Gathered Bow Hat Knitting Pattern

Our Gathered Bow Hat knitting pattern is a fun take on the classic bow hat and is so darn cute you’ll want to make a hundred!

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.

Updated April, 2024

This cute little gathered bow hat is such a fun take on a traditional hat! I decided that since you all love my regular Bow Hat so much, it would be cute to do one where the bow gathers up the brim of the hat.

And I’m so glad I did, it turned out so cute! The alternating lines of knit and purl stitches make for a really cute brim and show off that adorable bow!

Plus did I mention this one is really super easy to knit? You’ll be the hit of the baby shower if you make this for a friend who’s expecting!

I chose a nice neutral color called linen for the hat with a little pink bow but this hat would look adorable all in one color too! It’s up to you!

Gathered Bow 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

• Worsted weight yarn
• US 7 (4.5 mm) 16″ circular knitting needles
• US 7 (4.5 mm) double pointed needles
• Yarn needle

(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!

Gathered Bow Hat Knitting Pattern Instructions (12 month size)

Using long-tail cast on, cast on 72 stitches onto your circular needles with the main yarn color. Join to knit in the round and knit all stitches for 11 rounds. The brim will begin to roll and that’s ok. Then purl all stitches for 3 rounds, knit all stitches for 4 rounds and purl all stitches for 3 rounds. Finally knit all stitches until the hat is about 5 inches long (including the rolled brim).

Decrease (divide your stitches evenly between 3 double pointed needles or use magic loop):

Round 1: (k6, k2tog) repeat to the end of the round

Round 2: knit all stitches

Round 3: (k5, k2tog) repeat to the end of the round

Round 4: knit all stitches

Round 5: (k4, k2tog) repeat to the end of the round

Round 6: knit all stitches

Round 7: (k3, k2tog) repeat to the end of the round

Round 8: knit all stitches

Round 9: (k2, k2tog) repeat to the end of the round

Round 10: knit all stitches

Round 11: (k1, k2tog) repeat to the end of the round

Round 12: k2tog and repeat to the end of the round

Cut yarn, thread through loops and pull to close. Weave in ends.

The Bow:

Using long-tail cast on and double pointed needles as straight needles, cast on 16 stitches with the contrast yarn color.

Knit all stitches for 14 rows, cast off and weave in loose ends.

To assemble the hat:

Lay the bow on top of the hat, then thread a long piece of the contrast color yarn on a yarn needle.

Tie it inside the hat and then use the yarn to gather up the bow and the brim of the hat–Insert the yarn just above the top row of purl stitches on the hat,

bringing it down around the bottom of the brim and back up to where you started

and then pull tight to gather. Wind the yarn around and around to form the center of the bow and create the gather.

End with the yarn inside the hat, tie a knot, cut and weave in ends. And that’s it! You’re finished!

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Cassie May

Craft and Knitwear Designer at Little Red Window Design

Welcome to Little Red Window! I’m Cassie, a professional craft and knitwear designer working in the field for more than 10 years. I have a degree in Art History from Northwestern University and a Master's Degree in Architecture and Design from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I've designed more than 300 separate knitting patterns, hundreds of craft projects, and I love to bring joy to your crafts and knitting with well-designed, easy to understand tutorials and patterns.

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