This gorgeous seed stitch hat knitting pattern is much simpler to knit than it looks and results in such a cushy, soft texture that anyone will love wearing it!
Updated April, 2024
This pattern has been updated to include additional child and adult sizes. For more information on the changes, what’s included and many other questions, click here.
Welcome to the 5th pattern in my Back to Basic series, the Basic Seed Stitch Baby Hat Knitting Pattern! Seed stitch is also known as British moss stitch (which is NOT the same as American moss stitch, who knew?! I learn so much when I’m writing these posts!)
Seed stitch is one of my favorite stitches for several reasons. For one, the finished knit fabric is thick and squishy and soft, it makes for great warm & cozy hats! I also really love the look of seed stitch. It makes an interesting even texture that just makes me happy.
And finally, my favorite thing about seed stitch of all is that it looks complicated but it’s actually super easy! Just alternating knit and purl stitches! It’s slightly more interesting to knit than stockinette but not so complicated that you have to pay super close attention.
It can be difficult to do decreases in a seed stitch baby hat, but I’ve done my best to distribute and hide them and I am happy with the cute top to this easy baby hat! I also worked in a way to hide the seam that would naturally occur at the beginning of each round. All in all, it’s a great simple baby hat knitting pattern and I hope you guys like it!
Easy Seed Stitch Hat Knitting Pattern
Sizes included: 0-3 months, (6 months, 1-2 years, 3-6 years, Child Large/Adult Small, Adult Large) Read our sizing guidelines post for more information.
Gauge: 19 stitches = 4 inches
(If you need help, my favorite knitting reference book for everyone from beginners to advanced knitters is THIS ONE!)
Looking for the pattern? Here’s how it works: This pattern is available for FREE in one size right here on my site (keep scrolling down). Or for just a few dollars, you can choose to purchase an upgraded PDF pattern that is nicely formatted and easy to print. Besides being easy to print, the PDF pattern also contains MORE SIZES with instructions for additional sizing including 0-3 months, 6 months, 1-2 years, 3-6 years, Child Large/Adult Small and Adult Large! Thank you for supporting Little Red Window!
Easy Seed Stitch Baby Hat Knitting Pattern Instructions (12 mo. size)
Using long-tail cast on, cast on 72 stitches onto your circular needles. Join to knit in the round and k1, p1 in a rib stitch for 4 rounds.
Round 1: (p1, k1) repeat to the last stitch, then kfb
Round 2: (k1, p1) repeat to the last stitch, then k1
Round 3: (p1, k1) repeat to the last stitch, then p1
Repeat rounds 2 & 3 until the hat is about 5 inches long. Begin decrease after a round 3.
Decrease (divide your stitches evenly between 3 double pointed needles or use magic loop):
Round 1: (k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k2tog) repeat to the last stitch, then k1
Round 2: (p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1) repeat to last stitch, then p1
Round 3: (k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p2tog) repeat to the last stitch, then k1
Round 4: (p1, k1) repeat to last stitch, then p1
Round 5: (k1, p1, k1, p1, k2tog) repeat to the last stitch, then k1
Round 6: (p1, k1, p1, k1, p1) repeat to last stitch, then p1
Round 7: (k1, p1, k1, p2tog) repeat to the last stitch, then k1
Round 8: (p1, k1) repeat to last stitch, then p1
Round 9: (k1, p1, k2tog) repeat to the last stitch, then k1
Round 10: (p1, k1, p1) repeat to last stitch, then p1
Round 11: (k1, p2tog) repeat to the last 4 stitches, then k1, p3tog
Round 12: k2tog and repeat to the end of the round
Cut yarn, thread on yarn needle, pull through loops and close. Weave in ends.
And that’s it! If you want a super easy to print easy seed stitch baby hat knitting pattern that includes all sizes click the button below!
If you liked this, you may also like some of my other posts…
- Scalloped Garland Knitting Pattern - February 11, 2025
- 30+ Best Valentine’s Day Knitting Patterns - February 6, 2025
- Valentine Heart Wreath Knitting Pattern - February 5, 2025
carol says
Instead of using double pointed needles I never have What is the magic loop would that be easier then the double pointed needles
Thank You, Ms. Carol,
Cassie May says
Hi! Magic loop is a technique where you use a long (like 40″) circular knitting needle instead of double pointed knitting needles. The extra length in the cable allows you to have half of the stitches on each needles even when you’re knitting a very small amount of stitches in the round. There is a bit of learning curve but yes, once you learn, I do think magic loop is easier than DPNs. I think this is a good tutorial for getting started: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/magic-loop/ Hope that helps!