DIY Knitted Baby Bear Hat — Free Newborn & Preemie Pattern

Create an irresistibly cute and cozy accessory with this easy knitted baby bear hat pattern. Perfect for preemie and newborn/baby sizes, the hat is worked flat or in the round using worsted weight yarn and finishes with two small bear ears for extra charm. Below you'll find materials, gauge, abbreviations and clear step-by-step instructions for both construction methods plus ear shaping and finishing tips.

Oh, the knitted baby bear hat is simply adorable! It's the perfect way to keep your little one cozy and cute during the colder months. The soft yarn and adorable bear ears add an extra touch of sweetness to any outfit, making your baby look simply irresistible. Whether you're out for a walk in the crisp fall air or snuggled up at home, this hat will be sure to keep your baby warm and stylish. You'll love seeing your little bundle of joy rocking this charming accessory - it's just too cute to resist!

Materials:

• 1 Skein Lion Brand Nature’s Choice Organic Cotton (or your favorite worsted weight yarn)
• US 10.5 (6.5 mm) straight needles (for knitting flat)
• US 10.5 (6.5 mm) circular needles and set of 4 US 10.5 DPNs (for knitting in the round)
• Tapestry needle

Sizing:

• Preemie
• Newborn/Baby

Gauge:

14 stitches and 19 rows = 4 inches

Abbreviations:

• CO: Cast on
• BO: Bind off
• K2tog: Knit two stitches together
• St st: Stockinette stitch
• WS: Wrong side

Instructions for Hat (knitted flat):

CO 40 sts for preemie or 48 sts for newborn/baby, leaving a long tail for seaming up later.

Work in st st until hat measures 6” (both sizes) from CO edge, ending on a WS row.

Decrease (both preemie and newborn/baby):

Row 1: K2, K2tog across row

Row 2: Purl

Row 3: K1, K2tog across row

Row 4: Purl

Row 5: K2tog across row

Using tapestry needle, break yarn leaving a long tail. Thread through remaining stitches and pull tightly. Seam up the back of hat and weave in ends.

Instructions for Hat (knitted in the round):

CO 40 sts for preemie or 48 sts for newborn/baby, join in the round, being careful not to twist, place marker (PM).

Work in st st (knit all rounds) until hat measures 6” (both sizes) from CO edge.

Decrease (both preemie and newborn/baby):

Round 1: K2, K2tog around

Round 2: Knit

Round 3: K1, K2tog around

Round 4: Knit

Round 5: K2tog around

Using tapestry needle, break yarn leaving a long tail. Thread through remaining stitches and pull tightly.

Instructions for Ears (make two):

Note: Ears are worked in garter stitch to make them nice and sturdy.

CO 6 sts (be sure to leave a long tail for attaching the ears later)

Row 1: Knit

Row 2: Knit

Row 3: Knit

Row 4: K2tog, knit 2 sts, K2tog (4 sts)

BO

Finishing:

Seam hat (if worked flat) and stitch both ears to top of hat with tapestry needle and matching yarn. Weave in any ends. Adjust placement of ears as desired for a sweet, balanced look.