15 Free Bucket Hats Knitting Patterns That You Can Knit Yourself

Bucket hats are returning, and there’s no better time to create your unique piece! Knitting your bucket hat not only lets you customize the colors and style but also a fun and rewarding project you can wear with pride.

Contents show

With a few basic knitting stitches and techniques, you’ll be ready to whip up one of these trendy hats quickly.

As you begin your bucket hat adventure, you’ll find a wealth of patterns and inspirations online, such as the Handy Little Me pattern, which features a garter stitch brim and stockinette stitch for the main body of the hat.

Another great option is the Sophie Bucket Hat with a faux fur finishing touch. Feel free to get creative and incorporate your flair into the design.

Knitting your bucket hat should be enjoyable and satisfying. Take your time, relax, and immerse yourself in this fashionable project. Before you know it, you’ll have a stylish and playful accessory to show off your knitting prowess.

Bucket Hat Basics

History Of Bucket Hats

Bucket hats have a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s. They were initially designed for fishermen and farmers to protect them from the rain and sun.

These charming hats have made a significant comeback in the fashion scene for both men and women in recent years.

Benefits And Practicality Of Bucket Hat

Not just a cute accessory, bucket hats are incredibly practical for everyone.

Here’s why:

Sun protection: The wide brim of a bucket hat provides excellent shade, protecting your face and neck from the sun.
Lightweight and comfy: Most bucket hat designs are created with lightweight materials, making them perfect for warmer months.
Easy to pack: Due to their flexible structure, you can easily fold or roll them up and toss them into your bag without worrying about ruining their shape.

Knitting Pattern Fundamentals

Basic Stitches

You’ll encounter several fundamental stitches in your bucket hat knitting adventure. The knit and purl stitch form the basis of most knitting projects. These two stitches create the well-known garter and stockinette stitches.

Garter stitch: Created by knitting every row.
Stockinette stitch: Made by alternating between knit and purl rows.

When tackling a bucket hat knitting pattern, it’s essential to be familiar with these basic stitches to create the perfect hat.

Selecting Yarn

Choosing the suitable yarn is crucial to achieve your bucket hat’s desired look and feel. Pima cotton is a popular choice, as it’s soft, durable, and creates a comfortable, casual hat. However, you can explore other materials like wool or acrylic, depending on your preference.

Consider the gauge in your knitting pattern to get the right yarn thickness. Gauge is the number of stitches and rows per inch; it’ll help ensure the hat fits correctly.

Choosing Needles

To knit a bucket hat, you may encounter three types of needles: circular, straight, or double-pointed. Here’s a quick rundown:

Circular needles are perfect for knitting in the round and create a seamless hat, ideal for knitting bucket hat patterns.
Straight needles: You can use these to knit flat pieces that are later sewn together to form the hat. They’re suitable for beginners but may result in visible seams.

Double-pointed needles (DPNs): If you’re working with a smaller circumference, like the hat crown, DPNs might be a better choice.

RELATED: 29 Fantastic Knit Hat Patterns For Beginners (With Pictures)

Creating A Bucket Hat

Casting On

To begin your knit bucket hat, you’ll first need to cast on your stitches. It can be done using any cast-on method that you prefer. To achieve the desired size and fit, ensure that the number of stitches you cast on is suitable for the circumference of your hat..

Forming The Brim

With the stitches cast on, you can start working on your hat’s brim. A key feature of a bucket hat is the wide, floppy brim that provides shade and style.

Choose a stitch pattern that creates a sturdy and stable structure for the brim, such as a garter, seed, or linen stitch. Work several rows of your chosen stitch pattern until the brim reaches your desired width.

Knitting The Body

Now that the brim is formed, it’s time to knit the body of your bucket-style hat. This part of the hat will be slightly larger in circumference than the brim, so during this step, you may increase your stitches evenly until you reach the desired size for the body.

Choose a stitch pattern that creates a stretchy and comfortable fabric, like a stockinette or rib stitch. Continue knitting the body of your hat until it reaches your desired height.

Decreasing The Crown

To shape the crown of your knit bucket hat, you will need to start decreasing your stitches. You can do it by knitting two stitches together regularly, following a specific decrease pattern (found in many hat knitting patterns).

Ensure that your decreases are evenly spaced and consistent throughout the crown for a smooth and professional finish.

Popular Bucket Hat Free Patterns

There’s a bucket hat style for everyone, whether you’re a beginner knitter or an experienced one. Here are some popular styles:

Pattern 1: Basic Bucket Hat

Materials

Worsted weight yarn
Size 8 (5.0mm) circular needles

Instructions

Cast on 90 stitches using circular needles.
Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.

