A Free Knitting Pattern by Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels

Made using only knit stitches, this easy and fast hat is the simplest of all my hat knitting patterns. It knits up quickly because you will use super bulky yarn and large knitting needles.

Knit these hats with wool (as pictured) or substitute your favorite yarn material. Just be sure to choose “super bulky” weight yarn. Try any solid color you like or mix it up with a multi-colored yarn. (Amazon affiliate link.)

About This Free Fast and Easy Knit Hat Knitting Pattern

This simple knit hat is a beginner-level knitting pattern. You will need to know how to make a long-tail cast on, knit, and draw yarn thru the remaining stitches. If you are not familiar with these skills, find quick, free lessons in my Learn to Knit Guide.

Materials

You will need the following materials, which you can purchase at your local yarn shop or on Amazon.com via the affiliate links below:

Knitting Needles:

Short Circular Needles

• 16-inch (91 cm) long US No. 13 (9 mm) circular needle (or size needed to obtain gauge)

Yarn:

One 44-yard (100 gram) skein of super bulky weight yarn* (shown in KnitPicks Tuff Puff), in your choice of color.

• Baby size uses about 22 yards (50 grams)
• One-Size-Fits-Most uses about 44 yards (100 grams)

*Weights estimated with Knit Picks Tuff Puff yarn; other yarn weights may vary. Weight does not include gauge swatch. A 4×4 inch gauge swatch with a 2 row by 3 stitch border uses an additional 22 yards (50 grams.).

Tools:

A stitch marker, a measuring tape and a darning needle.

Gauge

20 stitches x 28 rows = 4 x 4 inches in stockinette stitch on No. 5 (3.75 mm) needles. (Learn how to check your gauge here.)

Abbreviations

k = knit

Instructions: Baby Size Fast & Easy 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 Fast & Easy 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 20 stitches. Weave in ends.

Print the Free Fast and Easy Knit Hat Knitting Pattern

Printable Fast and Easy Knit Hat Pattern PDF by Liz @PurlsAndPixels

Find More Knitting Patterns

Want to knit more? Explore my complete knitting pattern collection here.

©2024, Liz Chandler of PurlsAndPixels.

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.

Ribbed Hat

To make this ribbed hat, you will work in a simple knit, purl pattern. This will create a stretchy ribbing, which allows the hat to fit most head sizes from children through adults. Working from the bottom of the hat, upward, you will knit a long tube before adding decreases to close the top of the hat. Folding the brim will not only help it fit most heads properly, but will also add an extra layer of warmth around the ears.

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 complete, row-by-row instructions
• Easy to print or use on your tablet
• Supports my small business 💖

Download the Ribbed Hat PDF – $9.99

Using the suggested acrylic yarn will give you a soft, solid-colored hat. Try experimenting with yarn colors, textures, and materials to make this hat more unique. Be sure you choose worsted weight yarn and check your gauge before substituting materials.

The purple hat pictured here was made by substituting Malabrigo Rios merino wool yarn in the color “Lotus.” (Amazon affiliate link.)

About This Free Ribbed Hat Knitting Pattern

This simple ribbed hat is an easy-level knitting pattern. You will need to know how to make a long-tail cast on, knit, purl, decrease, and draw yarn thru the remaining stitches. If you are not familiar with these skills, find quick, free lessons in my Learn to Knit Guide.

Materials

You will need the following materials, which you can purchase at your local yarn shop or on Amazon.com via the affiliate links below:

Knitting Needles:

Short Circular Needles (optional)

• 16-inch (41 cm) long US No. 5 (3.75 mm) circular needle (or size needed to obtain gauge)

Double Point Needles (DPNs)

• 7-inch (18 cm) long US No. 5 (3.75 mm) DPNs (or size needed to obtain gauge)

Or Long Circular Needles (optional)

• 36-inch (91 cm) long US No. 5 (3.75 mm) circular needle (or size needed to obtain gauge)

Yarn:

One 315-yard (6 ounce) skein of worsted weight yarn* (shown in Caron Simply Soft Yarn), in your choice of color.

