Cozy Knitted Purple Newborn Hats — Easy Pattern & Step-by-Step Instructions

These knitted purple hats for newborns are both adorable and practical — a soft, stretchy cap to keep a tiny head warm. This pattern uses DK (Light #3) yarn and includes an option for a smooth, jogless colour change for a contrasting stripe. The finished hat fits an average newborn head circumference of 37 cm (14.5 inches). Below you'll find materials, tools and the complete round-by-round knitting instructions, plus tips for adjusting size or knitting the hat in one colour.

Materials

DK weight (Light #3) soft acrylic yarn in purple (MC), 43m (47 yrds), and green (CC) 6m (7 yrds); 3.25 mm (US#3)

Tools

• 4 mm (US 6) double-pointed needles or circulars
• Tapestry needle
• 1 stitch marker

Instructions

Pattern Note: This pattern is written for a smooth, ‘jogless’ colour change. Do not cut the contrasting color between stripes; carry up the inside.

With two smaller needles held together, cast on 60 sts using MC yarn. Pull one needle out. Distribute sts evenly on 3 double-pointed needles (20 on each); mark the beginning of the round and join, being careful not to twist.

Rnds 1-22: K1, p1-tbl.

Switch to larger needles.

Rnds 23-28: MC. Knit.

Rnd 29: CC. Knit.

Rnd 30: Sl 1, knit to end.

Rnd 31: MC. Knit.

Rnd 32: Sl 1, knit to end.

Rnds 33-34: Knit.

Rnd 35: CC. Knit.

Rnd 36: Sl 1, knit to end.

Rnd 37: MC. Knit.

Rnd 38: Sl 1, knit to end.

Rnds 39-42: Knit.

Shape Crown

Rnd 43: (K8, k2tog) 6 times. (54 sts)

Rnd 44: Knit.

Rnd 45: (K7, k2tog) 6 times. (48 sts)

Rnd 46: Knit.

Rnd 47: (K6, k2tog) 6 times. (42 sts)

Rnd 48: Knit.

Rnd 49: (K5, k2tog) 6 times. (36 sts)

Rnd 50: (K4, k2tog) 6 times. (30 sts)

Rnd 51: (K3, k2tog) 6 times. (24 sts)

Rnd 52: (K2, k2tog) 6 times. (18 sts)

Rnd 53: (K1, k2tog) 6 times. (12 sts)

Rnd 54: (K2tog) 6 times. (6 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving a 15 cm (6″) tail. Using tapestry needle, thread tail through remaining sts and pull tight. Weave in ends.

To knit a hat in one colour, read the pattern as follows: Rnds 23-42: Knit.

Sizing tip: change the size by adjusting the cast-on number by 6 sts. The decreases are worked over 6 sections (2 sections on each of 3 needles).

Calculate the number of stitches in each section when you start decreasing (Rnd43) and work knit to last 2 sts of the section, k2tog, in each section, alternating decrease and knit rounds until you have 42 sts left.

Then follow the pattern as given, starting from Rnd48.

Notes

Abbreviations:

• k = knit
• p = purl
• p1-tbl = purl through the back loop
• k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
• sl (slip)= transfer a stitch purlwise from the left needle to the right without knitting
• sts = stitches
• MC = main colour
• CC = contrast colour

Gauge: 23 sts and 32 rounds over 10 cm (4″) in stockinette st on larger needles.

Head circumference: 37 cm (14.5 inches), average newborn size.

PLEASE NOTE: the hat’s cast-on edge must be very stretchy to fit comfortably over a baby’s head. Please follow cast-on instructions.