Knitting Patterns for Colorwork Hats – Cozy Beanies to Try

There are so many great hat knitting patterns out there, but as I start thinking about knitting for winter (which is the only time I really wear hats) I want my hats to be as colorful as possible. And of course there are new colorwork hat knitting patterns being released all the time, but here are some that have caught my eye.

You couldn’t ask for more color than is found in the Ridged Stripe Hat knitting pattern from Yarnspirations. This one uses a multicolored yarn to make the stripes easy, and slipped stitches to make those elongated stitches that move the colors around. It also has a foldover ribbed brim for plenty of warmth, and comes in one size to fit an adult. It’s a free pattern.

Speaking of slipped stitches, they’re the key to mosaic knitting, which is how the Fold in the Cheese hat is done (shoutout to the Schitt’s Creek fans!). This one is worked in two colors of a DK or light worsted weight yarn, and using a multicolored yarn makes it look more interesting without any more work. It comes in three sizes and you can knit it as a beanie or slouchy if you prefer. You can find this pattern from Mary Annarella on Ravelry.

The color is subtle on Carrie McKie’s Surprise Hat (a free download from Ravelry) but it wouldn’t have to be. I wanted to include this one because I like the idea of it, having a colorwork pattern that looks good on either side so you can reverse the hat when you want to change up the look. This one also uses slipped stitches, and it’s fun to see how you can get different looks with such a simple technique.

The simplest way to add color to a project, apart from stripes, is by adding little stitches of color. A single knit stitch in a contrasting color looks like a heart, which is where the Loving Hat gets its name. This is super simple stranded colorwork done in bulky yarn, and the free pattern from Garter Stitch Witch includes sizing for babies through adults.

If you’re ready for more detailed Fair Isle knitting, check out A Foray into Fair Isle from Little Blue Pedal Car on Etsy. This colorful hat knitting pattern would be a great stash buster because you can change colors with every band of colorwork. It uses worsted weight yarn and looks adult sized.

Take stranded knitting in a totally different direction with the Bad Medicine Beanie from A Lil Loopy. This bold hat features large skulls all around the hat that are worked in a multicolored, super bulky yarn. The hat has one adult size and looks like it would be a lot of fun to knit.

Bands of Colorwork Add Direction to This Sweater [Knitting]

Colorwork Cardigan Knitting Patterns [Knitting]

Knit Matching Colorwork Hat and Mitts [Knitting]

When my daughter was in early elementary school we were at Joann together (RIP) and she picked out some variegated pink and white blanket yarn for me to knit a blanket for her bed. Now probably 10 years later, it’s one of her favorite possessions. I note this because the blankets we give to little ones might seem simple on the surface, like something they need to keep warm, but they can turn into so much more.

Take the Pocketful of Love Blanket from Purl Soho. On the surface this is a pretty but also easy to knit blanket for a little one. It’s worked in garter stitch stripes using sport weight yarn (the sample is a superwash wool, but this would also be nice in cotton or a blend) and available in a crib or small throw size. Though of course because it’s garter stitch, it’s pretty easy to make it any size you want.

But what makes this blanket extra special is the little details. The slip stitch selvedges and I-cord bind off give it a crisp look that’s perfect with the garter stitch of the body.

And then there’s the pocket.

This is a big pocket. At 10 inches wide and 12.25 inches tall (that’s 25.4 by 31 cm) for the crib size and 12.75 by 14.25 inches (32.4 by 36 cm) for the throw, you can easily fit a favorite stuffed animal, toy or book into the pocket.

I love how even though it uses the same striped garter stitch pattern as the blanket, it’s stitched down so the stripes run the opposite way (horizontal when the blanket stripes are vertical), though of course you can match stripes if you’d rather.

I think this blanket has the potential to be greatly loved by the little one its given to, and by the knitter look for an easy, pretty baby blanket with a little extra useful twist.

Grab the free pattern from Purl Soho.

[Photo: Purl Soho]

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