The Garden Gnome Hat: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Whimsical, Textured Topper
Introduction: Become a Woodland Sprite with This Whimsical Garden Gnome Hat
Transform into a charming woodland sprite with this delightfully quirky Garden Gnome Hat! Featuring a tall, pointed crown and a fluffy, integrated beard, this knitted topper is the perfect conversation starter for cool-weather adventures. Knitted in soft, earthy tones of forest green and cream, this hat is cozy, playful, and surprisingly beginner-friendly. Whether you're heading to a fall festival, a costume party, or just want to add a touch of whimsy to your winter wardrobe, this free pattern will guide you every step of the way. Let's get started!
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following materials. All yarn amounts are approximate for an adult medium size.
Yarn
- Main Color (MC) – Forest Green: Worsted weight yarn, approximately 200 yards. This will be used for the hat body and ribbing.
- Contrast Color (CC) – Cream: Worsted weight yarn, approximately 100 yards. This is for the fluffy beard.
- Brown: A small amount of worsted weight brown yarn (about 10-15 yards) for the stem on top.
Needles & Tools
- Circular Needle: US Size 7 (4.5 mm), 16-inch length (for the hat body).
- Double-Pointed Needles (DPNs): US Size 7 (4.5 mm) – for the crown decreases and the stem.
- Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends and sewing pieces together.
- Stitch Marker: To mark the beginning of the round.
- Scissors
Gauge
20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette stitch (knit flat, blocked). Achieving the correct gauge is important for the hat to fit properly. If your gauge is off, adjust your needle size accordingly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Size: Adult Medium (fits head circumference 21-23 inches). To adjust size, change needle size or add/subtract stitches in multiples of 4.
Abbreviations
- CO: Cast on
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- K2tog: Knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
- SSK: Slip slip knit (left-leaning decrease)
- YO: Yarn over
- St(s): Stitch(es)
- MC: Main Color (Forest Green)
- CC: Contrast Color (Cream)
- WS: Wrong side
- RS: Right side
Hat Body (Worked in the Round)
Step 1: Cast On and Join
With MC and your 16-inch circular needle, CO 88 stitches. Place a stitch marker and join in the round, being very careful not to twist the stitches.
Step 2: Ribbing
Work K2, P2 ribbing (knit 2, purl 2) for 1.5 inches. This creates a stretchy, snug brim.
Step 3: Body of the Hat
After the ribbing, knit every round (Stockinette stitch in the round) until the piece measures 6 inches from the cast-on edge.
Step 4: Crown Decreases
Switch to double-pointed needles (DPNs) when the stitches become too tight for the circular needle. Distribute stitches evenly across 4 DPNs (22 stitches per needle).
- Round 1: *K9, K2tog* repeat around. (80 stitches remain)
- Round 2 and all even rounds: Knit all stitches.
- Round 3: *K8, K2tog* repeat around. (72 stitches)
- Round 5: *K7, K2tog* repeat around. (64 stitches)
- Round 7: *K6, K2tog* repeat around. (56 stitches)
- Round 9: *K5, K2tog* repeat around. (48 stitches)
- Round 11: *K4, K2tog* repeat around. (40 stitches)
- Round 13: *K3, K2tog* repeat around. (32 stitches)
- Round 15: *K2, K2tog* repeat around. (24 stitches)
- Round 17: *K1, K2tog* repeat around. (16 stitches)
- Round 19: *K2tog* repeat around. (8 stitches)
Step 5: Finish the Crown
Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread the tail through a tapestry needle, then pass it through the remaining 8 stitches. Pull tight to close the hole, and secure the yarn on the inside of the hat. Weave in the end.
Beard (Knitted Flat)
The beard is worked flat (back and forth) on straight needles or your circular needle. It uses a simple lace-like pattern to create a fluffy, curly texture.
Step 1: Cast On
With CC, CO 20 stitches.
Step 2: Row 1 (Wrong Side)
Purl all stitches.
Step 3: Row 2 (Right Side) – Increase Row
K1, *K1, YO, K1* repeat from * to * until 1 stitch remains, K1. (38 stitches – you have increased by 18 stitches)
Step 4: Row 3
Purl all stitches.
Step 5: Row 4 – Eyelet Row
K1, *K2tog, YO* repeat from * to * until 1 stitch remains, K1. (38 stitches – stitch count stays the same)
Step 6: Row 5
Purl all stitches.
Step 7: Row 6
Knit all stitches.
Step 8: Row 7
Purl all stitches.
Step 9: Row 8 – Decrease Row
K1, *K2tog* repeat from * to * until 1 stitch remains, K1. (20 stitches – you have decreased back to the original count)
Step 10: Row 9
Purl all stitches.
Step 11: Bind Off
Bind off loosely (do not pull tight). Cut yarn and weave in the ends. The beard will naturally curl and look fluffy.
Stem (Knitted in the Round)
Step 1: Cast On and Join
With brown yarn and DPNs, CO 12 stitches. Distribute evenly across 3 DPNs (4 stitches per needle). Join in the round, being careful not to twist.
Step 2: Knit the Stem
Knit every round for 2 inches.
Step 3: Decrease
*K2tog* repeat around. (6 stitches remain)
Step 4: Finish
Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread through the remaining 6 stitches, pull tight, and secure. Weave in the end.
Finishing
Step 1: Attach the Beard
Position the beard on the front of the hat, just above the ribbing. The pointy end of the beard should face downward. Using a tapestry needle and the CC yarn tail, sew the beard securely to the hat along the top edge. Make sure it is centered.
Step 2: Attach the Stem
Sew the stem onto the very top of the hat (the crown point). Use the brown yarn tail to stitch it securely in place.
Step 3: Weave in All Ends
Use your tapestry needle to weave in any remaining yarn ends on the inside of the hat. Trim excess yarn.
Step 4: Blocking (Optional)
If desired, gently block the hat by lightly steaming it or wet-blocking it to even out the stitches. Lay flat to dry.
Your whimsical Garden Gnome Hat is complete! Wear it with pride and enjoy the compliments. Happy knitting!
