Knit hat sizes by age
Knit fabric stretches more than crochet, especially ribbing. The chart uses 15% negative ease, which is right for a 1×1 or 2×2 rib beanie in worsted or DK. Use 10% for stockinette with a ribbed brim and 5% for cables or colourwork, which barely stretch.
| Age | Head (cm / in) | Hat (cm / in) | Height | Crown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preemie | 25–32 / 9.8–12.6 | 24.2 / 9.5 | 11.4 cm / 4.5 in | 7.7 cm / 3.04 in |
| Newborn | 32–36 / 12.6–14.2 | 28.9 / 11.4 | 14 cm / 5.5 in | 9.2 cm / 3.62 in |
| 0 to 3 months | 35–40.5 / 13.8–15.9 | 32.1 / 12.6 | 15.2 cm / 6 in | 10.2 cm / 4.02 in |
| 3 to 6 months | 39.5–43.5 / 15.6–17.1 | 35.3 / 13.9 | 16.5 cm / 6.5 in | 11.2 cm / 4.42 in |
| 6 to 12 months | 42–47 / 16.5–18.5 | 37.8 / 14.9 | 17.8 cm / 7 in | 12 cm / 4.74 in |
| Toddler (1 to 2 years) | 45–49 / 17.7–19.3 | 39.9 / 15.7 | 19.1 cm / 7.5 in | 12.7 cm / 5.01 in |
| 2 to 4 years | 47.5–51 / 18.7–20.1 | 41.9 / 16.5 | 20.3 cm / 8 in | 13.3 cm / 5.25 in |
| 5 to 8 years | 50.5–53 / 19.9–20.9 | 44 / 17.3 | 21 cm / 8.25 in | 14 cm / 5.51 in |
| 9 to 12 years | 52–55.5 / 20.5–21.9 | 45.7 / 18 | 21.6 cm / 8.5 in | 14.5 cm / 5.73 in |
| Teen | 54–58 / 21.3–22.8 | 47.6 / 18.7 | 22.9 cm / 9 in | 15.2 cm / 5.97 in |
| Adult woman | 53–59.5 / 20.9–23.4 | 47.8 / 18.8 | 22.9 cm / 9 in | 15.2 cm / 5.99 in |
| Adult man | 55–60.5 / 21.7–23.8 | 49.1 / 19.3 | 24.8 cm / 9.75 in | 15.6 cm / 6.15 in |
Working out your cast-on
Knit a swatch in the stitch you will use for the body, lightly stretched as it will be worn. Count stitches per 10 cm (4 in). Multiply stitches per cm by the finished hat circumference in the chart, then round to a multiple of your rib or pattern repeat. That is your cast-on number.
Example: 22 stitches per 10 cm and a finished circumference of 51 cm gives 22 × 5.1 = 112 stitches. For 2×2 rib, round to 112 (a multiple of 4).
Beanie height and crown decreases
Knit to the height in the chart minus about 4 cm (1 ½ in), then start crown decreases. With an 8-point decrease (8 stitches fewer on each decrease round), about 13 decrease rounds bring a 112-stitch hat down to 8 stitches to gather at the top. For a slouchy beanie, add 5 cm (2 in) before the decreases.
Fit tips
- Ribbed brims are more forgiving than rolled brims. If in doubt, add 2.5 cm (1 in) of rib.
- Superwash wool and acrylic relax after washing. Aim for the smaller circumference with those yarns.
- Block flat, not stretched, or the hat will grow.