How to Knit a Hat Without a Pattern // Technique Tuesday

This video demonstrates the steps to creating a custom-fit hat using any yarn weight. Some hat-knitting experience is assumed. If you have a skein of yarn in your stash and a last-minute gift to knit, knowing how to free-style a hat is an invaluable skill. The video will walk the knitter through measuring the recipient (you can use a chart of average sizes to make an educated guess), calculating the desired negative ease, and determining the gauge for the chosen yarn. The target cast on number is calculated, and then adjusted, based on preferred ribbing. Basic proportions for the hat are explained, as well as where adjustments can be made in length to accommodate a folded back cuff or a preference for a slouchier fit. Finally, how to plan for and execute the crown decreases is explained. 100g of any yarn weight is plenty for an adult-sized hat (with enough leftover to make a pom-pom). Children's hats can typically be knit with 50g. Amount needed will depend on size of hat, as well as adjustments for additional length.

To jump to a specific point in the video, click on the adjacent time-stamped links:
Introduction: 0:00
Hat improvisation: 0:21
Determine what size hat you will make: 1:07
Yarn selection and gauge swatch: 2:06
Calculate hat circumference and choose ribbing: 5:41
Plan the hat: ribbing, body, and crown lengths: 8:33
Plan for adjustments (additional length in body or ribbing): 10:39
Select your cast on method: 11:58
Cast on using smaller needles for ribbing: 13:44
Knit the hat body: 15:38
Planning the crown: 17:03
Working the crown decreases: 20:57
Finishing off the hat: 22:04
Final Results: 22:46

RESOURCES FOR HAT KNITTERS

DETAILS OF HATS SHOWN IN VIDEO:
ADULT HAT WITH VARIEGATED YARN
To fit head circumference 22''
15% negative ease
finished size 18.7'' circumference, 8'' long
yarn: Lang Lyonel 109 yd/100m in 100g (super bulky)
quantity used: 55.6g, about 61 yds
Gauge: 3 sts/in (ball band recommended 2.5 sts/in, i.e. 10 sts over 4''/10cm, but I felt it was too floppy, and even at 3 sts/in, I felt 10% negative ease might feel loose, so I chose to knit with 15% neg ease)
CO: 56 sts, using Alternating (aka Italian) CO for k1p1 ribbing,
Crown: 8 sets of 7 sts; 6 dec rnds, 3 plain rnds

CHILD'S GREEN HAT
To fit head circumference 18''
10% negative ease
finished size: 16'' circumference, 6.5'' long
yarn: Ancient Arts Fibre Crafts Lascaux Worsted, 75% Punta, 25% Manx Loaghtan (worsted weight wool) 219 yds/100g; amount used 36.6g (about 80yds)
gauge: 5 sts/in (20 sts over 4''/10 cm)
CO: 81 sts using standard long tail cast on
Crown: setup dec 1 st (80 sts); 8 sets of 10 sts; 9 dec rnds, 4 plain rnds

ADULT MAROON HAT WITH DOUBLE CUFF
To fit head circumference 22''
10% negative ease
finished size: 19.8'' circumference, 8'' long
yarn: Ancient Arts Fibre Crafts Lascaux Worsted, 75% Punta, 25% Manx Loaghtan (worsted weight wool) 219 yds/100g; amount used 69.2 g (about 152 yds)
gauge: 5 sts/in (20 sts over 4''/10 cm)
CO: Alternating Long Tail Cast on, 100 sts
Crown: 10 sets of 10 sts; 9 dec rnds; 6 plain rnds

If you have questions about this video, or suggestions for future videos, please let me know down in the comments or on social media.

[mistyblue]

This is NOT just any old podcast/tutorial. This is an epic in-depth hat making knitting class. I usually share all your sock tutorials from time to time.... now I have a hat class to recommend! Thanks Roxanne... well worth the time spent with you on technique Tuesday’s. Sending blessings your

[cindychudy]

This video should be viewed by all beginning knitters. You do such a great job explaining the hat construction and planning. Thank you.

[angieruns]

This video is genius. I have been knitting hats for YEARS, and I learned A TON from you, Roxanne. You are a gifted educator.

[cynthiagilbreth]

I’m thinking of starting to work on hats to use up some leftover yarn and am absolutely delighted to find such an in depth and well explained tutorial. Thank you so much.

