This super-bulky knit hat is intentionally designed as an early knitting-in-the-round project and has been used successfully by kids and adult beginners learning to knit. The pattern limits techniques to the knit stitch, uses simple circular construction, and works with thick yarn so stitches are easy to see and the motion stays consistent from start to finish. There is no purling, no stitch pattern changes, and no shaping decisions to make until the final section of the hat.
This article explains how to knit a super-bulky hat, with step-by-step instructions suitable for complete beginners. You will knit in the round using only the knit stitch, then finish the top of the hat to create a warm, wearable beanie that fits most heads, with a baby size included.
On this page: About · Materials · Gauge · Skills used · Instructions · Care · Sharing
About This Super-Bulky Knit Hat
This hat is designed to make knitting in the round feel approachable. Once you join your stitches, you knit every round and watch the hat grow upward. There are no stitch changes and no pattern repeats to memorize.
The super-bulky yarn makes each stitch easy to see and hold, which helps kids understand how knitting in the round works. When finished, the hat is warm, soft, and sturdy enough for everyday winter wear.
Materials
Knitting Needles
- 16-inch (41 cm) long US No. 13 (9 mm) circular needle (or size needed to obtain gauge)
Yarn
One 106-yard (6-ounce) skein of super-bulky (No. 6) yarn* (shown in Wool-Ease Thick and Quick by Lion Brand Yarn “Bluegrass”), in your choice of color).
- Baby size uses approximately 21.2 yards (1.2 oz.)
- One-Size-Fits-Most uses about 58.3 yards (3.3 ounces)
*Weights estimated with Wool Ease Thick & Quick by Lion Brand Yarn; other yarn weights may vary.
Notions
Gauge
10 stitches x 18 rows = 4 x 4 inches in garter stitch on No. 13 (9.0 mm) needles.
Gauge is typically measured in stockinette stitch, and because this hat is worked in the round using only the knit stitch, the finished fabric is stockinette. However, gauge is measured in garter stich here for consistency with the other kids’ knitting patterns. Exact gauge is not critical for this project.
Abbreviations
Skills Used
This super-bulky knit hat is a great first project for knitting in the round because it is simple, repetitive, and easy to follow. To make the super-bulky knit hat, you’ll only need to know how to:
- Cast on
- Work in the round on circular needles
- Knit stitch
- Draw yarn thru the remaining stitches
- Weave in loose ends
This hat is knit in the round using only the knit stitch. The brim curls naturally, so no fancy stitching is required. Repeating the same motion as the hat grows is a great way to build confidence and get comfortable knitting in the round.
Try to keep your stitches snug, but not tight. They should slide easily on the needle so you can insert your needle into each loop without forcing it. This pattern is a simple place to practice finding that balance.
Want to knit along with me? I’ve linked a video lesson on this page that shows the full hat from cast on to finishing. 🧣
Prefer to knit offline?
This pattern is free to read below, but if you’d rather print it or save it for later, I’ve created a clean, ad-free PDF version for you.
- Includes materials list and complete knitting instructions
- Easy to print or use on your tablet
- Supports my small business 💖
Instructions: Baby Size Super-Bulky Knit Hat
(10.5-inch to 16-inch [26.67-cm to 40.64-cm] head circumference)
Use the Long-Tail Cast On method. Knit in the round.
Row 1: Cast on 20 stitches.
Rows 2 – 21: k 20. (20 stitches) [Work should measure 6 inches at this point.]
Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail. With a darning needle, draw yarn tightly through the remaining 20 stitches. Weave in ends.
Instructions: One-Size-Fits-Most Super-Bulky Knit Hat
(16-inch to 25-inch [40.64-cm to 63.5-cm] head circumference)
Use the Long-Tail Cast On method. Knit in the round.
Row 1: Cast on 32 stitches.
Rows 2 – 33: k 32. (32 stitches) [Work should measure 11 inches at this point.]
Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail. With a darning needle, draw yarn tightly through the remaining 32 stitches. Weave in ends.
Save or print this pattern
Get the PDF version of this Super-Bulky Hat Knitting Pattern.
Care
If you use the materials listed above, your hat will be machine washable. For best results, hand wash or use a delicate cycle in cold water. Lay flat to dry or tumble dry low.
🛁 Read more Knitwear Care Tips
Copyright, Sharing, and Selling Finished Items
©2024, Liz Chandler of PurlsAndPixels. Revised 2026.
This pattern is for personal use, gifting, and charitable donation of completed items. You may also sell handmade items created using this pattern. Do not copy this pattern and distribute it. If you’d like to share the pattern, refer your friends to my website, purlsandpixels.com so they may obtain a copy.
If you find any errors or have any questions, email purlsandpixels@gmail.com and I will do my best to help.
I’d love to see your finished work! Tag your photos with @PurlsAndPixels on Twitter or Instagram.
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