Circular knitting needles can make knitting easier. They may be awkward at first if you are used to straight needles. But once you get used to using them, your productivity can increase tremendously. If you enjoy working with circular needles, we have gathered some patterns just for you.

Below are 20 free knitted hat patterns on circular needles. If you’re new to circular needles, you may have lots of questions about them. Check out this guide on how to use circular knitting needles with best circular knitting needles to try!
20 Free Knitted Hat Patterns on Circular Needles
1. Kennebec Hat Pattern from Berroco
The Kennebec hat is adorable and will look good with almost any winter outfit. It has a deep ribbed brim, that will keep you extra warm.
This is an easy free knitted hat patterns on circular needles that can be completed by a beginner that knows abbreviations. There is only one size: 19” in circumference and 11” high without folding the brim.

Find the Pattern from Berroco HERE
2. Anker’s Hat Pattern by PetiteKnit
Here is a free knitted hat pattern that would work for a man or a woman. There is no brim and would make a great beanie. It is constructed with rib segments that give it a unique look.
The Anker’s Hat is a simple hat that can be completed by an advanced beginner. The pattern uses abbreviations. However, all the abbreviations are explained at the end. Circular needles are used for most of the pattern. Double pointed needles are used to shape the crown. There are 4 sizes available.

Find the Pattern by PetiteKnit HERE
3. Diamondweave Hat Pattern by Nancy Wilson
This winter hat is a mix between and beanie and a slouch. It is embellished with highly textured diamonds over a background of purl stitches.
Skills needed to make this hat are knitting in the round, increasing stitches, decreasing stitches, moving the marker several times per pattern repeat, and reading a knitting chart. We would recommend this pattern for an intermediate to advanced knitter since there is a lot of moving stitches around to create the textured look.

Find the Pattern by Nancy Wilson HERE
4. Red Heart Simple Style Hat from Yarnspirations
Knit an adorable slouchy hat using this free knitted hat pattern for circular needles. It is a stylish hat with a boho feel. The stich pattern is made by rotating between stripes of knit and purl rounds.
Directions are for size small with changes for sizes medium and large in parentheses. The hat is worked holding 2 strands of yarn throughout.

Find the Pattern from Yarnspirations HERE
5. Bubble Beanie Hat Pattern for Knitters by Kristen McDonnell
Bubble knitting is extremely popular right now. And once you make this free knitted hat pattern, you will see why. This hat will surely become your new favourite go-to winter accessory. And all your friends will want one too.
The pattern is great for using up your scrap worsted or bulky weight yarn. There are written instructions as well as a helpful video. Bubble knitting is easy once you get the hang of it, but it may be a little intimidating for a beginner.

Find the Pattern by Kristen McDonnell HERE
6. Harriet Beanie Knitting Pattern from Northern Moose
Knit this seed stitch hat to keep you warm and cosy this winter. This textured hat sports a fluffy pom pom.
This is one of the several free knitted hat pattern on circular needles from Northern Moose. It is a beginner-friendly pattern that is sized for the average adult head. You can easily make this fitted style hat into a slouchy hat by knitting four extra rows before decreasing.

Find the Pattern from Northern Moose HERE
7. Diagonal Rib Stitch Knit Hat from Knit Paint Sew
Here is a unisex hat that uses diagonal rib stitching to give it texture and stretch. It is a super cozy hat that will keep you warm on a cold night.
Since this pattern uses rib stitching it is very stretchy and will fit most adult heads. To make the hat you will need to know, knit, purl, knit 2 together, and purl 2 together.

Find the Pattern from Knit Paint Sew HERE
8. Knotted Rib Hat Pattern from Cascade Yarns
Knit this stylish hat to impress all your friends. Using one solid colour throughout the project will help showcase the knotted stitchwork.
This is an intermediate pattern. It uses size 7 US (4.5 mm) circular needles and size 7 US (4.5 mm) double pointed needles. Unstretched, it measures 21 ¼” in circumference.

Find the Pattern from Cascade Yarns HERE
9. Nonna Rosalie’s Toque Pattern from Budget Yarn Reviews
The Nonna Rosalie’s Toque has a double brim that is perfect for keeping the ears warm. The knitted hat is covered in small bow knots which provides a subtle pattern.
Included are sizes small and large. It uses knit, purl, knit 2 together, cast on, bind off and knit into the stitch below. The pattern contains written instructions and an instructional video.

Find the Pattern from Budget Yarn Reviews HERE
10. Ribbed Simple Knit Hat Pattern Circular needles from Small & Friendly
Ribbing is used to make this hat super stretch. The hat can be worn cuffed or slouchy.
The free knitted hat pattern on circular needles only includes size child. The ribbing comes together at the top and forms a star shaped pattern. So, you can add a fun pom pom or leave it off. It will look fine either way.

Find the Pattern from Small & Friendly HERE
11. One Evening Beanie Knitting Pattern by Knitting With Chopsticks
Need a hat quick? This easy knit beanie pattern on circular needles is a quick project that you can finish in one evening! The pattern uses knit and purl stitches and features two colors and an optional pompom.