• one hat uses about one hat uses about 157.5 yards (3 oz.)

*Shown in Caron Simply Soft Yarn in “Pagoda.” Weights estimated with Caron Simply Soft yarn; other yarn weights may vary. Weight does not include gauge swatch. A 4×4 inch gauge swatch with a 2 row by 3 stitch border uses an additional 21 yards (0.4 oz.).

Tools:

A stitch marker, a measuring tape and a darning needle.

Gauge

20 stitches x 28 rows = 4 x 4 inches in stockinette stitch on No. 5 (3.75 mm) needles. (Learn how to check your gauge here.)

Abbreviations

k = knit

p = purl

** = repeat the pattern between the asterisks

ssk = slip, slip, knit

Instructions: One-Size-Fits-Most Ribbed Hat

(Fits most children, teens, and adults or 18-inch to 25-inch head circumference)

Use the Long-Tail Cast On method. Knit in the round. For Double Point Needles, follow DPN instructions written in italics. For circular needles, follow instructions written in bold. On long circular needles, follow the Magic Loop instructions. Or, for this size, you can substitute short (16-inch) circular needles to knit in the round without the Magic Loop; you will need to switch to DPNs or the Magic Loop to complete the decreases at the top of the hat. If desired, use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning/ends of your rows/rounds by placing it between the last and first stitch of each row/round.

[Using No. 5 DPNs or short circular needles] Row 1: Cast on 88 stitches. Divide onto 3 DPNs (30 on 1^st, 28 on 2^nd, and 30 on 3^rd DPN). Or separate stitches on long circular needles for Magic Loop (44 on each side). Or place all cast on stitches onto short circular needles. (88 stitches)

Row 2: Join the round (taking care not to twist stitches) and *k, p* x 44. (88 stitches)

Rows 3 – 75: *k, p* x 44. (88 stitches) {Work should measure 11 inches at this point.}

{Begin decreases.}Row 76: ssk, (*k, p* x 4), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 4), p, ssk, (*k, p* x 4), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 4), p, ssk, (*k, p* x 4), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 4), p, ssk, (*k, p* x 4), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 4), p. (80 stitches)

Row 77: ssk, (*p, k* x 4), ssk, (*k, p* x 4), ssk, (*p, k* x 4), ssk, (*k, p* x 4), ssk, (*p, k* x 4), ssk, (*k, p* x 4), ssk, (*p, k* x 4), ssk, (*k, p* x 4). (72 stitches)

Row 78: ssk, (*k, p* x 3), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 3), p, ssk, (*k, p* x 3), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 3), p, ssk, (*k, p* x 3), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 3), p, ssk, (*k, p* x 3), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 3), p. (64 stitches)

Row 79: ssk, (*p, k* x 3), ssk, (*k, p* x 3), ssk, (*p, k* x 3), ssk, (*k, p* x 3), ssk, (*p, k* x 3), ssk, (*k, p* x 3), ssk, (*p, k* x 3), ssk, (*k, p* x 3). (56 stitches)

[Switch to No. 5 DPNs or long circular needles and the Magic Loop] Row 80: ssk, (*k, p* x 2), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 2), p, ssk, (*k, p* x 2), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 2), p, ssk, (*k, p* x 2), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 2), p, ssk, (*k, p* x 2), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 2), p. (48 stitches)

Row 81: ssk, (*p, k* x 2), ssk, (*k, p* x 2), ssk, (*p, k* x 2), ssk, (*k, p* x 2), ssk, (*p, k* x 2), ssk, (*k, p* x 2), ssk, (*p, k* x 2), ssk, (*k, p* x 2). (40 stitches)

Row 82: *ssk, k, p, k, ssk, p, k, p* x 4. (32 stitches)

Row 83: *ssk, p, k, ssk, k, p* x 4. (24 stitches)

Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail. With darning needle, draw yarn tightly through remaining 24 stitches. Weave in ends. Block if desired.

Print the Free Ribbed Hat Knitting Pattern

Printable Ribbed Hat Pattern PDF by Liz @PurlsAndPixels

Find More Knitting Patterns

If you like this, check out the other knitting patterns I’ve written. They’re all gathered on one page, which you can find on my knitting pattern collection page.