[No-ones-here-so-yeah.]

I’m new to knitting. Crocheter for 20yrs. This is absolutely helpful and makes me feel more comfortable with trying to knit simple stuff!! Thank you!!

[paisleypam]

I love this method! this is the way I like to knit, I don't like reading patterns, and never know how to fix something when I make a mistake or the stitches don't add up. So knowing how to create it yourself is so helpful to me. it really helps to understand the "why" when figuring out the "how"!

[sherryfaires]

This is excellent info I have not heard in any other tutorial and exactly what I was needing! Thank you so much!

[GoldenRtvrs]

I adore this video! I come back to it time and time again! It is infinitely helpful! Thank you Roxanne!

[sy.]

Just FYI: first of all I think your brilliant but, of course, you already know this. I set up a hat, had a miscalculation that I reworked 4 times but it never set right with me! I had 140 stitches in my hat! Newho, by watching ur very clear instructions at the points in which my math went awry, I was able to get to the right math AND confirm that my calculations were now accurate, again, Ur brilliant—thank you!!!

[sarahmurphy]

WOW 🤩 what a wonderful tutorial. Clear, precise, easy to understand. Everything a you tube tutorial should be. I am on a budget right now and as some of my yarn is thrifted it's not always easy to match a yarn with a pattern, and I can tell you I have searched all over for different tutorials. This method means I can knit hats as Christmas gifts with the yarn I have, I'm thrilled to have found your channel. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. 😊

[monilonis]

I stumbled across this video a few days back after looking for a hat knitting tutorial and I honestly think this is the BEST one out there! It is so clear and so informative, you can actually understand why you do things instead of just doing them when following a video with a ready hat knitting pattern. Simply brilliant, thank you for sharing your knowledge! Now I’m just going back to admiring my first ever hand knitted hat 😉

[auotaku]

This contained so much information, I'll be rewatching this quite a few times. You always make things so clear and understandable. What I love about your Technique Tuesdays is you never ever assume a certain level of knowledge, and don't skip any steps of the process.

[ekaterinakataeva]

You have no idea how helpful your video is! I want to knit a hat for my mom and I’m so grateful that you’ve explained everything step by step! Thank you!

[MotivationMovesOfficial]

I had been stayed in finland Helsinki. There is a one good friend named by Emi taught me this type of cap making method. I made one. After 14 years.. Now I forgot. I was thinking about it and got same. Thank you so much mam. This is really nice video.

[aishahusain]

I can not believe this video popped up just when I am ready to knit a hat for a friend. I have been pondering over how to figure this out and never grasped how to do the calculations etc. But this tutorial was awesome. You explained it sooo well. Thank you.

[lass-inangeles]

1:10 - Head measuring starts. Circumference. Crown to below ears.
2:12 - What type needle for what type yarn. How many stitches for that type of yarn.

Roxanne, you are amazing! So much GREAT information, my head is reeling. This is EXACTLY what I was looking for, a comprehensive guide to knitting a beanie hat. I've never knitted a hat, never used circular needles, and never knew how complex the calculations were. As in any build project, from a cabinet, to jewelry to knitting, calculations / measurements are the key. The expert builder of anything, knows how to do the math really well.

What was also very interesting, was how you read a yarn label. All that cryptic info is now illuminated. So grateful for this video. The fine points of making a hat such as pointy effect with gradual narrowing versus flattening out top to fit the shape of your rounded head was an expert tip. Many thanks! Subscribed.

[zoridahall]

Awesome tutorial , loved the tutorial thank you, artistry and clarity just took place, Zoe

[StarryNightKnitting]

What a fantastic video/tutorial Roxanne! I've been making many hats lately for children and am winging it when it comes to sizing and particularly the decreases for the top of the hats. I'm by far not an experienced knitter but so far lucky ; ). You have so much great information and intelligence in your videos and yet you speak to the average knitter like myself, Thank you so much for all your tutorials! ~~~Jo

[soma]

I don’t think there could be a more thorough video on hat making anywhere. thank you so much.

[elisakuratli]

This is probably the most useful knitting video I’ve found! I’ve been trying to design my own hats, but until now I based the measurements on other patterns I already had.. now I can’t wait start designing my own hat from scratch! Thank you!!!!