Frosty Family Knit Stocking Caps - Free Pattern
The Frosty Family Knit Stocking Cap is a playful, easy-to-make winter hat sized for the whole family, from babies to adults. Knit in soft, self-striping KnitPal Painted Wool, this stocking cap grows seamlessly from a tiny point to a colorful, cozy slouch, finished with a cheerful pom pom and a smooth stockinette body for a classic handmade look. And if you prefer your hook to your needles, there’s also a corresponding crochet version so you can stitch coordinating sets in either craft.
Download a printable pattern PDF
What You’ll Need
-
Yarn:
KnitPal Painted Wool (weight #3 - 30% wool, 70% acrylic, 251 yards per 100 g) Approximately 1 (1, 1, 2, 2) skeins or 175 (215, 240, 300, 340) yards, shown in colorway Pastel Rainbow
-
Needles:
US 7 / 4.5 mm, 16" / 40 cm circular needle, DPNs, second circular or longer circular for magic loop, or size needed to obtain gauge
US 6 / 4 mm, 16" / 40 cm circular needle, or one size smaller than gauge needle -
Notions:
Tapestry needle
Measuring tape
Two unique stitch markers
2.5" / 6 cm pom pom maker, strong yarn to secure pom pom
Details
-
Skill Level: Easy
-
Gauge: 4x4”/10x10cm = 20 stitches x 27 rounds knit in stockinette
Check stitch gauge to ensure a good fit. Row gauge is not crucial but will affect drape and yarn usage.
-
Sizes:
Baby, Toddler, Child, Teen/Small Adult, Large Adult to fit 16 (18, 19, 21.5, 24)" / 40 (45, 47.5, 54, 60) cm head
Abreviations
- BO: bind off
- BOR: beginning of round
- CO: cast on
- DPN: double pointed needles
- k: knit
- kfb: knit into front and back of stitch (single increase)
- m1: make 1 (single increase)
- PM: place marker
- rep: repeat
- SM: slip marker
- st(s): stitch(es)
Special Stitches
Make 1 (m1): Insert left needle from front to back under strand between last stitch worked and next stitch on left needle; knit this loop through the back
Pom Pom Tutorial
Notes
-
Repeat directions between parentheses as many times as indicated
Pattern
Download a printable pattern PDF
With larger needle, CO 4 sts.
Round 1: Without turning work, kfb in each st, spreading sts onto 2 DPNs, 2circular needles, or 2 halves of magic loop; PM for BOR. (8 sts)
Round 2: K4, PM, k4, distributing sts onto 3 needles if using DPNs.
Rounds 3-4: Knit.Round 5: K4, m1, SM, k4, m1. (10 sts)
Rounds 6-8: Knit.
Round 9: (K to marker, m1, SM) twice. (2 sts increased)
b Rounds 6-9 until you have 70 (80, 84, 96, 104) sts, or until desired circumference is reached, changing to 4 DPNs or 16"/40 cm circular needle when comfortable.
Note: Hat circumference should be 10-15% smaller than head circumference.
Continue in stockinette (knit all rounds) for 3.5 (4, 4.5, 5, 5.5)"/ 8.5 (10, 11, 12.5,14) cm. Change to smaller needle and continue in stockinette (knitting all rounds) for 1.25"/ 3 cm more.
BO loosely.
FINISHING
Weave in ends. Block as desired. Make 2.5" / 6.5 cm pom pom, using a small amount of strong yarn to tie it at the center, and attach securely to top of hat.
SCHEMATIC
A (circumference): 14 (16, 17, 19, 21)" / 35 (40, 42.5, 47.5, 52.5) cm cm
B (length): 21.75 (25.25, 27, 31, 34)" / 54.5 (63, 67.5, 77.5, 85) cm
C (length of straight section): 3.5 (4, 4.5, 5, 5.5)" / 8.5 (10, 11, 12.5, 14) cm.
Download a printable pattern PDF
Share Your Finished Piece!
We love seeing your creations—and this pattern is especially meaningful.
If you post your beanie on Instagram, please tag @knitpalusa so we can cheer you on!
And if you’d like more soft, gentle yarns perfect for charity crafting, KnitPal has so many beautiful options to keep your hooks busy and your heart full.
With permission of the designer, this pattern and photos are property of KnitPal and may not be altered, shared, or sold. Do not rewrite any part of this design and sell as your own design. You’re welcome to sell finished products made with this pattern, but please credit the design to KnitPal https://knitpal.com/
