Easy Seed Stitch Hat Pattern — Cozy Knit Beanie with Pom Pom

This knitted seed stitch hat is a cozy, textured beanie that’s quick to make and looks great with a chunky pom pom on top. The pattern uses a simple ribbed brim, an all-over seed stitch body, and straightforward decreases to shape the crown. It’s ideal for knitters comfortable working with double-pointed needles and basic increases/decreases.

Materials:

• Yarn: Medium (#4) for the hat; Chunky (#6) for the pom pom
• Needles: US #8 & US #10 (double-pointed needles)
• Stitch marker
• Tapestry needle
• Pom pom maker (optional)

Stitches used:

• Rib stitch: K1, P1
• Seed stitch: knit the purls and purl the knits (in the round this is usually K1, P1 offset every round)

Abbreviations:

• K = Knit
• P = Purl
• Sts = Stitches
• P2tog = Purl two together
• K2tog = Knit two together

Notes: The pattern is worked on double-pointed needles in the round. If you prefer, you can substitute circular needles using the magic loop method. To adjust the size, increase or decrease the cast-on in multiples that keep the seed stitch pattern intact (the sample below uses 72 sts).

Instructions

Start:

Cast on 72 sts with US #8 needles. Join in the round, placing a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round if desired.

Work the rib stitch (K1, P1) for 1" to form the brim.

Body section:

Change to US #10 needles and work in seed stitch (follow the seed stitch pattern in the round) until the hat measures 6½" from the cast-on edge.

Decreasing section:

When you have reached 6½" total length, begin the decreases as follows. Work each row/round as written; each "row" below represents one round in the round-knit hat.

1. Round 1: *K6, P2tog* — repeat from * to * until the end of the round, end with P1.
2. Round 2: Knit the seed stitch (follow seed stitch pattern for the round).
3. Round 3: *K5, P2tog* — repeat from * to * until the end of the round.
4. Round 4: Repeat Round 2.
5. Round 5: *K4, P2tog* — repeat from * to * until the end of the round, end with a P2tog.
6. Round 6: Repeat Round 2.
7. Round 7: Knit 3, P2tog, K3, P2tog, *K3, K2tog* — repeat from * to * until the end of the round.
8. Round 8: *P2tog, K2tog* — repeat from * to * until the end of the round.

Cut the yarn leaving a long tail. Thread the tapestry needle with the tail, run the needle through all remaining stitches, and pull the tail to close the hole at the crown. Weave in the yarn ends securely on the inside of the hat.

Create a pom pom from the chunky (#6) yarn using a pom pom maker or by hand, and sew it to the top of the hat.

Finishing tips:

• Weave in all ends neatly on the inside of the hat.
• Lightly block the hat if desired to even out the stitches — hand wash and lay flat to dry.
• To personalize, change yarn colors at the brim or use stripes during the body section.

Enjoy your cozy seed stitch hat!