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4 Free Knit Beanie Hat Sewing Patterns – Tested!

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I love knit hats on my son! He has a giant noggin (measures about 20.25″) and has grown out of the store-bought baby section but youth sized knit hats are harder to find. I figured with Spring coming it was a perfect time to try some of the free patterns I’ve seen floating around – and wanted to share the results. Let me know if I missed any that you’ve used before!

I mostly used upcycled t-shirts for these, but if you’re in the market for new knit fabric you can see some of my favorite shops in this post.

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I think beanies are such a fun gift; I sewed these for my toddler son but one of them goes down to baby sizes – I have over 100 free baby sewing patterns, here!

I tried 4 patterns; from top left clockwise ,thanks to See Kate Sew, imagine gnats, Delia Creates, and Heidi & Finn. They all have a different size range, which I included in the notes for each one, but they’re all my favorite price – free.

I think it’s important to remember that fit and aesthetics are going to depend greatly on the fabric you use – if it feels nice and thick, with a good amount of stretch, it will look and wear better. Don’t forget to always use a stretch stitch and ballpoint needles with knit fabric! I tried each one in ugly, junk knit to check sizing before I used stuff I liked.

I used my serger* for all seams and then on the darts, used my sewing machine to round them off so they weren’t as pointy. The top two I just re-used the existing hems and adjusting the pattern’s length accordingly.

Pin this post of free kid’s beanie sewing patterns for later, here:

Knit beanies are trendy and comfy - check out 4 free kid's beanie sewing patterns tested out and sewn up! Great knit sewing patterns for beginners, beanies are perfect gifts to sew for kids and fun to make. #freesewingpatterns #sewing

Free kid’s beanie sewing patterns

Pattern: Ribbed Beanie by Delia Creates

Size: Includes Newborn through 4-10 years. Sewn in size 18m-3y.

Fabric: Upcycled t-shirt(s) + ribbing from Jo-Ann Fabrics

Thoughts: This pattern is the only ‘non-slouchy’ one and it fits the tightest as well (taking the lining out would make it looser). This was my son’s favorite, I think he likes how snug it was across his forehead. The pattern printed strangely, cutting off the bottom, but I just used the bottom of the page as the bottom of the pattern. It has little bear ears too, which would be cute!

Pattern: Slouchy Beanie by Dandelion Drift for imagine gnats – [this is no longer online 🙁 I’m sorry yall!]

Size: Includes Baby through adult small. Sewn in size child small.

Fabric: Upcycled t-shirt

Thoughts: This one is unique! I like the shape of the top. It fit the loosest; I have a big head and the adult size fit me just fine. I think this is my favorite, although I might need to tighten the seam allowance a little for better fit on his face.

Update – I sewed another one when he was older, see the free knit beanie sewing pattern in a bigger size here!

Pattern: Slouchy Beanie by  See Kate Sew

Size: One size, toddler only.

Fabric: Upcycled t-shirt

Thoughts: This is the simplest and very quick to sew. It was a little gnome-y on him, but that might be different with a different shaped head. I probably wouldn’t sew this one again.

Pattern: Slouchy Beanie by Heidi & Finn

Size: Includes 6m-12m through 3T-6 years. Sewn in size 12m-2t

Fabric: Art Gallery Commuter Knit from imagine gnats

Thoughts: This is my close second favorite, I think the shape is really nice. It does take more fabric because of how it’s drafted; none of my t-shirts were wide enough to upcycle!

 

There are a few I saw that didn’t appeal to me for a toddler, you can check them out!:

Are you sewing any beanies for your kid(s) or yourself this spring? I am sure some of these will be making appearances in other outfit posts – I am a sucker for “hipster” baby styles. These hats would be so cute paired with some matching knit pants, like the set I sewed in this post, and then check out 4 free baby pants patterns in this post.

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Stephanie

Friday 1st of October 2021

Thanks for the great post! I'm also looking for the Imagine Gnats pattern. Any luck finding it? Thank you! :)

Stephanie - Swoodson Says

Tuesday 4th of July 2023

looks like the website shut down :(

Stephanie

Friday 1st of October 2021

Aha, literally just found it. Never mind! :D

Ella

Wednesday 7th of April 2021

Hi there! I am really looking forward to making the Slouchy Beanie by Dandelion Drift for imagine gnats soon. I just can't sem to find the PDF pattern link for this hat. I realize you answered this question in previous comments, but from what is on my screen it doesn't seem to be there. If you could re-post or send me the pattern that would be amazing!! Thanks so much!

Stephanie - Swoodson Says

Tuesday 4th of July 2023

Ella, I'm so sorry, she seems to have taken it down :( I'll work on finding something similar!

Jo

Sunday 31st of January 2021

Hello! Thank you for this post - I’m searching for the Imagine Gnats pattern but the original link no longer works. Do you happen to know anywhere it’s still available? Thanks.

Stephanie - Swoodson Says

Sunday 31st of January 2021

Hi Jo! Oh no! I didn't think about it but imagine gnats shut down. Let me see if I can track it down somehow and get back to you.

Brenda Gascs

Saturday 12th of December 2020

Tha nks for sharing been looking for a knit free beanie hat please send pattern

Stephanie - Swoodson Says

Tuesday 15th of December 2020

Hi Brenda, all these patterns are linked to the sites where I downloaded them in the text!

Michelle

Saturday 10th of September 2016

You have some awesome ideas. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.

Stephanie - Swoodson Says

Thursday 15th of September 2016

Thanks for reading Michelle!

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