When the temperatures start to drop, there’s nothing better than having a cozy, handmade hat to keep you warm. Whether you’re knitting something special for yourself or for loved ones, free hat knitting patterns are a fantastic way to get started. Today, I’m excited to share 6 free hat knitting patterns that are perfect for winter. All of these patterns are available on my blog, and I’ve linked each one below for easy access. Plus, I’ll recommend some of my favorite yarns to pair with each project, so you can create a hat that’s not only warm but also looks amazing.

1. The Porter Hat

The Porter Hat is a simple and stylish beanie, perfect for winter. Its subtle texture and relaxed fit make it an excellent choice for anyone, no matter their style. Designed with basic knit stitches, this is an ideal pattern for beginners or anyone looking for a project they can enjoy while relaxing.

What I love about the Porter Hat is its versatility—you can knit it in a solid color for a minimalist look or use a variegated yarn to add personality to the hat. Since it’s knit in the round, you won’t have any seams to deal with, making it even easier to finish.

For this hat, I recommend using Cascade 220 Superwash yarn. It’s warm, comes in a wide range of colors, and is affordable, so you can make several hats without breaking the bank. You can find the Porter Hat free knitting pattern [here] and the yarn [here]

2. Cozy Up with the Dathan Hat

The Dathan Hat is perfect for those days when you need an extra layer of warmth. This beanie has a the simplest of stitches, making it extra cozy and fun to knit up The body of the hat is simple knit and purl only stitch pattern lets your tension be the star of the show. It’s a snug-fitting beanie, perfect for cold days when you want something that will stay put and keep the chill out.

What I love about the Dathan Hat is its easy customization. Add a faux fur pom-pom to the top for a trendy look, or keep it classic without one. This hat will keep you warm whether you’re out for a walk in the snow or running errands around town.

I made my Dathan Hat using Cascade 220 Superwash, which is soft, fluffy, and feels incredibly luxurious without being too heavy. You can grab the Dathan Hat pattern for free [here] and the yarn [here]

3. Newborn Everyday Beanie

For those who enjoy knitting for babies, the Newborn Everyday Beanie is the perfect pattern. This free hat knitting pattern is a smaller version of the original Everyday Beanie, designed specifically for newborns. Knit with Bernat Softee Baby yarn, it’s light enough for delicate baby skin but warm enough for chilly winter days.

The Newborn Everyday Beanie features a 1×1 ribbed fold-up brim and decreases that form an “X” at the top. It’s stretchy enough to fit babies from 6 to 12 pounds comfortably, making it a great gift for a baby shower or a winter photoshoot. Plus, its simple design means it pairs well with any winter outfit.

I love how this beanie is both functional and stylish. You can find the Newborn Everyday Beanie free knitting pattern [here] and the yarn [here].

4. The Everyday Beanie

Next on the list is the Everyday Beanie, the grown-up version of the Newborn Everyday Beanie. This is one of those free hat knitting patterns that will quickly become a go-to in your knitting rotation. With its simple 1×1 ribbing and fold-up brim, it’s a classic, timeless design that suits everyone. Whether you’re knitting for yourself or someone else, this beanie is sure to be a hit.

The Everyday Beanie has great stretch, thanks to the ribbing, and the decreases at the crown form an “X” at the top, giving it a clean, polished finish. It’s the kind of hat you’ll want to knit in multiple colors, and because the design is so simple, it’s easy to adjust the length or width to suit your personal preferences.

I recommend using Lion Brand Heartland for this beanie. It’s a durable yarn that’s machine-washable, which is perfect for everyday wear. You can find the Everyday Beanie free knitting pattern [here] and the yarn [here].

5. The Leah Hat

The Leah Hat is another fantastic free hat knitting pattern. This pattern features a fun, textured stitch pattern that gives it a unique look, while still keeping it simple enough for everyday wear. The Leah Hat is designed to have a snug fit around the brim, with a slightly slouchy top, making it a stylish yet practical winter accessory.

I love the Leah Hat because it’s the perfect blend of texture and simplicity. It’s knit in the round and uses basic knit and purl stitches, making it a great project for intermediate knitters who want to try something with a bit more texture. This hat is sure to become a winter staple in your wardrobe.

For the Leah Hat, I recommend using Berrocco Vintage. The wool blend comes on dozens upon dozens of beautiful colors, making it stand out while still being soft and warm. You can find the Leah Hat free knitting pattern [here] (link to Leah Hat pattern) and the yarn [here].

6. The Selah Beanie

The Selah Beanie is the final pattern on our list of free hat knitting patterns for winter. This classic beanie is knit in the round with a beautiful cable pattern that gives it both stretch and structure. The Selah Beanie is a great project for those looking to knit a cozy, snug-fitting hat that will keep you warm on the coldest days.

I love the beauty and elegance of the Selah Beanie. It’s versatile enough to wear with any winter outfit, and the cable design provides extra warmth. The crown decreases also give it a polished, professional look, making it a great hat to give as a gift or to keep for yourself.

I used Wool of the Andes Worsted for the Selah Beanie, which is a soft, machine-washable merino wool yarn. It’s durable enough for daily wear while still feeling luxurious. You can find the Selah Beanie free knitting pattern [here] and the yarn [here]

Wrapping Up

Winter is the perfect time to cozy up with your knitting needles and create something warm and practical. These free hat knitting patterns are great for both beginner and experienced knitters, and they make excellent gifts or additions to your own winter wardrobe. All of the patterns I’ve shared can be found for free on my blog, and I’ve linked each one so you can get started right away. Plus, I’ve recommended my favorite yarns to pair with each pattern to help you choose the perfect materials for your project.

Happy knitting, and don’t forget to share your finished hats with me on social media—I can’t wait to see your versions of these free hat knitting patterns!

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