Knit in the round using the stockinette stitch (knit every round) until the hat measures 5 inches from the cast-on edge.

Begin Decreasing

Round 1: Knit 8, knit two together, and repeat to the end of the round.

Round 2: Knit all stitches.
Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until ten stitches remain.

Switch to double-pointed needles when necessary.

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the tapestry needle, slip the needle through the remaining stitches, and pull tight to close the top of the hat.

Weave in any loose ends.

Pattern 2: Lace Bucket Hat

Materials

Stitch marker
Tapestry needle

Instructions

Cast on 100 stitches using circular needles.
Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.
Knit in the round using the lace pattern of your choice until the hat measures 6 inches from the cast-on edge.

Begin Decreasing

Round 1: Knit 9, knit two together, and repeat to the end of the round.
Round 2: Knit all stitches.

Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until ten stitches remain.

Switch to double-pointed needles when necessary.

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the tapestry needle, slip the needle through the remaining stitches, and pull tight to close the top of the hat.

Weave in any loose ends.

Pattern 3: Striped Bucket Hat

Materials

Worsted weight yarn in two contrasting colors (Color A and Color B)

Size 7 (4.5mm) circular needles
Size 7 (4.5mm) double-pointed needles
Stitch marker

Tapestry needle

Instructions

With Color A, cast on 100 stitches using circular needles.

Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.
Knit in the round using the stockinette stitch for 2 inches.
Switch to Color B and knit in the round using the stockinette stitch for 1 inch.

Continue alternating colors, knitting 2 inches with each color until the hat measures 6 inches from the cast-on edge.

Begin Decreasing

Round 1: Knit 9, knit two together, and repeat to the end of the round.

Round 2: Knit all stitches.
Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until ten stitches remain.

Switch to double-pointed needles when necessary.

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the tapestry needle, slip the needle through the remaining stitches, and pull tight to close the top of the hat.

Weave in any loose ends.

RELATED: Knitting Stitches: Ultimate Guide – Every Type Of Knitting Stitch

Pattern 4: Cable Knit Bucket Hat

Materials

Instructions

Cast on 80 stitches using circular needles.
Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.

Knit in the round using the seed stitch for 2 inches.

Begin The Cable Pattern

Rows 1-4: Knit 2, purl 2, repeat to the end of the round.

Row 5: Knit 2, slide 2 stitches into cable needle, holding it in back, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle, repeat to the end of the round.

Rows 6-8: Repeat rows 1-3.

Row 9: Knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle, slide 2 stitches to cable needle, holding it in back, knit 2 repeats to the end of the round.

Repeat rows 6-9 until the hat measures 6 inches from the cast-on edge.

Begin Decreasing

Round 1: Knit 7, knit 2 together, and repeat to the end of the round.

Round 2: Knit all stitches.
Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until 10 stitches remain.

Switch to double-pointed needles when necessary.

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the tapestry needle, slip the needle through the remaining stitches, and pull tight to close the top of the hat.

Weave in any loose ends.

Pattern 5: Fair Isle Bucket Hat

Materials

Worsted weight yarn in two contrasting colors (Color A and Color B)
Size 6 (4.0mm) circular needles
Size 6 (4.0mm) double-pointed needles

Stitch marker
Tapestry needle

Instructions

With Color A, cast on 100 stitches using circular needles.
Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.
Knit in the round using the fair isle pattern of your choice until the hat measures 6 inches from the cast-on edge.

Begin Decreasing

Round 1: Knit 9, knit 2 together, and repeat to the end of the round.
Round 2: Knit all stitches.

Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until 10 stitches remain.

Switch to double-pointed needles when necessary.

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the tapestry needle, slide the needle through the remaining stitches, and pull tight to close the top of the hat.

Weave in any loose ends.

Pattern 6: Ribbed Bucket Hat

Materials

Worsted weight yarn

Tapestry needle

Instructions

Cast on 100 stitches using circular needles.

Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.
Knit in the round using the 2×2 rib stitch (knit – 2, purl – 2) until the hat measures 6 inches from the cast-on edge.

Begin Decreasing

Round 1: Knit 8, knit- 2 together, and repeat to the end of the round.
Round 2: Knit all stitches.
Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until 10 stitches remain.

Switch to double-pointed needles when necessary.

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the tapestry needle, slip the needle through the remaining stitches, and pull tight to close the top of the hat.

Weave in any loose ends.

Pattern 7: Garter Stitch Bucket Hat

Materials

Bulky weight yarn
Size 10 (6.0mm) circular needles

Instructions

Cast on 80 stitches using circular needles.
Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.