©2022, Liz Chandler of PurlsAndPixels. Revised 2025.

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.

Basic Pillow Covers

This pattern will show you how to make simple pillow covers by knitting in the round on circular needles. Using only the knit stitch creates a smooth, stockinette stitch pattern. The top and bottom edges of stockinette that has been knit in the round will naturally curl. When you sew the edges of the pillow together, the curl adds a decorative touch to these basic pillowcase.

You can sew the edges with a simple “running stitch” and a strand of yarn in the same color. Or try using a contrasting yarn color or a fancy ribbon to make your pillows more unique. Once you are finished, you can leave the pillows plain for a minimalist look. Or decorate your pillow cover with embroidery, faux flowers, or applique patches.

About This Free Pillow Cover Knitting Pattern

This simple pillow cover is an easy-level knitting pattern. You will need to know how to make a long-tail cast on, make a knit stitch, work in the round on circular needles, and bind off in the round. If you are not familiar with these skills, find quick, free lessons in my Learn to Knit Guide.

Knit Along with Me

In this video, I will show you how to make this knit pillow from start to finish. You can follow along using the knitting pattern below.

Basic Pillow Cover Knitting Pattern

Materials

You will need the following materials, which you can purchase at your local yarn shop or on Amazon.com via the affiliate links below:

Knitting Needles:

Extra-Short Circular Needles (for size mini)
12-inch (30 cm) long US No. 8 (5.0 mm) circular needle (or size needed to obtain gauge)

Short Circular Needles (for size small)
16-inch (41 cm) long US No. 8 (5.0 mm) circular needle (or size needed to obtain gauge)

Or Long Circular Needles (for sizes medium and large)
36-inch (91 cm) long US No. 8 (5.0 mm) circular needle (or size needed to obtain gauge)

Yarn:
One or two 315-yard (6 ounce) skeins of worsted weight yarn* (shown in Caron Simply Soft Yarn), in your choice of color.

• Mini size uses about 52.5 yards (1 oz)
• Small size uses about 204.75 yards (3.9 oz.)
• Medium size uses about 315 yards (6 oz.)
• Large size uses about 388.5 yards (7.4 oz.)

*Shown in Caron Simply Soft Yarn in “Pagoda,” “Robins Egg,” “Charcoal Heather,” and “Orchid.” Weights estimated with Caron Simply Soft yarn; other yarn weights may vary. Weight does not include gauge swatch. A 4×4 inch gauge swatch with a 2 row by 3 stitch border uses an additional 21 yards (0.4 oz.).

Pillow Insert:

One square pillow-insert in the correct size.

• Mini size requires a 5-inch x 5-inch (12.7 cm) pillow
• Small size requires a 12-inch x 12-inch (30.48 cm) pillow
• Medium size requires a 16-inch x 16-inch (40.64 cm) pillow
• Large size requires an 18-inch x 18-inch (45.72 cm) pillow

Tools:

A stitch marker, a measuring tape and a darning needle.

Gauge

18 stitches x 24 rows = 4 x 4 inches in stockinette stitch on No. 8 (5.0 mm) needles. (Learn how to check your gauge here.)

Abbreviations

k = knit

Instructions: Mini Size Pillow Cover

(Fits 5-inch x 5-inch pillows; measures 6 inches  x 10 inches when laid flat off the pillow)

Use the long-tail cast on method. Knit in the round. For this size, work with extra-short (12-inch) circular needles. If desired, use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning/ends of your rows/rounds by placing it between the last and first stitch of each row/round.

Row 1: Cast on 40 stitches.

Row 2: Join the round (taking care not to twist stitches) and k 40. (40 stitches)

Rows 3 – 46: k 40. (40 stitches) {Work should measure 10 inches at this point.}

Row 47: Bind off loosely in knit stitch pattern. Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail, and pull through. Weave in ends. Block if desired.

