I recently became a grandmother, and my daughter asked me to knit some hats for her little baby boy.

The hat design that is featured in this article was her favourite, and I am getting ready to start knitting a few up in bigger sizes for the winter.

The free knitting pattern for this hat in in first baby size – newborn.  You can knit in on larger needles if you want it to be bigger, stretchier and last longer.

Please read on to find out how to knit this very cute little chunky newborn baby hat.

Cute newborn baby pompom hat knit in chunky yarn knitting pattern

Because this baby hat is knit in chunky wool, you can make it in around an hour.  It is certainly an excellent one evening knitting project.

The hat is knit flat and sewn up at the end.

Feel free to use any chunky wool that works with 6mm needles – I have used Lion Brand Homespun.  Homespun is a wonderful yarn.  It has a slightly thick and thin texture and that is why the pompoms look so much fun.

Where to buy Lion Brand Homespun yarn:  In the UK, the yarn is available here at Lovecrafts.  If you live in the USA, you can purchase Homespun directly from Lion Brand.  Homespun is on sale at Lion Brand at the time I am writing this article and it is a great bargain.

Here is the knitting pattern:

You need a pair of 6mm needles to knit this baby hat, and 50g of chunky yarn as discussed above.  You will also need scissors and a wide eyed needle for sewing up.

Instructions

Cast on 37 stitches.

1. Work 3 rows of 1 x 1 rib.
2. Starting with a k row, work stocking stitch until piece measures 11cm from cast on edge, ending on a wrong side row (right side facing for shaping).

Shape as follows:

1. K1, (k3, k2tog) to last stitch, k1 (30)
2. p
3. K1, (k2, k2tog) to last stitch, k1 (23)
4. P
5. K1, (k1, k2tog) to last stitch, k1 (16)
6. (P2tog) across row (8)
7. (K2tog) across row (4)

Thread yarn through remaining stitches, gather to form top of hat and sew up the back seam.

How to make the pompoms

The pompoms are made by winding yarn around your hand.  You can alternatively use a pompom maker or any other method of pompom making that you like.

Wind the yarn 25 times around one of your hands.  Remove, and take a long piece of yarn to tie around the centre of the circle of yarn you just made.  Tie tightly and securely.  Now cut though all of the loops.  Fluff out your pompom, and trim if needed to create a final shape.  Make two pompoms and add to top sides of the baby hat.

I hope you enjoyed this free baby hat knitting pattern.

Please let me know if you make it thanks so much.