I originally designed this simple hat pattern as part of a knit-a-long demonstrating how to knit a properly fitting hat.

The key, as with all knitting, is to be sure you first knit a gauge swatch. Once you’re sure you are getting gauge, choose a circumference that is 0–2” / 0–5 cm smaller than your actual head circumference. Negative ease will ensure a properly fitting hat!

The original individual pattern is still available for purchase and download here!

A version of this pattern is also available as part of the book Home & Away: Knits for Everyday Adventures.

Both patterns include instructions for hats in five sizes at three different gauges!

to fit: Baby 16” (Toddler 18”, Child 20”, Adult 22”, XL Adult 24”)

Hat shown in size 23” / 58 cm with no ease, suggested negative ease of 0 - 2” / 0 - 5 cm

version a: bulky weight

finished circumference 15 (17, 19, 21, 23)“ / 38 (43, 48, 53, 58) cm

finished height: 6 (6.75, 7.75, 8.75, 9.75)” /15.25 (17, 19.5, 22.25, 24.75) cm

yarn: Quince & Co Osprey (100% American wool, 170 yds / 155m, 100 g) 1 skein Peaks Ferry #132 OR 45 (56, 70, 88, 110) yds / 41 (51, 64, 80, 100)m of bulky weight yarn

needles: US 9 / 5.5mm 16” circular; US 10 / 6.0mm 16” circular and set of dpns

notions: stitch markers, tapestry needle

gauge: 14 sts and 20 rows = 4” / 10 cm in St st

version b: worsted weight

finished circumference: 14.5 (16.75, 19.25, 20.75, 22.5)“ / 37 (42.5, 49, 52.75, 57.25) cm

finished height: 5.5 (6.25, 7.25, 8.5, 9.75)” / 14 (15.75, 18.25, 21.5, 24.75) cm

yarn: Quince & Co Lark (100% American wool, 134 yds / 123m, 50g) 1 (1, 1, 2, 2) skeins Clay #113 OR 75 (95, 115, 140, 170) yds / 69 (87, 105, 125, 155) of worsted weight yarn

needles: US 5 / 3.5mm 16” circular; US 7 / 4.5mm 16” circular and set of dpns

notions: stitch markers, tapestry needle

gauge: 20 sts and 28 rows = 4” / 10 cm in St st

version c: dk weight

finished circumference 15 (16.25, 18.75, 21, 22.75)“ / 38 (41.25, 47.75, 53, 57.75) cm

finished height: 5.75 (7, 7.25, 8.5, 9.5)” / 14.5 (17.75, 18.25, 21.5, 24) cm

yarn: Quince & Co Chickadee (100% American wool, 170 yds / 155m, 100 g) 1 (1, 1, 2, 2) skeins OR 92 (116, 144, 180, 215) / 84 (106, 132, 165, 197)m of dk weight yarn

needles: US 3 / 3.0mm 16” circular; US 5 / 3.5mm 16” circular and set of dpns

notions: stitch markers, tapestry needle

gauge: 24 sts and 32 rows = 4” / 10 cm in St st