Sewing a baby hat is quick and easy with our free pattern and beginner-friendly step-by-step instructions.
The most important things at a glance
- In this post, I will show you how to sew a baby hat
- You can sew the hat for children and babies in 3 variations
- You will learn which fabrics are suitable for the knot hat and what you should pay attention to during processing
- The knot hat is a great beginner sewing project and scores points with its low fabric consumption
- You can find the link for the free baby hat pattern KNUDE here in the sewing instructions
- Sewing level: easy
- Sewing time: 1-2 hours
You can never have enough baby hats. After all, they are faithful companions for our sweet little ones. With the KNUDE baby hat, you can now sew a hat for children – and with an extra portion of charm. Playful with a knot at the back of the head, it fits perfectly and can no longer slip off the head.
You can sew the KNUDE knot hat in three different variations. Each one faster than the last. You only need very little fabric. It is an ideal beginner project. The simplest version consists of only two pattern pieces. I will also show you how to attach ties for extra hold.
And once you have finished all the versions, you can sew a matching partner hat. Because the size range includes a head circumference of up to 59 cm. That brings a smile to every little one's face when mom or dad wears the same headwear.
Now all you need to do is download the free pattern and get started.
You might also be interested in these instructions: Sewing a beanie and: Sewing a reversible beanie
YouTube tutorial: Sewing a baby hat
How long does it take to sew a baby hat?
Sewing a hat for children is one of the fastest and simplest projects you can imagine. For the simplest version, you need less than 30 minutes. And that applies even as a beginner. Especially if you have already cut your pattern pieces right sides together. Then you only need to pin the edges together and start sewing.
Which fabrics are suitable for sewing a baby hat?
To sew this hat for children, jersey fabrics are ideal. You can sew any version with them. Jersey is nice and stretchy, retains its shape, is easy to wash, and is available in many sugary-sweet fabrics and designs.
Reading tip: Sewing jersey with the sewing machine
However, you can also sew the children's hat from other fabrics. It is important that they are stretchy. But not every fabric is suitable for every version. Especially with a double layer of fabric, your fabrics should not be too thick.
If your fabrics are slightly thicker, you might need to adjust the height of the knot part slightly, because it can otherwise be difficult to tie a knot. Practically speaking, this means: Lengthen the knot upwards by a few centimeters – depending on the fabric thickness.
These fabrics are also suitable for single-layer processing:
| Fabric | Processing tips | Source |
| Sweatshirt fabric | - ensure stretchy fabric - sew with stretch needle size 80 |
Order sweatshirt fabric* |
| Quilted fabric | - multi-layered - can be used on both sides - especially warm - sew with stretch needle size 80 |
Order quilted fabric* |
| Knit fabric | - for loosely knitted fabrics, stabilize edges with Vlieseline H609 - processing with the overlock - Sewing tips: Sewing knit fabric |
Order knit fabric* |
| Bouclé Jersey | - fabric is often especially wide - reminiscent of teddy fabrics, but thinner - process with jersey needle size 70-80 |
Order Bouclé Jersey* |
| French Terry | - available in different versions, e.g., with viscose - thinner than classic sweatshirt fabric - Sewing tips: Sewing with French Terry |
Order French Terry* |
| Nicki (Velour) | - especially beautiful colors due to velvety surface - tame rolling fabric edges with strips of Vlieseline H609 - if possible, process with the overlock - Sewing tips: Sewing Nicki fabric |
Order Nicki* |
| Knit-sweat | - soft and bi-elastic - visible stitch pattern on the back - can be processed on both sides (e.g., for folded-out hems) - process with narrow zigzag or the overlock |
Order knit-sweat* |
| Jacquard Jersey | - elastic, light & soft - particularly noble look due to structured surface - mostly stable fabric edges, easy to process - Stretch needle size 80 |
Order Jacquard Jersey* |
| Alpine Fleece | - fluffy, soft & cozy - beginner-friendly because dimensionally stable - to be processed with overlock or sewing machine - Stretch needle size 80 |
Order Alpine fleece* |
Sewing a hat for children: Required materials
First and foremost, stretchy fabric. Jersey is the most popular here. It absorbs moisture well and is pleasant on the skin. In addition, jersey fabrics are available in a wonderful variety. But thin knit fabrics are also perfect for the single-layer version.
You also need:
- Jersey* or another elastic fabric of your choice
- Scissors*
- Sewing thread*
- Jersey needle* for the sewing machine
- Iron & ironing board
- Overlock & sewing machine
How much fabric do I need to sew a baby hat?
That depends primarily on the size you want to sew. 40 cm from the fabric bolt is enough for every size. The full width of a fabric is usually 1.40 m. So you have enough fabric to sew a second baby hat as well. In the pattern, you will also find a consumption table for every size. You can see the exact fabric requirements there.
Measurement chart and fabric consumption
You can read the exact fabric consumption for every size and also the required size itself in our measurement chart. It is important that you measure the head circumference beforehand so that you pick the correct size.
By the way: Not every fabric has the same elasticity. It is best to test on a sample piece to see which size fits best with the fabric you are using.
What must my sewing machine be able to do to sew a baby hat?
First and foremost, you need a flexible stitch. You can use the zigzag stitch or fake overlock stitch of your normal household sewing machine. If you have an overlock machine, you can also use that.
Use a needle for elastic fabric. I use a jersey or stretch needle with a 70 or 75 size. The tip is shaped like a ball and pushes the weave threads aside. This prevents the fabric from being damaged.
Let's go.
Instructions for sewing a baby hat - three variations
You have three options to sew the baby hat.
Single-layer version with a simply hemmed edge
Double-layer version, wearable as a reversible hat
Cuff variation, single-layer
Conclusion
You can sew the KNUDE baby hat in many ways and adapt it to many needs. Thanks to the charming knot at the back of the head, the hat not only fits perfectly on the head, but it also receives a playful and personal touch that sets the baby hat apart from conventional standard hats.
The possibility to design the hat according to one's own preferences, be it in terms of colors, patterns, or additional decorations, makes sewing a creative and personal experience. And of course, such a cute little hat is not only a practical garment that keeps the head warm, but also a loving gift.
We hope you have fun trying it out.
Happy simple sewing, Eve & Sabine
Comments
Comments are loading …