As the days get colder and the nights draw in, there's nothing quite like a cosy handmade hat to keep you warm through the winter months. Whether you are a beginner or advance knitter, a new hat project is the perfect way to enjoy some relaxing creative time while making something practical and stylish. From classic favourites to fun, modern designs, we've rounded up some of our favourite hat patterns to inspire your next winter project. So grab your favourite yarn, pick up your needles, and let's get cosy!
Everyday Classics
Musselburgh by Ysolda Teague
A cosy, double-layered beanie featuring a beautifully shaped four-point crown. The pattern is versatile, offering 9 different gauge options to suit yarn weights from light fingering to DK, along with 6 sizes ranging from baby to adult XL.
A quick look at the yarn choices shared by Ravelry users shows plenty of love for DROPS yarns! Popular choices for this pattern include DROPS Baby Merino (193 projects), Kid-Silk (145), Alpaca (122), Flora (116), Nord (113) and Air (40). This hat is also a great project for any of the King Cole DK yarns we have in stock. Why not try it in Bramble DK, Cherished DK, Pricewise DK or Comfort Baby DK?
With a lovely choice of colours and yarn styles, you can easily make this pattern your own!
Oslo Hat by PetiteKnit
A timeless, everyday classic that is perfect for keeping cosy throughout the winter months. Knitted in the round, bottom up, it features a simple stockinette stitch design with a deep, folded brim for extra warmth and a lovely snug fit. The pattern comes in seven sizes, from baby to adult large, making it a great choice for knitting matching hats for all the family. There are several yarn options too.
A look at the yarn choices shared by Ravelry knitters shows some popular DROPS favourites for the Oslo Hat. DROPS Kid-Silk is a clear favourite, appearing in 586 projects, followed by Baby Merino (314 projects) and Air (206 projects). DROPS Big Merino has also been used, with 8 projects recorded.
These lovely yarn options offer plenty of inspiration, whether you prefer a soft, fluffy finish or a cosy, warm everyday hat.
The Classic Ribbed Hat by Purl Soho
A simple design that is perfect for knitters of all abilities. Knitted in the round, bottom up, it features a stretchy 1x1 rib stitch throughout. The generous length allows for a deep, folded brim or a more relaxed slouchy look. The free pattern comes in five sizes, from baby through to adult large, making it a great choice for the whole family. You can keep things classic with a single colour or have fun experimenting with stripes and colour-block combinations.
Ravelry knitters have experimented with a lovely variety of DROPS yarns for the Classic Ribbed Hat. DROPS Karisma is the most popular choice, appearing in 94 projects, followed by Kid-Silk (83), Daisy (56), Baby Merino (45) and Nepal (43). Other favourites include Alpaca, Air, Flora, Fiesta, Soft Tweed, Nord, Cotton Merino, Fabel and Big Merino. This hat is also a great project for any of the King Cole DK yarns we have in stock
With so many different DROPS yarns used successfully, there's plenty of inspiration to help you find the perfect yarn and create your own cosy winter hat!
Cosy Cables
Jason’s Cashmere Hat by Melissa Thomson
Asimple cable pattern with neat ribbed detailing and a deep, folded brim for extra warmth around the ears. Knitted in Aran-weight yarn, it's a lovely project for creating a classic winter hat. The pattern is free and suitable for an adult head circumference of 22–24 inches.
Ravelry knitters have used a lovely selection of DROPS yarns for Jason's Cashmere Hat. DROPS Nepal is by far the most popular choice, appearing in 192 projects, followed by Big Merino (49), Karisma (33) and Kid-Silk (30). Other options include Air, Alpaca, Baby Merino, Daisy, Flora and Nord, giving you plenty of yarn inspiration for your own version of this cosy winter hat!
Hat for Joy by Jacelyn
Hat for Joy by Jacelyn features beautifully intertwined cable patterns, textured moss stitch panels and a neat ribbed brim for a cosy, comfortable fit. Knitted in the round in DK-weight yarn, it's a lovely project for creating a warm, eye-catching hat with plenty of texture. The pattern is available in one size to fit most adults, with a free version available.
Ravlery knitters have used DROPS Air, Soft Tweed and Fiesta for Hat for Joy.
Free DROPS Hat Patterns
Polar Fold Hat by DROPS Design
A cosy, classic design featuring a simple all-over rib pattern and a deep, folded brim for extra warmth and a snug fit. Knitted in two strands of yarn held together, using either DROPS Alpaca and Kid-Silk or DROPS Nord and Kid-Silk, it's a lovely project for creating a soft, warm winter hat. The free pattern is available in two sizes to fit head circumferences of 56–58 cm and 58–61 cm. Also suitable for yarn group A+A or C.
Lemon Biscuit
A simple, stylish design featuring classic stockinette stitch with a deep, folded ribbed brim for extra warmth and a snug fit. Knitted in DROPS Fiesta yarn, it's a lovely project for creating a cosy everyday hat with a clean, timeless look. The free pattern is available in two sizes to fit head circumferences of 54–56 cm and 58–60 cm. Suitable for yarn group B.
Cosy Cuteness
Bear Ears Beanie Hat by Tara Marie
An adorable knitted design featuring a classic cosy beanie topped with two cute little bear ears. Knitted in Aran-weight yarn, it's a fun and quick project, perfect for creating a playful hat for little ones or bear-loving grown-ups. The pattern includes six sizes, from newborn to adult, making it a lovely choice for matching family hats.
The most frequently used yarn based on a Raverly search is DROPS Air, followed by DROPS Nepal. The collection also features a selection of other DROPS favourites, including Karisma, Baby Merino, Fabel and Big Merino.
Bonnet Teddy by Yarn it Up
An adorable knitted bonnet featuring a sweet teddy-inspired style. Knitted in DROPS Air, it has a soft, lightweight feel and is worked in one piece, with short rows shaping the crown. Suitable for beginners, the pattern includes five sizes, from newborn to adult, making it perfect for creating a lovely little hat for all ages.
Choose any pattern that sparks your creativity, whether it's a free design from the DROPS website or an independent pattern from talented designers you find online. Ravelry and Pinterest are fantastic resources for discovering new ideas and inspiration, so explore to your heart's content and find the perfect project to bring your vision to life.
