Life is too short to wear a boring beanie. Let’s have some fun today with these fabulous and free knit animal hat patterns. From animal silhouette motifs to attachable animal ears and more, this post is sure to inspire your knitting creativity!

Don’t be afraid to shakes things up with some texture or cables and remember that you can totally get away with using a different base for any of these beanie patterns. 

These free knit animal hat patterns are sure to make you smile, say “aww” and even laugh out loud! I love to make funny hats like these and wear them out on the town. It’s so fun to see people’s reactions and to brighten people’s days! 

You will also find that these free knit animal hat patterns are totally giftable. From baby shower gifts to photo props to gag gifts to special occasions like birthdays, Christmas and anniversaries. Knitting someone a gift is such a fulfilling way to show your love through the use of yarn.

Scroll down and check out these amazing free knit animal hat patterns! There are free knit animals hats for adults, free knit animal hats for babies and free knit animal hats for kids too. The gangs all here – bears, bunnies, sharks, pigs, moose, pandas, chipmunks, owls and more. Oh my!

Before we begin… let’s get Social!

I would love for you to come follow me on
Instagram (get sneak peeks of what’s coming up!)
My Facebook Page (come join the fun!)
Follow me on Pinterest (I pin tons of free patterns to my boards!)
Also, you can find me on Ravelry or join more than 16.5K subscribers on YouTube.

25 Wild and Wacky Free Knit Animal Hat Patterns

1. Diamond Bear Beanie

I love this adorable baby bear hat so much and here’s why – because the base of the beanie actually has stuff going on! Cables add so much interest and texture to this hat. They’re not all over and they’re not super tricky but they instantly elevate this whole design! The free knit animal hat pattern calls for working in the round from the bottom-up and is available in sizes newborn to 1-3 years.

Designer: Melody’s Makings for Moogly

Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Baby Alpaca Grande (Bulky Weight #5)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

_____________________

2. Rhode Island Red

We have chickens at our house, and if you’ve ever met someone who has them you know they can get pretty attached to their chicks! This Rhode Island Red beanie design would make an amazing gift for anyone who keeps chickens. The pattern is worked in stranded colorwork in the round with a provisional cast on.

Designer: Pam Sluter for Knitty

Yarn: Romney Ridge Farm Yarn Co. 2015 Farm Blend (DK Weight #3)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

_____________________

3. Rustic Raccoon Hooded Cowl 

Raccoons get a bad rap! I mean, I wouldn’t want to meet one alone at night, but have you ever seen one in the zoo? They’re so cute! You can get some of that woodland cuteness for yourself with this adorable raccoon hooded cowl. This pattern is worked flat and is available in sizes newborn to adult. You’ll be using knit and purl stitches, picking up stitches, and working simple increases and decreases. 

Designer: Melody’s Makings

Yarn: (Bulky Weight #5)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

_____________________ 

4. Shark Hat

Kids and adults alike will delight in this super fun shark hat. I love the way this is designed to look like the shark is eating your head. It’s hilarious! You can make this free knit animal hat pattern using knit and purl stitches and simple increases. 

Designer: Knitting Ninja

Yarn: Bernat Softee Chunky (Bulky Weight #5)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

_____________________

5. Bunny Beanie

Bunny ears are a must have for baby’s first Easter. What a fun photo prop! And everyone knows that handmade is best. You can make this super easy bunny beanie using stockinette and reverse stockinette stitches. You’ll be working in the round for this free knit animal hat pattern 

Designer: Noe Knit for Baby Center

Yarn: Anny Blatt Angora Super (Bulky Weight #5)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

_____________________

6. Chipmunk Hat

Can you think of someone with chubby cheeks and a big appetite who would look adorable wearing this chipmunk hat? I’m talking about babies of course! You can make this design using reverse stockinette stitch. The pattern is worked flat – it’s just a rectangle with ribbed brimming. So easy! 

