1597 Santa Hat

How to Knit the Santa Hat

Knit a classic Santa hat with a fluffy white brim and matching pom pom. The hat is worked flat using double knitting yarn held double, with Flutter yarn added to create the soft white trim.

After the brim and main body are worked, the crown is shaped with regular decreases. The hat is then seamed and finished with a handmade pom pom.

You Will Need

• 1 ball of Double Knitting yarn by Lincraft in red
• 1 ball of Double Knitting yarn by Lincraft in white
• 1 ball of Flutter yarn by Lincraft in white
• 1 pair of 7mm knitting needles
• Yarn needle

Pattern Instructions

Using 7mm knitting needles and 1 strand of white Double Knitting yarn and 1 strand of white Flutter at the same time, cast on 52 stitches and work in garter stitch (every row knit) until piece measures 6cm finishing on the wrong side.

Next row: Using 2 strands of red Double Knitting yarn work in stocking st (1 row K,1 row P) until work measures 20cm from the cast on edge.

Shaping:

1st row: K10, K2tog, *K11, K2tog, repeat from * twice, K1 (48sts)

2nd row: Purl

3rd row: Knit

4th row: Purl

5th row: K9, K2tog, *K10, K2tog, repeat from * twice, K1 (44sts)

6th row: Purl

7th row: Knit

8th row: Purl

9th row: K8, K2tog, *K9, K2tog, repeat from * twice, K1 (40sts)

10th row: Purl

11th row: Knit

12th row: Purl

13th row: K11, K2tog * K8, K2tog, repeat from * twice, K1 (36sts)

14th row: Purl

15th row: Knit

16th row: Purl

17th row: K6, K2tog, * K7, K2tog, repeat from * twice, K1 (32sts)

18th row: Purl

19th row: Knit

20th row: Purl

21st row: K2 tog, knit to last 2 sts, K2 tog (30sts)

22nd row: Purl.

Repeat the last 2 rows until 2 sts remain.

Finishing

Leaving a long tail to sew the seam, cut the yarn and draw through the remaining 2 stitches, pull tightly and fasten securely. Use the yarn needle to sew in all ends. With the right sides facing and using 1 strand of red Double Knitting yarn back stitch the seam. Complete the seam using white Double knitting yarn for the white section. Make a pom pom using white Flutter and Double knitting yarn and stitch to the point.

See www.lincraft.com.au for pom pom instruction sheet.

Alternative Yarns

The original pattern uses Lincraft Double Knitting yarn held double for the main hat, with white Flutter yarn held together with white Double Knitting yarn for the brim. When substituting yarns, choose combinations that create a similar thickness and fabric when worked on 7mm knitting needles.

Suitable Yarn Types

• DK acrylic yarn held double – a practical substitute for the main hat.
• DK wool blend held double – provides extra warmth and structure.
• Brushed or eyelash-style yarn – can replace Flutter yarn for the fluffy white trim.
• Chunky yarn – may be suitable as a single strand if it produces a similar fabric on 7mm needles.

Customisation Ideas

• Use a deeper red or burgundy for a more traditional festive look.
• Use cream instead of bright white for a softer vintage-style finish.
• Add a larger pom pom for a more playful appearance.
• Add small embroidered snowflakes to the red section after finishing.
• Use metallic or sparkle yarn alongside the red yarn for subtle festive shimmer.

To retain the original shaping, keep the cast-on count, measurements and decrease rows unchanged when making decorative customisations.

Care Instructions

Follow the washing and care instructions provided on the ball bands of all yarns used.

1. Secure all yarn ends before washing.
2. Use a gentle wash suitable for both the main yarn and fluffy trim yarn.
3. Avoid high heat that may damage synthetic or novelty fibres.
4. Reshape the hat gently while damp.
5. Lay flat to dry where appropriate.
6. Fluff the brim and pom pom gently after the hat is completely dry.