Evergreen Gnome Hat Free Pattern

Bring the Magic of the Forest to Your Winter Wardrobe: The Evergreen Gnome Hat

There's something undeniably charming about a gnome hat. It’s whimsical, cozy, and instantly adds a touch of storybook magic to any winter outfit. If you're looking for a quick, satisfying project that delivers big on style, our Evergreen Gnome Hat Free Pattern is the perfect choice. This isn't just any beanie; it features a stunning, textured tree motif created with simple knit and purl stitches, giving it a dimensional, forest-inspired look that stands out from the crowd.

Knit in the round from the brim up, this hat is designed to be slouchy with a delightfully pointed top. Thanks to super bulky yarn, you can knit this entire project in a single weekend, making it an ideal gift or a rewarding treat for yourself. Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a relaxing project or a confident beginner ready for a new challenge, this pattern is clear, comprehensive, and fun to make. Let's get those needles clicking and bring a little evergreen magic to life!

Materials Needed

Before you begin your crafting adventure, gather these simple materials. The beauty of this pattern is its simplicity—you only need a few essentials to create something truly special.

• Yarn: Super Bulky (Weight 6) yarn, approximately 200-250 yards. We recommend Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick for its softness, durability, and excellent stitch definition. A rich forest green is perfect for the body, with a contrasting warm cream for the folded brim.
• Needles: US 11 (8 mm) 16-inch circular needles for the main body, and a set of US 11 (8 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) for the crown shaping. Use the size needed to achieve the correct gauge.
• Notions: Stitch markers, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and scissors.

Gauge

9 stitches and 12 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Always take the time to knit a gauge swatch. It ensures your hat will fit perfectly and helps you get comfortable with the yarn and needles before you begin.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in the round, creating a seamless, professional finish. Follow these detailed instructions carefully, and you'll have a beautiful gnome hat in no time.

Sizes & Abbreviations

Sizes: Baby (Toddler, Child, Teen/Adult, Adult Large) – Finished circumference: 14 (16, 18, 20, 22) inches.

Abbreviations:

• CO: Cast On
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two stitches together (decrease)
• PM: Place Marker
• SM: Slip Marker
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• Rep: Repeat
• Rnd(s): Round(s)

Pattern Notes

This hat is worked from the bottom up. The tree motif is created with a simple combination of knit and purl stitches, forming a beautiful textured pattern. The design is intentionally slouchy with a gathered, pointed top.

Knitting the Brim

We'll start with a classic ribbed brim that will be folded up for a cozy, double-layer effect.

1. Cast On: CO 32 (36, 40, 44, 48) sts. Place a stitch marker and join in the round, being extremely careful not to twist your stitches.
2. Ribbing: Rnds 1-8: *K2, P2; rep from * to end. This creates a stretchy, neat ribbed edge.

Creating the Body & Tree Motif

Now for the fun part! We'll alternate knit rounds with pattern rounds to create the textured tree design. The purl stitches will stand out against the knit background, forming the tree shape.

3. Setup Round: Rnd 9: K all sts.
4. Pattern Round 1: Rnd 10: *K4, P1; rep from * to end.
5. Pattern Round 2: Rnd 11: K all sts.
6. Pattern Round 3: Rnd 12: *K3, P1, K1; rep from * to end.
7. Pattern Round 4: Rnd 13: K all sts.
8. Pattern Round 5: Rnd 14: *K2, P1, K2; rep from * to end.
9. Pattern Round 6: Rnd 15: K all sts.
10. Pattern Round 7: Rnd 16: *K1, P1, K3; rep from * to end.
11. Pattern Round 8: Rnd 17: K all sts.
12. Pattern Round 9: Rnd 18: *P1, K4; rep from * to end.
13. Knit Rounds: Rnds 19-20: K all sts.
14. Repeat Motif: Rnds 21-28: Rep Rnds 10-18 once more. This completes the second tree motif.
15. Final Knit Rounds: Rnds 29-30: K all sts. Your hat body should now measure approximately 7-8 inches from the cast-on edge.

Shaping the Crown

Time to shape the top of the hat. We'll use simple decreases to gather the fabric into a point.

14. Decrease Round 1: Rnd 31: *K2, K2tog; rep from * to end. (You will now have 24, 27, 30, 33, 36 sts on your needles).
15. Knit Round: Rnd 32: K all sts.
16. Decrease Round 2: Rnd 33: *K1, K2tog; rep from * to end. (16, 18, 20, 22, 24 sts).
17. Knit Round: Rnd 34: K all sts.
18. Decrease Round 3: Rnd 35: *K2tog; rep from * to end. (8, 9, 10, 11, 12 sts).
19. Final Knit Round: Rnd 36: K all sts.

Finishing Touches

You're almost done! Just a few final steps to complete your gnome hat.

20. Cut Yarn: Cut your yarn, leaving a 12-inch tail.
21. Gather Stitches: Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle. Carefully slide the needle through all the remaining stitches on your knitting needle, then remove the knitting needle.
22. Secure the Top: Pull the yarn tail tight to gather the stitches together, closing the top of the hat. Secure it with a knot.
23. Fold the Brim: Fold the ribbed brim up to the outside of the hat, about 3 inches. This creates the classic gnome hat look and adds extra warmth.
24. Weave in Ends: Weave in all loose ends with your tapestry needle to give your hat a clean, professional finish.
25. Optional Pom-Pom: For an extra touch of whimsy, attach a fluffy pom-pom to the tip of the hat. A cream-colored pom-pom contrasts beautifully with the forest green.

And there you have it—a stunning, handcrafted Evergreen Gnome Hat! This project is a joy to knit and an even greater joy to wear. The textured tree motif and cozy folded brim make it a standout piece that you'll be proud to show off. Happy knitting!