Designer: Knit Darling

Yarn: Knit Picks Shine Sport 100% modal (Sport Weight #3)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

_____________________

7. I’m a Hoot Hat

Square beanies are a fun and fresh take on the traditional round beanie. They are actually way easier than round beanies (in my opinion) and the pointy bits on top give the illusion of ears (especially with the addition of fabulous tassels!). This design is worked flat in stockinette stitch. You can follow along with the chart or the written instructions.

Designer: Yarnspirations

Yarn: Bernat Softee Baby Chunky (Super Bulky Weight #6)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

_____________________

8. Moose Fair Isle Hat

Fair isle doesn’t have to fancy. You can use stranded colorwork technique to make anything you can think of – including this ridiculously cute moose hat! This design is worked in the round in stockinette stitch. Don’t forget the pom pom!

Designer: ResQCrafts Blog

Yarn: Ice Yarns Akwool (Worsted Weight #4)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

_____________________

9. Squirrels Beanie

Go nuts with this fun squirrel beanie. This is another free knit animal hat pattern that uses the stranded colorwork technique. I especially love the extra ring of acorns around the top of the adult size beanie. This design is worked in the round from the bottom up.

Designer: Signe Stromgaard

Yarn: Quince & Co. Finch (Fingering Weight #1)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

_____________________

10. Magical Unicorn Hat

Unicorns are #trending and it’s pretty obvious why. Mix a dash of imagination with a sprinkle of magic and a whole lot of cuteness to make this adorable free knit animal hat pattern. This unicorn beanie is available in sizes newborn to 2t. The mane is worked in loop stitch! 

Designer: Little Red Window

Yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice (Worsted Weight #4)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

_____________________

11. Happy Hippo Hat

I’m 99% sure this is the cutest hippo I’ve ever seen. The monochrome gray design with all the little details is just so precious. You can make this free knit animal hat pattern by working in the round using stockinette stitch. The design is available in sizes 0-3 months to 2t.

Designer: Little Red Window

Yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice (Worsted Weight #4)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

_____________________

12. Speckled Fawn Hat

Oh deer! You’re definitely going to fawn over this adorable speckled beanie. I love the pink accent color on the ribbed edging and the cute little pink bow too! This design is worked in the round in stockinette stitch. The free knit animal hat pattern is available in sizes 6-12 months to 4 years.

Designer: Yarnspirations

Yarn: Bernat Softee Baby Solids (DK Weight #3)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

_____________________

13. Penguin Pal Hat

Ask a bunch of people what their favorite animal is and I’m sure a lot of them will answer penguins! You can make this easy free knit animal hat pattern by following along with the chart and the written instructions. Simple stockinette stitch and working flat make this design nice and beginner-friendly. 

Designer: Lucie Sinkler

Yarn: Cascade Yarns ® Cascade 220® (Worsted Weight #4)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

_____________________

14. Frog Hat

Some people think frogs are slimy and gross but I think they’re just so cute! The crown on this adorable frog beanie is my favorite part. You can turn your little one into a frog prince too using this easy and free knit animal hat pattern. The design is worked in the round using stockinette stitch.

Designer: Cascade Yarns® Design Team

Yarn: Cascade Yarns ® 220 Superwash (Worsted Weight #4)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

_____________________

15. Catwoman Returns

Channel your inner superhero into this adorable monochrome cat hat. If you know someone who loves cats and the color pink – then this free knit animal hat pattern is a slam dunk. This design is worked in the round all in one piece. The ears are made using short rows.

Designer: Birkenwasser Knitwear Design

Yarn: Novita 7 Veljestä Solids (Aran Weight #4)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

_____________________

16. Knitted Panda Hat

Everyone’s favorite black and white bears look amazing on this fun knit beanie. This design is made using the stranded colorwork technique and stockinette stitches. There is both a chart and a written tutorial to follow along with.

Designer: Gwenstella Made

Yarn: Spotlight Premium Marvel Plain 5ply Acrylic (Sport Weight #3)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

_____________________

17. Oink a Piggy Hat

From Wilbur to Piglet, these adorable animals have stolen our hearts. You can capture that pink piggy cuteness with this free knit animal hat pattern. This design is worked in the round and uses short rows and duplicate stitches. 

