Free Knitting Hat Patterns

Types of Hats

One of the most popular types of knitted hats is the beanie hat. This is a simple hat which can be knitted flat with a sewn seam using two needles, or knitted in the round using either double pointed or circular needles. This is a good basic hat which is suitable for beginners, or which can be knitted quickly by more experienced knitters. The advanced knitter can easily adapt a basic beanie hat pattern, customizing it with the addition of fancy stitches or color work.

Other types of hats that are popular with knitters are the ‘tam’ or ‘tam o shanter’ which is similar to a berry. There are some very interesting tam patterns available, and these can look stunning when worked in different colors.

Hats with brims are attractive and work particularly well when felted. Felted knitting is also extremely hard wearing and water resistant, making this a useful item for cold winter days.

Hats for children and babies are always popular and there are wide ranging types and styles available. These range from simple ‘pull on’ caps through to more fancy bonnets and novelty hats.

Finding Free Knitting Hat Patterns

One of the largest directories of free knitting patterns is KnittingPatternCentral.com. There are links to the large companies who offer free patterns, as well as to bloggers and other individuals who have just one or two designs they want to share.

Yarn companies and knitting magazines often offer free patterns on their websites as well. These can be a good place for the beginner to start, as the patterns will have all been professionally written and edited. Although most patterns on blogs and personal websites have been written with great care, others may not be clear or could be confusing for the beginner knitter to attempt.

Some other interesting websites:

• Straw.com: This site has many free hat patterns in a whole range of styles.
• GarnStudio.com: There is a large number of hat and other patterns at this site. The styles range from classic through to contemporary and offer something for everyone.
• Knitty.com: There are many different patterns and lots of useful information on this site.

Using a Free Knitting Pattern

Patterns that are in a PDF format can be useful as these will print out with ease. If the photograph is of good quality and prints well, this can be also be helpful when following an unfamiliar pattern.

With the wealth of free patterns available to you, you may want to start a bookmark folder on your computer to save links to interesting patterns. This saves hunting around at a later date looking for the perfect hat design!

Knitting Hats for Charity and Good Causes

Hats are a popular item to knit for charity. Hats are welcomed by chemotherapy patients, and there are groups which collect and distribute knitted hats. There are many free chemo hats and cap patterns available. HeadHuggers.org have a wealth of information on their website.

Baby hats are also welcomed by charities and hospitals. Again, many charities publish their own free patterns, along with help and advice for how to make them.

Another way to help charities and good causes with knitted hats is to make the hats and sell them, donating the money to the charity. Before proceeding, however, it is important to note whether the publisher of the pattern has imposed any restrictions to its use. Some pattern publishers state that products may not be made from their patterns for sale. If in doubt, drop a line to the designer and ask their permission.

Tips for Knitting Hats

Here are some general knitting tips that may be useful as you complete your first project:

• Hats knitted flat on two needles are the easiest.
• Knitting in the round on circular needles is quick as there is no purling or turning the work.
• Knit some flowers, add ribbon or other adornments to customize the hat.
• Hats which might need frequent washing such as baby bonnets should be knitted in easy care yarn.