Find the Pattern from Knitting With Chopsticks HERE
12. Fluffy Brioche Hat Knitting Pattern by Purl Soho
A hat that feels as good as it looks! This Fluffy Brioche Hat Knitting Pattern was made to be fluffy! It is a super warm and cute hat that’ll keep your ears comfortable and frostbite-free while also looking as stylish as can be.
It’s best knitted with merino wool yarn (or cashmere if you are feeling fancy) in your favorite color.

Find the Pattern from Purl Soho HERE
13. Basic Knitted Baby Hat Pattern by All About Ami
Knit a quick, simple, and stylish hat for the babies in your life using circular needles and in your favorite color ways of super bulky level 6 yarn. With just one skein of yarn, you can actually make two baby hats!

Find the Pattern from All About Ami HERE
14. Knit Hat Pattern With Circular Needles by Handy Little Me
This hat is easy to make, with both beginners and advanced beginner knitters in mind. Using knit and purl stitches, you will create ribbing, learn to knit in the round and it will also introduce you to decreasing and shaping.

Find the Pattern from Handy Little Me HERE
15. Folgate Hat Knitting Pattern by Mirella Moments
This Folgate Hat is a cozy hat with a folded brim, sure to keep you warm on cold days. The design features English rib stitch, that is really squishy and textured.
The hat is knitted with medium-weight merino wool and is worked from the bottom up in the round seamlessly. Make one for yourself or as a gift to a friend or family member.

Find the Pattern from Mirella Moments HERE
16. Aurora Knit Hat Pattern by Crazy Hands
Here’s another super bulky and fast knit hat pattern that has an absolutely neutral texture. The hat is easy to adjust to any other sizes and fits most adult head circumferences. Finished with a fun pompom, this pattern is a perfect choice for yourself or as a gift.

Find the Pattern from Crazy Hands HERE
17. Teddy Bucket Hat Knitting Pattern by Two Of Wands
Get ready for the cold weather with this Teddy Bucket Hat – a cozy, color-blocked accessory perfect for any winter outfit! This super soft and trendy hat is worked in the round using circular and double-pointed needles. It pairs so cute with everything and is a real showstopper that’s sure to turn heads!

Find the Pattern from Two Of Wands HERE
18. Hello Winter Knit Hat Pattern by Fiber Flux
Top up your cold weather wardrobe with this knit hat to keep you cozy and looking great! This Hello Winter Knit Hat is a wonderful and easy little hat that is ideal for beginners or anyone looking for a beautiful simple knit project!
Thick yarn and large circular knitting needles make this a quick project. Customize colors for a selection of hats and give them away to family and friends!

Find the Pattern from Fiber Flux HERE
19. Bucket Hat With Brim Knitting Pattern by Hobbii
Knitted hats aren’t just for cold weather. You can knit a light, bucket-style hat with a brim to keep the sun out of your eyes in the summer, too.
This Sopka Hat is a free bucket hat knitting pattern with a classic style. By the end of this pattern, you’ll have mastered intermediate techniques like garter stitches and back forth knitting to create a summery hat with a practical brim. What’s more, you can choose any color combination you’d like to make it your own.

Find the Pattern from Hobbii HERE
20. Double Brim Knit Hat Pattern by Northern Moose
Double brims are a perfect way to add warmth to your hats because it adds an extra layer of knitting right around your ears. The pattern is designed for a worsted weight yarn but can be customized for any weight – the double brim technique remains the same.

Find the Pattern from The Northern Moose HERE
Knitted Hat Patterns on Circular Needles Frequently Asked Questions
Are circular needles beginner-friendly?
Circular needles and single-pointed needles are very similar. The only difference is the flexible cable that connects the two needles. This allows you to cast on a lot more stitches while maintaining the weight of the needles slow. They can be a great choice for beginners.
What is circular knitting?
Knitting on circular needles is a technique used to create a circular or tube-like fabric, such as for hats and socks. Circular needles consist of two short, pointed needles connected by a cable, allowing for knitting in a continuous round without seams.
What circular needle should I use?
Bamboo or wooden needles are generally recommended for beginners. Because both materials have a good surface drag, the yarn is less slippery on the needle. As you gain experience with circular knitting, you may choose steel or aluminum needles due to their smoothness and speed.
What length circular needles for hat?
In terms of length, circular needles of 16″ (40cm) will be ideal for most hats. If you are knitting a tiny little hat for a baby, 12″ circular needles are the perfect fit.
WHAT BETTER WAY TO GET READY FOR WINTER THAN WITH FREE KNITTED HAT PATTERNS ON CIRCULAR NEEDLES? THESE HATS WORK UP QUICKLY AND ARE RELATIVELY EASY TO COMPLETE.
If you are looking for some new hat patterns, try some of the patterns we have listed. The patterns are free, and they all use circular needles.
Circular needles can make your knitting experience much more enjoyable. And they give you more length, so you can create even extra stitches. And when you use them for knitting in the round, you can make seamless sweaters, cowls and hats.
Looking for more stylish hat patterns? Check out these Knit Aviator Hat Patterns, Bobble Hat Knitting Patterns and Viking Knit Hat Patterns.
To get started with circular needles try some of the free knitted hat patterns on circular needles we have listed.