Designer: Lisa Wilt Designs

Yarn: Berroco Vintage® Chunky (Bulky Weight #5)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

_____________________

18. Pug Love

Quick question: dogs or cats? You can wear your preference with pride with this super cute pug beanie. This design uses the stranded colorwork technique worked in the round. You’ll be following along with a chart and working in stockinette stitches. 

Designer: Michael Snow at Lulu

Yarn: Cascade Yarns ® Cascade 220® (Sport Weight #3)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

_____________________

19. Fox Hat

F is for foxes and fun! Your kiddo will feel like frolicking in this adorable free knit animal hat pattern. I love the whimsical ear flaps and the decorative crochet edging. This design is worked in the round and the free knit pattern is available in sizes 3-12 years. 

Designer: DROPS Design

Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Andes (Super Bulky Weight #6)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

_____________________

20. Giraffe

Forget zebra stripes and cheetah print. Giraffe spots are where it’s at! This fun hat design has charted instructions for the stripes. The free knit animal hat pattern is worked flat and the ears and horns are made separately and then sewn on. You can even crochet the horns if you know how to knit and crochet! 

Designer: Tayana Fedorova Designs

Yarn: Alize Cashmira (Sport Weight #3)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

_____________________

21. Little Mouse Hat

When you reach adulthood mice lose their appeal a little bit haha. But think back to childhood when every other nursery rhyme involved these cute little critters! This free knit animal hat pattern is available in sizes 0-3 months to 2t. The design is worked in the round in stockinette stitch.

Designer: Little Red Window

Yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice (Aran Weight #4)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

_____________________

22. Baby Owl Hat

Free knit animal hat patterns aren’t just for everyday wear. They are a great choice for special dress up occasions too like Halloween or the school play. This fun owl design uses two strands of yarn at once for an extra thick and cozy fabric. You’ll be working in rows and using stockinette stitches.

Designer: Hammer & Thread

Yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice (Aran Weight #4)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

_____________________

23. Twitter

Take this basic bird hat pattern and fly with it! Switch up the colors and you can make any bird you can think of – like a parrot, a pigeon or a blue jay. This free knit animal hat pattern is worked in the round. Short rows are used to make the flaps and the beak is made from a double brim.

Designer: Thelma Egberts

Yarn: Phildar Pegase + (Worsted Weight #4)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

_____________________

24. Badger Hat DK

When I think of badgers I think of the Harry Potter house Hufflepuff. Do you have a hufflepuff in your life that would love to receive this hat? The free knit animal hat pattern is worked flat starting from the earflaps and working up. The intarsia colorwork technique is used. 

Designer: Knits ‘R’ Us

Yarn: (DK Weight #3)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

_____________________

25. Moose Hat

I love everything about this crazy over the top moose hat. Wear this one to your next family gathering (or zoom meeting) and prepare to get some laughs! Use any basic beanie pattern and then follow these free knitting instructions for the head, antlers and legs. 

Designer: Emily R. Snyder

Yarn: (DK Weight #3)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

_____________________

Bonus! 26. Baby Raccoon Hat

This adorable raccoon hat is knit flat and seamed. The face is created using intarsia and all you need to know how to do is knit and purl! There are no decreases because we use the corners as cute little ears!

Designer: Love.Life.Yarn by Amanda Saladin

Yarn: Red Heart Baby Hugs Medium (Worsted weight #4)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

_______________

Yay for free knit animal hat patterns! Which free knitting pattern was your favorite? Did I miss one of your go-to free knit animal hat patterns? Let me know in the comments below!

I hate when I can’t find a great article or pattern that I have looked at before. Lord knows I can’t trust my horrible memory! Don’t be like me lol. Bookmark this page or save the link to your Pinterest board for amazing knitting patterns. If you don’t…..you’ll be sorry! 

I’ll see you next week for another free knitting pattern round-up. Make sure to follow the blog so you never miss a post. <3

Happy Knitting!
Amanda