This unisex super bulky knit hat works up super fast – instructions included for how to knit it flat on two needles or in the round!

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Design Story and Inspiration for this Hat Knitting Pattern

I designed this hat for the 2021 Holiday Maker’s Challenge, which is an eight week challenge designed to get you making for the holidays! It was SO popular that I designed it in 6 more sizes. 😀

Each week of the challenge I sent out a different pattern that meets these criteria:

1. Works up quickly

2. Uses stash yarn

3. Is small enough to finish anywhere from an hour to a weekend

4. Is something most people would like to receive

So I designed this unisex hat pattern that would be great to give to anyone!

Yarn Options for this Super Bulky Knit Hat

I knit this hat with Lion Brand Yarn Hometown USA, an affordable yarn you can find in any craft stores and even my local Walmart carries it. I had a few skeins left over so I decided to use up my stash for this hat.

You can use any super bulky weight yarn (weight #6) that gets gauge. If you don’t have any super bulky yarn, try holding two or three strands of worsted weight yarn together to get gauge. This also looks great with different colored yarn strands.

This is an acrylic yarn, but you could use any fiber you like for this hat, including wool, which is a favorite yarn for hat making. Just be sure the recipient isn’t allergic!

Pattern Details for this Knit Hat Pattern

Pattern instructions are for sizes from newborn to adult large.

Instructions are separated into two sections:

1. For a hat knit flat on straight needles and seamed, which includes the addition of a selvedge stitch on each side to make seaming easier.

2. For a hat knit in the round on double pointed needles (dpn’s) or one circular (depending on your preferences for knitting in the round)

This hat is knit using a k2, p2 rib, then is the hurdle stitch, which is 2 rows/rounds of garter stitch followed by 2 rows/rounds of k1, p1 ribbing.

More Free Knitting Patterns for Gift-Giving

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Easy Super Bulky Knit Hat

What You’ll Need

Yarn: Lion Brand Hometown USA, 1 skein – or other super bulky yarn (weight #6)

Knitting Needle Size: US Size 11 (8.00mm) and 13 (9.00mm)

Notions: Yarn needle, scissors, pom pom (optional)

Gauge: 11 sts and 19 rows = 4″ in hurdle stitch with larger needles

Finished Size: Approximately 20″ in circumference (note: fits a larger head size due to stretch)

Stitch Abbreviations
Knit Stitch (k)
Purl Stitch (p)
Knit two together (k2tog)

NEWBORN PATTERN (12” Circumference) on Straight Needles

With smaller needles, cast on 34 sts.

Row 1: K1, *k2, p2; repeat from * to last st, k1.

Row 2: P1, *k2, p2; repeat from * to last st, p1.

Change to larger needles.

Row 3: Knit.

Row 4: P1, knit to last st, p1.

Row 5: K1, *k1, p1; repeat from * to last st, k1.

Row 6: P1, *k1, p1; repeat from * to last st, p1.

Rows 7-18: Repeat rows 3-6.

Shape Top:

Row 1: K1, *k6, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, k1 – 30 sts.

Row 2: P1, *k5, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, p1 – 26 sts.

Row 3: K1, *(k1, p1) twice, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, k1 – 22 sts.

Row 4: P1, *p1, k1, p1, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, p1 – 18 sts.

Row 5: K1, *k2, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, k1 – 14 sts.

Row 6: P1, *k1, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, p1 – 10 sts.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through remaining 10 sts and pull tightly to close.

Use yarn tail to sew seam using the mattress stitch.

Weave in ends.

BABY PATTERN (14” Circumference) on Straight Needles

With smaller needles, cast on 42 sts.

Row 1: K1, *k2, p2; repeat from * to last st, k1.

Row 2: P1, *k2, p2; repeat from * to last st, p1.

Rows 3-4: Repeat rows 1-2.

Change to larger needles.

Row 5: Knit.

Row 6: P1, knit to last st, p1.

Row 7: K1, *k1, p1; repeat from * to last st, k1.

Row 8: P1, *k1, p1; repeat from * to last st, p1.

Rows 9-20: Repeat rows 5-8.

Shape Top:

Row 1: K1, *k6, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, k1 – 37 sts.

Row 2: P1, *k5, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, p1 – 32 sts.

Row 3: K1, *(k1, p1) twice, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, k1 – 27 sts.

Row 4: P1, *p1, k1, p1, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, p1 – 22 sts.

Row 5: K1, *k2, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, k1 – 17 sts.