Insert a 5-inch by 5-inch pillow into the cover. Thread a strand of yarn about two feet long in the same or a contrasting color onto a darning needle. Count about seven rows up from the bottom of the pillow; use this as a starting point to begin sewing the first end of the pillow closed. Use the holes created by the knitting to line up both sides and a “running stitch” to sew the bottom edge together. Tie off the loose ends. Count about seven rows down from the top of the pillow and sew the top edge closed in the same manner.

Instructions: Small Size Pillow Cover

(Fits 12-inch x 12-inch pillows; measures 13 inches  x 17 inches when laid flat off the pillow)

Use the long-tail cast on method. Knit in the round. For this size, work with short (16-inch) circular needles. If desired, use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning/ends of your rows/rounds by placing it between the last and first stitch of each row/round.

Row 1: Cast on 86 stitches.

Row 2: Join the round (taking care not to twist stitches) and k 86. (86 stitches)

Rows 3 – 79: k 86. (86 stitches) {Work should measure 17 inches at this point.}

Row 80: Bind off loosely in knit stitch pattern. Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail, and pull through. Weave in ends. Block if desired.

Insert a 12-inch by 12-inch pillow into the cover. Thread a strand of yarn about four feet long in the same or a contrasting color onto a darning needle. Count about seven rows up from the bottom of the pillow; use this as a starting point to begin sewing the first end of the pillow closed. Use the holes created by the knitting to line up both sides and a “running stitch” to sew the bottom edge together. Tie off the loose ends. Count about seven rows down from the top of the pillow and sew the top edge closed in the same manner.

Instructions: Medium Size Pillow Cover

(Fits 16-inch x 16-inch pillows; measures 17 inches  x 21 inches when laid flat off the pillow)

Use the long-tail cast on method. Knit in the round. For this size, work with long (36-inch) circular needles. If desired, use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning/ends of your rows/rounds by placing it between the last and first stitch of each row/round.

Row 1: Cast on 112 stitches.

Row 2: Join the round (taking care not to twist stitches) and k 112. (112 stitches)

Rows 3 – 97: k 112. (112 stitches) {Work should measure 21 inches at this point.}

Row 98: Bind off loosely in knit stitch pattern. Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail, and pull through. Weave in ends. Block if desired.

Insert a 16-inch by 16-inch pillow into the cover. Thread a strand of yarn about four feet long in the same or a contrasting color onto a darning needle. Count about seven rows up from the bottom of the pillow; use this as a starting point to begin sewing the first end of the pillow closed. Use the holes created by the knitting to line up both sides and a “running stitch” to sew the bottom edge together. Tie off the loose ends. Count about seven rows down from the top of the pillow and sew the top edge closed in the same manner.

Instructions: Large Size Pillow Cover

(Fits 18-inch x 18-inch pillows; measures 19 inches  x 23 inches when laid flat off the pillow)

Use the long-tail cast on method. Knit in the round. For this size, work with long (36-inch) circular needles. If desired, use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning/ends of your rows/rounds by placing it between the last and first stitch of each row/round.

Row 1: Cast on 126 stitches.

Row 2: Join the round (taking care not to twist stitches) and k 126. (126 stitches)

Rows 3 – 106: k 126. (126 stitches) {Work should measure 23 inches at this point.}

Row 107: Bind off loosely in knit stitch pattern. Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail, and pull through. Weave in ends. Block if desired.

Insert an 18-inch by 18-inch pillow into the cover. Thread a strand of yarn about four feet long in the same or a contrasting color onto a darning needle. Count about seven rows up from the bottom of the pillow; use this as a starting point to begin sewing the first end of the pillow closed. Use the holes created by the knitting to line up both sides and a “running stitch” to sew the bottom edge together. Tie off the loose ends. Count about seven rows down from the top of the pillow and sew the top edge closed in the same manner.

Print the Free Basic Pillow Cover Pattern

Printable Basic Pillow Cover Knitting Pattern PDF by Liz @PurlsAndPixels

Find More Knitting Patterns

If you like this, check out the other knitting patterns I’ve written. They’re all gathered on one page, which you can find here.

©2022, Liz Chandler of PurlsAndPixels.

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.