Tis the season – if you’re not selling your wares in markets or online for Christmas, you’re probably looking for patterns and yarns as your needles fly late into the night.
Unfortunately, most of us have experienced the “aaaaaah, thank you…?” experience of something that was clearly lovingly made but either poorly executed or not made with the recipient in mind.
So let’s avoid that, shall we? Whether you’re shopping for gifts specifically from handmade/small businesses (thank you!!) or for patterns for those on your “to-gift” list, here’s some things to consider as you search.
Where does the recipient live?
If they live in a place without snow and relatively temperate, their needs for a hat or scarf is probably lower than someone in Alaska or Colorado. Case in point, my brother lives in LA, where it’s typically not cold.
What does the recipient like?
Is their style one that would lend to knitwear? What kind of colors do they like? As a general rule…
- Men: Neutrals – think black, grays, maaaaybe a nice brown, heathered grays. Unless they’ve expressed that there is another color that they love, outerwear tends to be neutral.
- Women: As with men, neutrals are also safe. However, jewel tones have been popular the last few years. If you’re thinking a hat or scarf, think of what color their coat is – what would go with that?
- Kids: Kids have the biggest range of color and it’s fun to go more bright for them! However, if you know the kiddo’s favorite color or what color their coat is, go with something that matches their personality.
Do they have any sensitivities or react poorly to wool?
I’ve been so surprised by the number of people who have visited my booth and reported that they have an allergy (more likely a sensitivity) to wool! If you’re able to, ask someone close to the recipient if they know of any wool allergies. If you’re not able to, play it safe by using an acrylic, mohair, alpaca, or angora based yarn. Many people report that using higher quality merino wool doesn’t cause the same reaction as what is typically thought of with wool (and I can attest that it’s absolutely softer!). However, if you don’t know, it’s probably best to play it safe. Just make sure it’s soft. Scratchy yarn does not make good gifts.
Ok! Now to pattern ideas…
For men:
Man Hat
Found on Knit Alone Together’s blog post or as a PDF on Ravelry for free, this one uses chunky yarn and size 8 needles. Pick a neutral color and it seems a great option! If you’re a maker, this also seems like a great one for markets…excuse me while I go make a few.
Have I made it? Just finished one yesterday – turned out great and worked up pretty fast!
Skill Level: As long as you know knit and purl, you’re good.
Price: Free
The Skog Hat
The Skog Hat by Jean Philippe Cliche is fun and a little bit different from the standard simple beanie. It also looks like a trapper hat, so while the fur is missing, it still has a cool feeling!
Have I made it? No, but it’s on my to-knit list.
Price: $8 CAD on Ravelry
The Men’s Striped Flap Hat
Purl Soho has always been a great resource for me to get free patterns and inspiration, so looking through their library was a no-brainer. The Men’s Striped Flap Hat seems a touch vintage but masculine enough that he’ll love it. This one could also work well in color rather than neutral.
Have I made it? I have not but Purl Soho has usually been a win in my book!
Price: Free!
The Arbor Beanie
I’ve mentioned this one before because it’s so dang pretty and versatile! I love that it can easily be a neutral and have a pop of color and I have a feeling it will be a popular seller at winter markets this year.
Have I made it? Yes, several times!
Skill Level: Intermediate – you must be comfortable with cable stitches and working with two colors.
Price: $7 on Etsy
The Kaleidescope Hat
This one by Weird Sheep is another one with endless color options and it’s one that I made several of this fall! It’s made with super bulky yarn and works up within two hours.
Have I made it? Yes, several times!
Skill Level: Intermediate – it’s some color work but I would rate it as easier than the Arbor Beanie.
Price: $6.55 on Etsy
Knit Patterns for Kids
Honestly, if you’re looking for knit patterns for kids, Fox and Pine is where you should go first. Her bear beanies (both with faux fur and without) have been gangbusters for me!
Baby Bear Pixie Bonnet
Have I made it? Not this one specifically but her patterns are always winners.
Skill Level: I would say this is a comfortable beginner.
Faux Fur Bear Hat
This hat has been my best seller for a few years now at markets and it’s easy to see why!
This pattern has multiple sizes included and it’s free on her blog, though a purchase PDF is an option on her website.
Have I made it? Not this one specifically but her patterns are always winners.
Skill Level: I would say this is a comfortable beginner.
Have I made it? Not yet!
Price: Free
Knit Patterns For the Whole Family
Whether you want to make matchy-matchy hats, mommy and me styles or just individuals but want a versatile pattern you can make over and over again, these are great options.
High Seas Hat
This free pattern from Purl Soho promises to be a quick knit made with super bulky yarn – I’m about to put it on my needles with some mohair for extra softness.
The Taylor Beanie by Alabaster Purl
Laurel at alabasterpurl is a truly lovely human that I’ve known virtually for years! I test knit this one for her several years ago and it’s a super versatile pattern – you could literally make one for the whole family and they grow with the kids because of their stretch factor! Just grab a skein or worsted weight yarn in their favorite color and your needles and you’ll be zipping along in no time.
Pattern Bundle on Etsy
Taylor Beanie pattern on Etsy
Bundle of Hats, Leg Warmers (baby) and wrist warmer on Etsy
Have I made it? I have made the hat version several times in a bunch of different colors!
Skill Level: I would say this is a comfortable beginner.
Price: Depends on the pattern, the bundle with multiple sizes of the hat is $12.50
The Reagan Beanie
I wrote the Reagan Beanie pattern back in 2020 when my first daughter was born, and then scaled it so that it could be made for infants, toddlers, or adults. In 2021, I released the bulky version. At one point, my husband, myself and my baby girl all had matching hats! There’s an extra option of being able to do either single or double brim hat.
The Wildwood Beanie
The Wildwood Beanie from Woolybear Knits is in my cart, I love that it’s a traditional/ gender neutral hat but has the added interest of the top as well as the ability to do a super bulky or bulky weight. Anything that allows for variety is a big win in my book!
Have I made it? I have not made it yet, she reports that it is an easy pattern and it looks fairly easy to me!
Price: $7 on Etsy
The Jake Beanie
I recently got this pattern by Captivating by Kayla and it’s perfect for mindlessly knitting during car rides (only if you are the passenger princess), during meetings if you need to move your hands, or a more engaging tv show. It uses bulky yarn and can be made in any color!
Have I made it? I have not made it yet, she reports that it is an easy pattern and it looks fairly easy to me!
Price: $6.72 on Etsy
What patterns did I miss? Do you have a favorite hat pattern to add?
Happy Knitting!
- Top 8 Cozy Knit Ornament Patterns for Your Holiday Tree
- The Rose Family | June 2025 | Tyler, Texas
- The Timberline Beanie Free Knitting Pattern is Here!
- Free Knit Patterns are Arriving!
- Carpal Tunnel and De Quervain’s Release Surgery
