Quick Hat Knits For Christmas Gifts

The most difficult thing about knitting a simple hat to gift at the holidays may be waiting for the yarn order to arrive! If there is a yarn store near you, consider yourself lucky and head on over to get your supplies.

Use a heavier yarn, such as worsted or bulky weight – I have some suggestions listed down this page – and these hats will finish up in plenty of time to put under the tree.

Included on this page are pattern ideas for adults and kids. Also, I’ve searched for some nice yarn, from online shops, in worsted, bulky and super bulky weights to get you started. Many yarn links go to Wool and Company where I buy a lot of my online yarn. They will wind yarn for free and also offer free shipping to US residents! Or search online and possibly find good sales this time of year.

Why Knit Hats For Gifts?

Hats are quick projects, are easy to take-along and knit, and mail easily. Usually only one skein of yarn is needed – depending on the style of hat and yardage of the skein. Each pattern will list the amount of yarn needed, so check that. If there is a long brim or pom pom, more yarn may be required.

Christmas comes upon us quickly. Many people choose to wear hats in winter, so everyone could use a nice new hat, right? Make it a hand-knit, and it’s extra special for the recipient. It can be created in their favorite color, or made in their favorite style. Choose a washable yarn, and it’s easy to care for.

Hats don’t have to be sized perfectly. Most hat patterns may seem a little small while being knit, but they are meant to stretch a bit to fit the head.

Quick Knits

Hats are also quick projects. A hat without any kind of brim is super fast to finish. Hats are small enough to take along on a car ride, or knit while visiting a friend. Easy hat patterns mean simple knitting without following a chart or directions.

To make a quick knit hat, use a thick yarn – worsted, aran or bulky weight. Be sure you have the correct size needle for the yarn used, and a simple hat will knit up fast. Unless you are knitting for a bald person or a baby, the yarn won’t need to be super soft. The yarn I have listed on this page is “Superwash” or machine washable, in case the recipient will tend to toss the hat in the washer!

Easy Hat Knitting Patterns For Adults

The list of hat patterns on this page are perfect for anyone to knit, using simple knit, or knit and purl stitches. Some easy cable hats are also included.

• Nina Hat (free pattern) – Super bulky yarn (Franca – link below, or similar), US size 11 needles
• Harbormaster – bulky yarn – perfect for him.
• Pebbles Hat – free pattern in worsted weight (slouchy style)
• Easy Tweed Hat – free pattern, super bulky – the pattern uses two strands of yarn held together to create a “tweed”, but a super bulky yarn alone would also work.

For knitting a bottom up hat (starting at the brim) you will normally need these supplies: Yarn – enough for your chosen pattern, a 16 inch circular needle, same size DPNs (double pointed needles) for finishing the top. A tapestry needle for closing up the last stitches and weaving in yarn ends, and scissors for cutting the yarn. (I usually use a DPN needle when doing simple cables.)

Hat Patterns For Kids

• Kids’ Banana Beanie – (bulky yarn) free pattern from Balls to the Walls Knits. Comes in a variety of sizes. A 16 inch circular may be too large to knit the smallest of sizes.
• Kid’s Helmet Hat – (bulky yarn – free pattern)
• Christmas Elf Stocking Cap – (worsted) – pattern website contains a LOT of ads to wade through. More patterns for kids on this page, if you can deal with the ads!

Machine Washable Worsted Weight Yarn

Any item that is hand knit will last longer if it is hand-washed. But, using a Superwash yarn means it can be washed in the machine. Items should be washed on a delicate cycle. Be sure to tell the recipient how to care for the item, or include a tag they can keep and reference.

I would use a mesh laundry bag (Amazon affiliate paid link), so maybe gift one to the recipient along with the hat. For the most part hand-knits should not go into the dryer!

Here is a short list of worsted weight yarns to get you started, but there are more washable yarns out there. Most worsted weight yarns require a 6 – 9 needle size.

• Madeline Tosh Vintage – Machine wash – worsted weight (200 yds per skein)
• Hedgehog Fibres Silk / Merino Worsted – machine washable – worsted / aran (181 yds. per skein) – This will make a soft fabric and comes in amazing colors, but the yarn is pricey. Perfect for a special gift.
• Malabrigo Rios – machine wash – worsted (210 yds per skein)
• Malabrigo Washted – a single ply yarn.
• Cascade 220 Superwash – wool, machine wash and dry is okay. (220 yards)
• Berroco Ultra Wool – Superwash (219 yds)

Machine Washable Bulky Yarn

The needle size used for bulky and / or super bulky yarn is usually US size 10 or 11. Don’t forget you will also need DPNs in the same size.

Although hats and other items knit up fast using thicker, bulky yarn, some people find it tough on the hands.

• Malabrigo Mecha -Superwash Merino yarn
• Manos del Uruguay Franca – Superwash – Super bulky merino. I’ve used this one and it’s quite soft. Suggests hand washing.
• Wool of the Andes Superwash bulky (says machine wash and tumble dry – so dryer safe!)
• Cascade 128 Superwash – Bulky, machine wash, tumble dry.

I hope these selections were helpful. Remember, next year get started early, and give everyone a special, hand-knit hat!

(Chipmunk in hat, photo at top, courtesy of Pixabay.)

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