Knit in the round using the garter stitch (knit every round) until the hat measures 6 inches from the cast-on edge.

Begin Decreasing

Round 1: Knit 7, knit 2 together, and repeat to the end of the round.

Round 2: Knit all stitches.
Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until 10 stitches remain.

Switch to double-pointed needles when necessary.

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the tapestry needle, slip the needle through the remaining stitches, and pull tight to close the top of the hat.

Weave in any loose ends.

Pattern 8: Moss Stitch Bucket Hat

Materials

Instructions

Cast on 100 stitches using circular needles.
Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.
Knit in the round using the moss stitch (alternating knit and purl stitches) until the hat measures 6 inches from the cast-on edge.

Begin Decreasing

Round 1: Knit 9, knit 2 together, and repeat to the end of the round.
Round 2: Knit all stitches.
Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until 10 stitches remain.

Switch to double-pointed needles when necessary.

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the tapestry needle, slip the needle through the remaining stitches, and pull tight to close the top of the hat.

Weave in any loose ends.

Pattern 9: Reversible Bucket Hat

Materials

Instructions

Cast on 100 stitches using circular needles.
Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.
Knit in the round using the double seed stitch (Row 1: Knit 2, purl 2 repeat to the end of the round. Row 2: Purl 2, knit 2 repeats to the end of the round) until the hat measures 6 inches from the cast-on edge.

Begin Decreasing

Round 1: Knit 8, knit 2 together, repeat to the end of the round.
Round 2: Knit all stitches.
Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until 10 stitches remain.

Switch to double-pointed needles when necessary.

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the tapestry needle, slip the needle through the remaining stitches, and pull tight to close the top of the hat.

Weave in any loose ends.

RELATED: 31 Gorgeous Knit Shawl Patterns (With Pictures)

Pattern 10: Basketweave Bucket Hat

Materials

Instructions

Cast on 100 stitches using circular needles.
Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.
Knit in the round using the basketweave stitch pattern (Row 1: Knit 5, purl 5, repeat to the end of the round. Row 2: Purl 5, knit 5, repeat to the end of the round. Rows 3-4: Repeat rows 1-2) until the hat measures 6 inches from the cast-on edge.

Begin Decreasing

Round 1: Knit 9, knit 2 together, and repeat to the end of the round.
Round 2: Knit all stitches.
Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until 10 stitches remain.

Switch to double-pointed needles when necessary.

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the tapestry needle, slip the needle through the remaining stitches, and pull tight to close the top of the hat.

Weave in any loose ends.

Pattern 11: Textured Bucket Hat

Materials

Instructions

Cast on 100 stitches using circular needles.
Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.

Knit in the round using the following textured stitch pattern

Rounds 1-4: Knit 2, purl 2 repeats to the end of the round.

Round 5: Knit 2, slip 1 stitch purlwise, knit 1, pass the slipped stitch over the knit stitch repeat to the end of the round.

Rounds 6-9: Repeat rounds 1-4.

Round 10: Knit all stitches.

Repeat rounds 1-10 until the hat measures 6 inches from the cast-on edge.

Begin Decreasing

Round 1: Knit 8, knit 2 together, repeat to the end of the round.
Round 2: Knit all stitches.
Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until 10 stitches remain.

Switch to double-pointed needles when necessary.

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the tapestry needle, slip the needle through the remaining stitches, and pull tight to close the top of the hat.

Weave in any loose ends.

Pattern 12: Bobble Stitch Bucket Hat

Materials

Instructions

Cast on 100 stitches using circular needles.

Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.

Knit in the round using the bobble stitch pattern:

Round 1: Knit 5, make a bobble repeat to the end of the round.

Round 2: Knit all stitches.

Rounds 3-4: Knit all stitches.

Repeat rounds 1-4 until the hat measures 6 inches from the cast-on edge.

Begin Decreasing

Round 1: Knit 8, knit 2 together, repeat to the end of the round.
Round 2: Knit all stitches.
Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until 10 stitches remain.

Switch to double-pointed needles when necessary.

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the tapestry needle, slip the needle through the remaining stitches, and pull tight to close the top of the hat.

Weave in any loose ends.

Pattern 13: Chevron Bucket Hat

Materials

Worsted weight yarn in two contrasting colors (Color A and Color B)
Size 8 (5.0mm) circular needles
Size 8 (5.0mm) double-pointed needles
Stitch marker
Tapestry needle

Instructions

With Color A, cast on 100 stitches using circular needles.
Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.

Knit in the round using the chevron stitch pattern

Rounds 1-4: Knit all stitches in Color A.

Rounds 5-8: Knit all stitches in Color B.

Repeat rounds 1-8 until the hat measures 6 inches from the cast-on edge.

