Here is a free knit pattern that I’ve had in the works for a while. Its a little different than most patterns; this one is written for five different thicknesses of yarn. My idea was to write a pattern that a knitter could use to make a basic slouchy hat with whatever yarn they happen to have on hand. A regular commercial size ball of yarn (in some cases not even a whole ball) will make a hat.
empHATic – a free knit pattern
I’ve included the details for the yarns and needles that I used in my five example hats. I’m also including the gauge I have for each. Gauge is the key to getting a good fitting hat so I encourage you to experiment with needle size to get the gauge you need. Keep in mind that there is some variation in the thickness of yarns from one company/yarn line to another especially at the extremely large and extremely fine ends of the spectrum (which is why gauge matters more than needle size).
Materials for an empHATic Hat
| YARN SIZE | YARN USED | NEEDLES FOR THE BRIM | NEEDLES FOR THE BODY | GAUGE in STOCKINETTE (after blocking) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No 6 - Super Bulky | Jiffy Thick & Quick (120g or approx 70 yds) | Size 10.5 (6.5mm) | Size 13 (9mm) | 2 sts per inch |
| No 5 - Bulky | Patons Classic Wool Bulky (90g or approx 75yds) | Size 8 (5mm) | Size 10 (6mm) | 3.25 sts per inch |
| No 4 - Worsted | Universal Yarn Classic Shades (75g or approx 150 yds) | Size 4 (4mm) | Size 8 (5mm) | 4 sts per inch |
| No 3 - Sport | Universal Yarn Renew Wool (70g or approx 200 yds) | Size 4 (3.5mm) | Size 6 (4mm) | 5 sts per inch |
| No 2 - Fingering | ChainChix Hand Dyed Sock (55g or approx 220 yds) | Size 1 (2.25mm) | Size 2.5 (3mm) | 6.5 sts per inch |
Abbreviations
- k = knit
- p = purl
- m1 = make one (an increase). I used the backwards e-loop make one. Check out the video in this Free Tutorial if you need help with that.
- k2tog = knit 2 together (a decrease)
Making the Brim
Using smaller needles…
| YARN SIZE | Cast On |
|---|---|
| No 6 - Super Bulky | 36 sts |
| No 5 - Bulky | 60 sts |
| No 4 - Worsted | 84 sts |
| No 3 - Sport | 108 sts |
| No 2 - Fingering | 132 sts |
Join to work in the round.
Round 1: *k2,p2* repeat to end
Repeat Round 1 until the brim is (at least) 2 inches from cast on.
Making the Body
Switch to larger needles…
Round 1 : k
Round 2: *k2, m1* repeat to end
| YARN SIZE | Number of Stitches after increases: |
|---|---|
| No 6 - Super Bulky | 54 |
| No 5 - Bulky | 90 |
| No 4 - Worsted | 126 |
| No 3 - Sport | 162 |
| No 2 - Fingering | 198 |
Round 3: k
Repeat Round 3 until the body of the hat is (at least) 5 inches.
Finishing the Top
Continue with larger needles…
Round 1: *k7, k2tog* repeat to end
Round 2: (and all other even numbered rounds): k
Round 3: *k6, k2tog* repeat to end
Round 5: *k5, k2tog* repeat to end
Round 7: *k4, k2tog* repeat to end
Round 9: *k3, k2tog* repeat to end
Round 11: *k2, k2tog* repeat to end
Round 13: *k1, k2tog* repeat to end
Round 15: *k2tog* repeat to end
(don’t forget round 16!)
For hats in worsted, sport and fingering, repeat rounds 15 and 16 once more.
Break yarn and thread the tail with a tapestry needle. Using the tapestry needle, thread tail through all the remaining live loops and then draw closed. Weave in all ends.
I hope you like it, I hope it becomes your go-to basic hat pattern and I hope you’ll come up with all sorts of ways to personalize it.
If you like free patterns (who doesn’t?) check out my Free Patterns page. I have stuff for knitters and crocheters. Enjoy!
"There is no failure. Only feedback." - Robert Allen
14 Comments on "empHATic – a free knit pattern"
Oh my gosh, Jen I have so been looking forward to this! Talk about a stash buster! Yay! Sorry for the over use of exclamations, I am not inly really excited, I’m also sick 🙁 I so needed to see something like this today.
Sorry you are sick! Knitting is what you should do. It may not be a cure but its a good distraction.
Glad you like it. I hope it leads you into making many many hats. Why should I be the only one with 14 knit hats is a drawer?
Okay, I finally pulled out my needles (again)! Now I have to do something with them instead of staring at them, remembering that everything I try to knit in the round has a huge gap at the join 🙂
I think this pattern will be easier to start with than a few of your other patterns I’ve been wanting to get to. I love the versatility – and the name! Thanks for putting the time into writing it for all yarn weights!
Glad you like it! You’ll be officially bi-craftual in no time.
This is an easy pattern. Yep. Its an evolution of the pattern I put together years ago to teach newbie knitters how to knit in the round. Back then I only had the bulky weight version. But the principles are the same and now a knitter can get going with whatever yarn they like. 🙂
I’m glad you mentioned that problem with your website. I recall trying to comment and getting a very weird message on my PC; since I’ve so often gotten viruses, etc., I was afraid I had again got one.
Anywho, It is so kind and generous of you to offer this really useful pattern free. When I get so ink for my printer, I will certainly print a copy of it. Thanks!
Glad you like it!
And blah on all computer problems everywhere. They tell me the upgrades are done. I hope they are. But…. computer people tell lies you know. they are like weather forecasters that way.
Thanks for the pattern. A nice, simple hat that can easily be personalized, just what every knitter should have in her library.
You are very welcome!
Can you use a straight knitting needle with this pattern? If you can , is the pattern exactly the same ?
These hats need to be knit in the round. But if by “straight needles” you mean double points? Those will work. And no, there would be no change to the pattern.