Row 6: P1, *k1, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, p1 – 12 sts.

Row 7: K1, *k2tog; repeat from * to last st, k1 – 7 sts.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through remaining 7 sts and pull tightly to close.

Use yarn tail to sew seam using the mattress stitch.  Weave in ends.

TODDLER PATTERN (16” Circumference) on Straight Needles

With smaller needles, cast on 46 sts.

Row 1: K1, *k2, p2; repeat from * to last st, k1.

Row 2: P1, *k2, p2; repeat from * to last st, p1.

Rows 3-4: Repeat rows 1-2.

Change to larger needles.

Row 5: Knit.

Row 6: P1, knit to last st, p1.

Row 7: K1, *k1, p1; repeat from * to last st, k1.

Row 8: P1, *k1, p1; repeat from * to last st, p1.

Rows 9-20: Repeat rows 5-8.

Rows 21-23: Repeat rows 5-7.

Row 24: P1, k2tog, (k1, p1) to last 3 sts, k2tog, p1 – 44 sts.

Shape Top:

Row 1: K1, *k5, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, k1 – 38 sts.

Row 2: P1, *k4, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, p1 – 32 sts.

Row 3: K1, *k1, p1, k1, p2tog, p1, k1, p1, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, k1 – 26 sts.

Row 4: P1, *p1, k1, p2tog, k1, p1, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, p1 – 20 sts.

Row 5: K1, *k1, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, k1 – 14 sts.

Row 6: P1, *k2tog; repeat from * to last st, p1 – 8 sts.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through remaining 8 sts and pull tightly to close.

Use yarn tail to sew seam using the mattress stitch.  Weave in ends.

CHILD PATTERN (18” Circumference) on Straight Needles

With smaller needles, cast on 54 sts.

Row 1: K1, *k2, p2; repeat from * to last st, k1.

Row 2: P1, *k2, p2; repeat from * to last st, p1.

Rows 3-4: Repeat rows 1-2.

Change to larger needles.

Row 5: Knit.

Row 6: P1, knit to last st, p1.

Row 7: K1, *k1, p1; repeat from * to last st, k1.

Row 8: P1, *k1, p1; repeat from * to last st, p1.

Rows 9-24: Repeat rows 5-8.

Shape Top:

Row 1: K1, *k11, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, k1 – 50 sts.

Row 2: P1, *k4, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, p1 – 42 sts.

Row 3: K1, *k1, p1, k1, p2tog, p1, k1, p1, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, k1 – 34 sts.

Row 4: P1, *p1, k1, p2tog, k1, p1, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, p1 – 26 sts.

Row 5: K1, *k1, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, k1 – 18 sts.

Row 6: P1, *k2tog; repeat from * to last st, p1 – 10 sts.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through remaining 10 sts and pull tightly to close.

Use yarn tail to sew seam using the mattress stitch.

Weave in ends.

ADULT SMALL PATTERN (20” Circumference) on Straight Needles

With smaller needles, cast on 58 sts.

Row 1: K1, *k2, p2; repeat from * to last st, k1.

Row 2: P1, *k2, p2; repeat from * to last st, p1.

Rows 3-4: Repeat rows 1-2.

Change to larger needles.

Row 5: Knit.

Row 6: P1, knit to last st, p1.

Row 7: K1, *k1, p1; repeat from * to last st, k1.

Row 8: P1, *k1, p1; repeat from * to last st, p1.

Rows 9-28: Repeat rows 5-8.

Shape Top:

Row 1: K1, *k6, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, k1 – 51 sts.

Row 2: P1, *k5, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, p1 – 44 sts.

Row 3: K1, *(k1, p1) twice, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, k1 – 37 sts.

Row 4: P1, *p1, k1, p1, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, p1 – 30 sts.

Row 5: K1, *k2, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, k1 – 23 sts.

Row 6: P1, *k1, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, p1 – 16 sts.

Row 7: K1, *k2tog; repeat from * to last st, k1 – 9 sts.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through remaining 9 sts and pull tightly to close.

Use yarn tail to sew seam using the mattress stitch.

Weave in ends.

ADULT MEDIUM PATTERN (22” Circumference) on Straight Needles

With smaller needles, cast on 62 sts.

Row 1: K1, *k2, p2; repeat from * to last st, k1.

Row 2: P1, *k2, p2; repeat from * to last st, p1.

Rows 3-4: Repeat rows 1-2.

Change to larger needles.

Row 5: Knit.

Row 6: P1, knit to last st, p1.

