Adult Loose Winter Cap Pattern - For Straight Needles

I received a request for an easy to knit hat pattern for beginners who do not yet know how to knit with circulars or DPNs (double pointed needles.) We're happy to oblige with this new hat pattern, designed to be knitted with straight knitting needles. It's not totally plain - we threw in some decorative stitches - horizontal seed stitch lines - but you can easily omit them and still have great results. The ribbing on the base of the cap allows it to fit most heads.

This hat is loose fitting - you can use a smaller needle and yarn for a tighter fit. Or, check out another straight needle hat pattern here These are both versatile and great for gifts. You can knit it in your favorite sports colors or have it match that Griffindor scarf you couldn't help but make, or use a decorative yarn to give it a classy look.

Note: The cuff in the image is turned up. If you do not wish to turn the cuff up, you can eliminate the first 14 rows of the hat body (this includes the first 2 rows of decorative stitching).

Items you'll need to make your hat:

Size 6 (4.25mm) straight knitting needles

Yarn used: Lion Brand Wool or any yarn in this category: Medium, Worsted-Weight, Afghan, Aran Yarn

Gauge: 1" x 1" = 5 stitches and 6 rows

Pattern Size: Adult - one size fits most

Begin With The Cuff:

Loosely cast on 114 st.

Row 1: (k2, p2) Repeat to end

Row 2: (p2, k2) Repeat to end *

* Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until the cuff measures 2 inches

Knit the Hat Body

Knit in St st for 12 rows

Next 2 rows - Decorative horizontal stitching - k 2 rows in a seed stitch

Knit in St st for another 9 rows

Next 2 rows - Decorative horizontal stitching - k 2 rows in a seed stitch

Knit 9 rows in St st

Next 2 rows - Decorative horizontal stitching - k 2 rows in a seed stitch

Taper Off The Hat Top

Beginning on a knit row, (k11, k2tog) Repeat 7 times, k to end

Next Row: Purl

Next Row: (k10, k2tog) Repeat 7 times, k to end

Next Row: Purl

Next Row: (k9, k2tog) Repeat 7 times, k to end

Next Row: Purl

Next Row: (k8, k2tog) Repeat to end

Next Row: Purl

Next 2 rows - Decorative horizontal stitching - k 2 rows in a seed stitch

Next Row: (k7, k2tog) Repeat ro end

Next Row: Purl

Next Row: (k6, k2tog) Repeat to end

Next Row: Purl

Next Row: (k5, k2tog) Repeat to end

Next Row: Purl

Next Row: (k4, k2tog) Repeat to end

Next Row: Purl

Next Row: (k3, k2tog)

Next Row: Purl

Next Row: (k2tog) Repeat to end

Next Row: Purl

Next Row: (k2tog) Repeat to end

Next Row: Purl

Finishing

Leaving a long tail (about 24", to be safe) cut the yarn and thread it through the remaining 9 loops and back through the first loop. Pull snug. Use the remaining tail to sew the seam closed. If you used a different color for the cuff, switch to that color to sew the cuff section closed. Weave in all loose ends.

Knitting Abbreviations Used: