works for babies, kids, and adults. If you have been looking for free knitting patterns for hats that let you try a pretty stitch pattern without committing to a huge project, this one is a great place to start.

The Sarah Beanie is simple enough to be relaxing, but the lace stitch keeps it from feeling boring. It is also a fun way to use a worsted weight yarn you already love, especially if you want a hat that looks nice with or without a pompom.

This pattern is written in several sizes, so you can make one for a newborn, a child, or an adult. I love hat patterns like this because once you understand the stitch repeat, it is easy to make more than one.

What materials do I need for the Sarah Beanie?

For this Sarah Beanie, you will need 75-250 yards of worsted weight yarn, depending on the size you are making. I used Berroco Vintage, which is a soft and practical yarn that works well for everyday hats. You will also need size 7 (4.5mm) double-pointed needles or a 16-inch circular needle, plus a yarn needle for finishing.

This free hat knitting pattern also works well with an optional faux fur pompom if you want to add one at the top. I like using removable pompom buttons because they make it easy to take the pompom off before washing the hat.

The Sarah Beanie has a classic fitted shape, so it looks good on its own too. The pompom is just a fun extra if you want to change the finished look.

How do I knit the Sarah Beanie?

The Sarah Beanie is worked in the round, starting with a simple k1, p1 ribbing at the brim. After the ribbing, you will knit one plain round and then begin the lace stitch pattern. The stitch pattern uses basic increases and decreases like yarn overs, ssk, and k2tog to create the lace design.

If you have knit the Child Sarah Tee before, you may recognize this stitch pattern. It gives the beanie a pretty texture without making the whole project feel too complicated.

The decreases continue the look of the stitch pattern while shaping the top of the hat. Once only a few stitches remain, you will cut the yarn, pull it through the remaining stitches, cinch the top closed, and weave in your ends.

What other free knitting patterns for hats should I try?

If you enjoy free knitting patterns for hats, here are a few more designs you may want to check out next:

• Miriam Beanie
• Martha Beanie
• Rosebud Beanie
• Carmi Hat
• Vine Slouch

These patterns are nice options if you like knitting pieces that use texture, lace, or coordinating stitch designs. The Sarah Beanie fits right in with those projects because it has that same pretty Sarah stitch pattern in a quick hat format.

Hat knitting is one of those things I keep coming back to because it is fast, useful, and easy to customize. You can make a fitted beanie, add a pompom, leave it plain, or use your favorite color of yarn.

Sarah Beanie Free Pattern

Materials Needed: 75-250yds worsted weight yarn (I used Berroco Vintage (218y/100g), size 7 (4.5mm) dpn or circular, yarn needle

Gauge: 20sts/10cms or 4ins   

Sizes (appx head circumference) [appx finished measurements laid flat]:

Newborn (33cms,13ins) [16.5x13cms, 6.5x5ins]

baby (38cms, 15ins) [19×16.5cms, 7.5×6.5ins]

child (46cms,18ins) [23x19cms, 9×7.5ins]

small adult (51cms, 20ins) [25.5x18cms, 10×8.5ins]

large adult (56cms, 22ins) [28x23cms, 11x9ins]

STITCH CHART

In the Round Instructions

Round 1 – [k2, yo, ssk, k2, yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, k2, k2tog, yo, k2] around

Round 2 – knit around

Round 3 – [k1,yo, ssk, k2, yo, ssk, k2, k2tog, yo, k2, k2tog, yo, k1] around

Round 4 – knit around

Round 5 – [k4, yo, ssk, k4, k2tog, yo, k4] around

Round 6 – knit around

Round 7 – [k3, yo, ssk, k6, k2tog, yo, k3] around

Round 8 – knit around

SARAH BEANIE

Cast on 48 (64, 80, 96) 112. Join in the round.

Work 2.5cms or 1ins k1p1 ribbing.

Knit 1 round

Work in Stitch Pattern starting on round 1 until your work measures appx 9 (10, 14, 17) 19.5 cms or 3.5 (4, 5.5, 6.5) 7.5 ins from cast on edge ending after completing a round 3.

DECREASES

Round 1 – [k2, yo, ssk, k2, ssk, k2tog, k2, k2tog, yo, k2] Repeat [to] around (42 (56, 70, 84) 98sts)

Round 2 – knit around

Round 3 – [k1, yo, ssk, k2, ssk, k2tog, k2, k2tog, k1] Repeat [to] around (36 (48, 60, 72) 84sts)

Round 4 – knit around

Round 5 – [k4, ssk, k2tog, k4] Repeat [to] around (30 (40, 50, 60) 70sts)

Round 6 – Knit around

Round 7 – [k3, ssk, k2tog, k3] Repeat [to] around (24 (32, 40, 48) 56sts)

Round 8 – [k2, ssk, k2tog, k2] Repeat [to] around (18 (24, 30, 36) 42sts)

Round 9 – [k1, ssk, k2tog, k1] Repeat [to] around (12 (16, 20, 24) 28sts)

Round 10 – [ssk, k2tog] Repeat [to] around (6 (8, 10, 12) 14sts)

Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving a long enough tail to weave in ends. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the top tight. Weave in ends. Block as desired.

Stitch Key:

K – knit                   

p – purl

st(s) – stitch(es)      

k2tog – knit 2 stitches together

ssk – slip, slip, knit the slipped sts together

What is your favorite kind of hat to knit: fitted, slouchy, lace, cables, or something simple? Leave a comment and tell me what you usually reach for first!

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through one of my links.