Row 7: K1, *k1, p1; repeat from * to last st, k1.

Row 8: P1, *k1, p1; repeat from * to last st, p1.

Rows 9-24: Repeat rows 5-8.

Rows 25-27: Repeat rows 5-7.

Row 28: P1, *k2tog, (k1, p1) 6 times, k1, p2tog, (p1, k1) 6 times, p1; repeat from * to last st p1 – 58 sts.

Shape Top:

Row 1: K1, *k6, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, k1 – 51 sts.

Row 2: P1, *k5, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, p1 – 44 sts.

Row 3: K1, *(k1, p1) twice, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, k1 – 37 sts.

Row 4: P1, *p1, k1, p1, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, p1 – 30 sts.

Row 5: K1, *k2, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, k1 – 23 sts.

Row 6: P1, *k1, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, p1 – 16 sts.

Row 7: K1, *k2tog; repeat from * to last st, k1 – 9 sts.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through remaining 9 sts and pull tightly to close.

Use yarn tail to sew seam using the mattress stitch.

Weave in ends.

ADULT LARGE PATTERN (24” Circumference) on Straight Needles

With smaller needles, cast on 66 sts.

Row 1: K1, *k2, p2; repeat from * to last st, k1.

Row 2: P1, *k2, p2; repeat from * to last st, p1.

Rows 3-4: Repeat rows 1-2.

Change to larger needles.

Row 5: Knit.

Row 6: P1, knit to last st, p1.

Row 7: K1, *k1, p1; repeat from * to last st, k1.

Row 8: P1, *k1, p1; repeat from * to last st, p1.

Rows 9-32: Repeat rows 5-8.

Shape Top:

Row 1: K1, *k6, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, k1 – 58 sts.

Row 2: P1, *k5, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, p1 – 50 sts.

Row 3: K1, *(k1, p1) twice, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, k1 – 42 sts.

Row 4: P1, *p1, k1, p1, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, p1 – 34 sts.

Row 5: K1, *k2, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, k1 – 26 sts.

Row 6: P1, *k1, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, p1 – 18 sts.

Row 7: K1, *k2tog; repeat from * to last st, k1 – 10 sts.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through remaining 10 sts and pull tightly to close.

Use yarn tail to sew seam using the mattress stitch.  Weave in ends.

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NEWBORN PATTERN (12” Circumference) in the Round

With smaller dpns or circular needles, cast on 32 sts.  Join, being careful not to twist.

Rnds 1-2: *K2, p2; repeat from * to end.

Change to larger dpns or circular needles.

Rnd 5: Knit.

Rnd 6: Purl.

Rnds 7-8: *K1, p1; repeat from * to end.

Rnds 9-18: Repeat rnds 3-6.

Shape Top:

Rnd 1: *K6, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 28 sts.

Rnd 2: *K5, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 24 sts.

Rnd 3: *(K1, p1) twice, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 20 sts.

Rnd 4: *P1, k1, p1, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 16 sts.

Rnd 5: *K2, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 12 sts.

Rnd 6: *K1, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 8 sts.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through remaining 8 sts and pull tightly to close.

Weave in ends.

BABY PATTERN (14” Circumference) in the Round

With smaller dpns or circular needles, cast on 40 sts.  Join, being careful not to twist.

Rnds 1-4: *K2, p2; repeat from * to end.

Change to larger dpns or circular needles.

Rnd 5: Knit.

Rnd 6: Purl.

Rnds 7-8: *K1, p1; repeat from * to end.

Rnds 9-20: Repeat rnds 5-8.

Shape Top:

Rnd 1: *K6, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 35 sts.

Rnd 2: *K5, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 30 sts.

Rnd 3: *(K1, p1) twice, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 25 sts.

Rnd 4: *P1, k1, p1, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 20 sts.

Rnd 5: *K2, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 15 sts.

Rnd 6: *K1, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 10 sts.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through remaining 10 sts and pull tightly to close. Weave in ends.

TODDLER PATTERN (16” Circumference) in the Round

With smaller dpns or circular needles, cast on 44 sts.  Join, being careful not to twist.

Rnds 1-4: *K2, p2; repeat from * to end.

Change to larger dpns or circular needles.

Rnd 5: Knit.

Rnd 6: Purl.

Rnds 7-8: *K1, p1; repeat from * to end.

Rnds 9-20: Repeat rnds 5-8.

Rnds 21-23: Repeat rows 5-7.

Rnd 24: K2tog, (k1, p1) to last 2 sts, k2tog – 42 sts.