Begin Decreasing

Round 1: Knit 8, knit 2 together, repeat to the end of the round.
Round 2: Knit all stitches.
Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until 10 stitches remain.

Switch to double-pointed needles when necessary.

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the tapestry needle, slip the needle through the remaining stitches, and pull tight to close the top of the hat.

Weave in any loose ends.

RELATED: 28 Pretty Poncho Knitting Patterns (With Pictures)

Pattern 14: Eyelet Lace Bucket Hat

Materials

Instructions

Cast on 100 stitches using circular needles.
Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.

Knit in the round using the eyelet lace pattern

Round 1: Knit 2, yarn over, knit 2 together, repeat to the end of the round.

Round 2: Knit all stitches.

Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until the hat measures 6 inches from the cast-on edge.

Begin Decreasing

Round 1: Knit 8, knit 2 together, repeat to the end of the round.
Round 2: Knit all stitches.
Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until 10 stitches remain.

Switch to double-pointed needles when necessary.

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the tapestry needle, slip the needle through the remaining stitches, and pull tight to close the top of the hat.

Weave in any loose ends.

Pattern 15: Seed Stitch Brim Bucket Hat

Materials

Instructions

Cast on 100 stitches using circular needles.
Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.

Knit in the round using the seed stitch for the brim

Rounds 1-4: Knit 1, purl 1 repeat to the end of the round.

Round 5: Knit all stitches.

Repeat rounds 1-5 until the brim measures 2 inches.

Continue knitting in the round without the seed stitch pattern until the hat measures 6 inches from the cast-on edge.

Begin Decreasing

Round 1: Knit 8, knit 2 together, repeat to the end of the round.
Round 2: Knit all stitches.
Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until 10 stitches remain.

Switch to double-pointed needles when necessary.

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the tapestry needle, slip the needle through the remaining stitches, and pull tight to close the top of the hat.

Weave in any loose ends.

Pattern Resources

Free Patterns

Plenty of free patterns are available online if you’re new to knitting bucket hats or just looking for a fun project without breaking the bank. One excellent option is the Easy Bucket Hat Knitting Pattern, which includes a step-by-step tutorial to guide you through the process.

You can find another fantastic free pattern on Ravelry, where you can create a colorful and cheerful scrappy bucket hat.

Paid Patterns

There are also paid patterns available for more advanced knitters or those looking for a unique challenge. The 90’s Knitted Bucket Hat Pattern brings back the nostalgic style of the 90s, utilizing the linen stitch throughout the hat.

Another paid option is the Sophie Bucket Hat, a combination of faux fur and an iconic bucket hat shape that will turn heads.

Tips And Tricks

When working on your bucket hat, there are key stitches and techniques to know. First, familiarize yourself with standard abbreviations like co (cast on), k (knit), p (purl), k2tog (knit two together), and st(s) (stitch/stitches).

Remember that some patterns may require rs (right side) and sm (stitch marker) for better project organization.

Here are some helpful tips for knitting a bucket hat:

For beginners, start with a pattern that uses basic stitches like knit, purl, garter, and stockinette stitch.
Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round, making it easier to track rounds and decreases.
Practice knitting in the round to make the hat fit snugly and avoid a visible seam.

Remember to enjoy the process and have fun creating your stylish and whimsical bucket hat!

Popular Bucket Hat Patterns

Sophie Bucket Hat

You’ll adore the Sophie Bucket Hat, a knitting pattern that caters to your whimsical side. This bucket hat features a soft texture and is perfect for knitters who love a stylish and practical accessory. The pattern’s clear instructions make knitting your Bucket Hat a breeze.

Bright Wool Bucket Hat

For an extra pop of color and fun, explore the Bright Wool Bucket Hat pattern. This delightful design features vibrant yarns that will brighten up your wardrobe. The structured shape of this hat adds an element of fashion-forwardness to your hat collection.

You’ll find yourself reaching for this hat every sunny day, as it’s perfect for that whimsical touch on any outfit.

Embellished Bucket Hat

Now let’s dive into embellishments with the Embellished Bucket Hat pattern. In this lovely design, you’ll discover a fascinating blend of traditional knitting techniques and beautiful adornments, like beads embellishment or embroidery.

As you knit this pattern, you’ll appreciate the creative freedom to customize your hat with your favorite embellishments, making it one-of-a-kind. Your finished product will be a bucket hat showcasing your style and artistic flair.

Additional Techniques And Embellishments

Crochet Add-Ons

Give your knitted bucket hat a unique twist by incorporating crochet elements. Add a crochet trim along the brim or a chain stitch detail to the body of your hat for extra flair. If you’re new to crochet, the UK has abundant online resources and tutorials to help you learn the basics and get started.

