It goes without saying that knitting hats is a great way to keep yourself and others warm. Hats are also a great early project for beginners, because they don’t take too long to knit and involve minimum shaping. They’re also a fun way to express your individuality and creativity – to add a pompom or not? And, of course, they make great gifts – who ever said they had too many hats? From simple beanies to intricate Fair Isle patterns, there’s a hat for every skill level and every person. In this post, we’ll explore who you can knit for, the best types of yarn to use, and the main types of hats you can create.
Who to knit for
Babies and Preemies: Knitting for babies and preemies is a special way to show love and care. These hats need to be soft, warm, and gentle on delicate skin. Opt for fine, soft yarns that won’t irritate. Look for patterns that fit snugly but comfortably on tiny heads. Preemie hats are often needed in hospitals, and your knitting can make a big difference.
Children: Children love bright colors and fun patterns. Knitting hats for kids can be a joyful experience. Choose stretchy, durable yarns that can withstand lots of play. Consider adding playful elements like pom-poms, animal ears, or vibrant stripes to make the hats more appealing to the young ones in your life.
Adults: Adult hats can be stylish and practical. Whether you’re knitting for a friend, family member, or yourself, there are countless patterns and styles to suit everyone. Think about the recipient’s personality and lifestyle. A classic beanie might be perfect for everyday wear, while a fashionable beret could be a great accessory for special occasions.
Types of hats
Beanie: A beanie is a simple, snug-fitting hat that covers the head and ears. It’s a great project for beginners. You can knit a basic beanie in a few hours using a simple stockinette (stocking) stitch. Beanies can also be customized easily with different stitch patterns, colors, and embellishments. Personally, I’m a fan of massive pompoms – but each to their own!
Beret: A beret is a stylish hat with a flat crown and a tight band round the head. It can be a bit more challenging to knit than a beanie – but only slightly. Also, they’re very fashionable at the moment. Berets are often knit in the round (but they don’t have to be – so check any pattern carefully if you’re like me and don’t really like knitting in the round!). If you like, you can knit a plain beret – or go wild and try out some more intricate stitch patterns or colorwork.
Slouchy hat: Slouchy hats are trendy and relaxed. They have extra length, causing them to slouch at the back. They are perfect for casual wear and can be made with various patterns and stitches. The loose fit makes them comfortable and versatile for different head sizes.
Earflap hat: Earflap hats are perfect for keeping your ears warm in cold weather. They have flaps on the sides that cover the ears – and sometimes they have cords on the end of the flaps so you can tie them under your chin. These hats are fun to knit and practical. They are great for outdoor activities and can be customized with different colors and patterns.
Brimmed Hat: Brimmed hats have a small brim around the edge – large brims are not recommended for knitting hats as they have a tendency to flop! They can be as simple or as complicated as you like. Adding a brim requires some skill, but the result is a unique and stylish hat that’s a little bit different.
Fair Isle Hat: Fair Isle hats feature intricate colorwork patterns, not usually suitable for beginners unless you’re super confident and adventurous. This is because Fair Isle knitting involves using multiple colors to create geometric designs. If you’re new to Fair Isle but want to give it a go, start with a small, simple pattern and use stitch markers to keep track of your work.
Balaclavas: Not to be confused with baklavas, those delicious sweet treats from Greece and other countries! While balaclavas are perhaps not as popular as they were when I was growing up in the UK in the 1970s, they’re making a bit of a comeback. Basically, balaclavas are hats that reach right round the head and neck, leaving space just for the eyes and mouth – or sometimes even just the eyes! When it’s super cold, they really do make sense!
Types of yarn to use
Choosing the right yarn is crucial for knitting a great hat. Here are some tips on selecting yarn.
Wool: Wool is warm and stretchy, making it ideal for most hats. It’s breathable and can be worn in various weather conditions. Wool blends, like wool and acrylic mixes, offer both warmth and durability. Superwash wool is a good choice for easy care, as it can be machine washed without shrinking.
Acrylic: Acrylic yarn is affordable and comes in many colors. It’s easy to care for and machine washable, which is perfect for everyday hats. Acrylic is also hypoallergenic, making it a good option for those with wool allergies or people who just find wool too itchy. However, it doesn’t have the same warmth and breathability as natural fibers.
Cotton: Cotton yarns are less stretchy than wool or acrylic, but they are breathable and perfect for lightweight summer hats. Cotton is also very soft and ideal for people with super sensitive skin. However, it can be more challenging to knit with due to its lack of elasticity. Personally, I’m not a fan!
Blends: Yarn blends combine the best qualities of different fibers. Wool and acrylic blends are popular for their warmth and ease of care. Blends with bamboo or silk can add a touch of luxury and softness – but they’re not especially warm, so I wouldn’t recommend them for the average type of hat. For a luxury look, take a look at blends of cashmere or angora. And for something a bit whacky, take a look at some of the novelty yarns. You might be pleasantly surprised!
Make it your own
Colors and patterns: Choose colors and patterns that reflect the personality of the wearer – their favorite colors or even the colors of their sports team. Stripes, blocks of color, or intricate designs can make each hat unique. Don’t be afraid to experiment with bold combinations.
Embellishments: Add embellishments like pom-poms, buttons, or embroidery to give your hat a special touch. These little details can make a big difference and add charm to your finished piece.
Custom Fit: Ensure a perfect fit by measuring the recipient’s head before starting – if possible. If your hat’s going to be a gift, you may need to get sneaky! Making sure the hat fits will ensure your hard work will be worn and loved!
Caring for your knitted hats
Washing and Drying: Care for your knitted hats by following the yarn’s care instructions. Most 100% wool hats should be hand washed and laid flat to dry to prevent shrinking. Acrylic and some wool blends can be machine washed.
Storing: Store your hats properly to maintain their shape and condition. Fold them neatly and keep them in a cool, dry place. Avoid hanging them on hooks, as this can stretch the fabric and pull the hat out of shape.
Wrapping up
Knitting hats is a fulfilling and enjoyable hobby. Whether you’re making a hat for a tiny baby or something a lot more complicated, each project is a labor of love. Remember to choose the right yarn, match the pattern to the recipient, and most importantly, have fun!