Shape Top:

Rnd 1: *K5, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 36 sts.

Rnd 2: *K4, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 30 sts.

Rnd 3: *K1, p1, k1, p2tog, p1, k1, p1, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 24 sts.

Rnd 4: *P1, k1, p2tog, k1, p1, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 18 sts.

Rnd 5: *K1, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 12 sts.

Rnd 6: *K2tog; repeat from * to end – 6 sts.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through remaining 6 sts and pull tightly to close.

Weave in ends.

CHILD PATTERN (18” Circumference) in the Round

With smaller dpns or circular needles, cast on 52 sts. Join, being careful not to twist.

Rnds 1-4: *K2, p2; repeat from * to end.

Change to larger dpns or circular needles.

Rnd 5: Knit.

Rnd 6: Purl.

Rnds 7-8: *K1, p1; repeat from * to end.

Rnds 9-24: Repeat rnds 5-8.

Shape Top:

Rnd 1: *K11, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 48 sts.

Rnd 2: *K4, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 40 sts.

Rnd 3: *K1, p1, k1, p2tog, p1, k1, p1, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 32 sts.

Rnd 4: *P1, k1, p2tog, k1, p1, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 24 sts.

Rnd 5: *K1, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 16 sts.

Rnd 6: *K2tog; repeat from * to end – 8 sts.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through remaining 8 sts and pull tightly to close.

Weave in ends.

ADULT SMALL PATTERN (20” Circumference) in the Round

With smaller dpns or circular needles, cast on 56 sts.  Join, being careful not to twist.

Rnds 1-4: *K2, p2; repeat from * to end.

Change to larger dpns or circular needles.

Rnd 5: Knit.

Rnd 6: Purl.

Rnds 7-8: *K1, p1; repeat from * to end.

Rnds 9-28: Repeat rnds 5-8.

Shape Top:

Rnd 1: *K6, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 49 sts.

Rnd 2: *K5, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 42 sts.

Rnd 3: *(K1, p1) twice, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 35 sts.

Rnd 4: *P1, k1, p1, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 28 sts.

Rnd 5: *K2, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 21 sts.

Rnd 6: *K1, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 14 sts.

Rnd 7: *K2tog; repeat from * to end – 7 sts.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through remaining 7 sts and pull tightly to close.

Weave in ends.

ADULT MEDIUM PATTERN (22” Circumference) in the Round

With smaller dpns or circular needles, cast on 60 sts. Join, being careful not to twist.

Rnds 1-4: *K2, p2; repeat from * to end.

Change to larger dpns or circular needles.

Rnd 5: Knit.

Rnd 6: Purl.

Rnds 7-8: *K1, p1; repeat from * to end.

Rnds 9-24: Repeat rnds 5-8.

Rnds 25-27: Repeat rnds 5-7.

Rnd 28: *K2tog, (k1, p1) 6 times, k1, p2tog, (p1, k1) 6 times, p1; repeat from * to end – 56 sts.

Shape Top:

Rnd 1: *K6, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 49 sts.

Rnd 2: *K5, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 42 sts.

Rnd 3: *(K1, p1) twice, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 35 sts.

Rnd 4: *P1, k1, p1, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 28 sts.

Rnd 5: *K2, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 21 sts.

Rnd 6: *K1, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 14 sts.

Rnd 7: *K2tog; repeat from * to end – 7 sts.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through remaining 7 sts and pull tightly to close.

Weave in ends.

ADULT LARGE PATTERN (24” Circumference) in the Round

With smaller dpns or circular needles, cast on 64 sts.  Join, being careful not to twist.

Rnds 1-4: *K2, p2; repeat from * to end.

Change to larger dpns or circular needles.

Rnd 5: Knit.

Rnd 6: Purl.

Rnds 7-8: *K1, p1; repeat from * to end.

Rnds 9-32: Repeat rnds 5-8.

Shape Top:

Rnd 1: *K6, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 56 sts.

Rnd 2: *K5, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 48 sts.

Rnd 3: *(K1, p1) twice, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 40 sts.

Rnd 4: *P1, k1, p1, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 32 sts.

Rnd 5: *K2, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 24 sts.

Rnd 6: *K1, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 16 sts.

Rnd 7: *K2tog; repeat from * to end – 8 sts.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through remaining 8 sts and pull tightly to close.

Weave in ends.

Makes a great matching set with this Simple Knit Cowl!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this free knitting pattern!

Happy Knitting!
Amanda