Buttons And Flowers

Embellishing your knitted bucket hat with buttons or flowers is an excellent way to personalize your creation. Consider sewing on a large button or attaching a handmade fabric flower to give some character to your hat. Feel free to get creative with your designs to make your hat a true reflection of your style.

We Are Knitters Pima Cotton

Try using We Are Knitters Pima Cotton yarn to get the perfect balance of comfort and style for your bucket hat. This fiber is soft, durable, and has a wide range of colors to suit all tastes. Working with Pima Cotton makes it easy to achieve that clean, professional finish that’ll make your hat look amazing.

Pattern Sharing

One of the joys of knitting is sharing your patterns and creations with fellow crafters. If you’ve developed a new design, consider uploading it to an online database for others to knit, like Ravelry or even your blog.

Sharing your knowledge is a great way to contribute to the knitting community and inspire the creative endeavors of others.

So, grab your needles and experiment with these playful techniques and embellishments. You’ll have an eye-catching, knitted bucket hat that is uniquely yours in no time.

RELATED: 37 Easy Knitting Patterns To Build Your Confidence (With Pictures)

Knitting Abbreviations And Terms

To create a fabulous bucket hat knitting pattern as a winter gift, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with knitting abbreviations and terms. Understanding these terms will help you read and follow the instructions in your PDF pattern.

Firstly, join a Facebook group to connect with fellow knitters and seek help whenever necessary. These communities are great for sharing ideas, tips, and tricks to improve your knitting skills.

Here’s a handy list of common knitting abbreviations and terms:

K – Knit
P – Purl
CO – Cast on
K2tog – Knit two stitches together
P2tog – Purl two stitches together
St(s) – Stitch(es)
BO – Bind off
Cable (C) – Cross stitches to create a cable pattern
RC (Right Cross) – Indicates that the cable crosses to the right

Bucket hats often include stitch techniques like the garter stitch, stockinette stitch, and linen stitch. These stitches form the hat’s brim, main body, and shape.

Embrace the whimsical style by experimenting with different colors and patterns that speak to your personality.

Now that you understand knitting abbreviations and terms, you’re ready to create your own bucket hat. Enjoy the process, learn from your mistakes, and, most importantly, have fun.

Remember, practice makes perfect, and your handmade bucket hat will keep your ears warm in winter and serve as a thoughtful gift to friends and family. So, grab your knitting needles, find a cozy spot, and get knitting!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Casts On Stitches For A Knitted Hat?

The number of cast-on stitches for a knitted hat can vary depending on several factors, including the desired size, yarn weight, gauge, and the specific hat pattern you’re following. These stitch counts are approximate and may vary based on your knitting style, tension, and the stretchiness of your yarn.

What Is A Bucket Hat Also Called?

A bucket hat is commonly called a Sun hat, Boonie hat, Rain hat, Fisherman’s hat, Reversible hat, and Gilligan hat. These terms are often used interchangeably to describe the same type of hat, and the choice of name may vary depending on regional or personal preferences.

Are All Bucket Hats The Same?

No, bucket hats can vary in design, materials, and features. While the basic shape of a bucket hat typically includes a round crown and a downward-sloping brim, there can be differences in the width, crown height, and overall fit.

It’s important to note that while there are variations in bucket hat designs, the general concept of a bucket hat remains consistent across different styles.

I’m New To Knitting. Which Type Of Pattern Is Best For Me?

For beginners, it’s best to start with simple bucket hat patterns that use basic stitches and techniques. Look for patterns with detailed instructions and helpful tutorials to guide you.

Can I Modify The Design Of A Bucket Hat Pattern To Make It Unique?

Absolutely! Once you are familiar with the basic construction of the bucket hat, you can get creative and modify the design to suit your preferences. For example, you can experiment with different colors, add embellishments, or alter the brim length.

Author
Recent Posts

Amanda Brown

Amanda Brown, a Knitting Expert and Heirloom Crafter, holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree, showcasing her as an Experienced and Qualified professional. With a unique blend of tradition and contemporary flair, Amanda has become a Specialist in the craft. Her mastery extends to advanced techniques such as pattern drafting, embellishments, and embroidery, solidifying her position as a Professional and a Master in her field. As a key contributor to Cotton & Cloud, Amanda shares carefully crafted patterns, establishing her as an Authority and a Professional in the knitting community. Through Etsy and Ravelry, her creations serve as an extension of Amanda's educational posts, allowing the crafting community to engage hands-on with her unique approach, cementing her as a Master and a leading figure in the knitting world.