Baby’s Knitted Hat Pattern – Little Diamonds

The Little Diamonds baby’s knitted hat is one of those sweet, speedy knits that still look impressively intricate. Worked in lightweight DK yarn and sized from preemie to six months, it’s a perfect last‑minute gift for a baby shower or to tuck into a new‑parent care package. With its tidy ribbed brim and delicate geometric texture, the hat balances stretch and warmth while letting little heads breathe comfortably.

Because the pattern is knit in the round from the bottom up, there’s no seaming—just smooth, continuous rows that show off the little diamonds. The eight‑round repeat is easy to memorize, so once you place a stitch marker to track the start of each round, you can settle into an almost meditative rhythm. Even better, the smallest size uses only about 14 g of yarn, making this an ideal stash‑buster for those leftover DK skeins lingering in your basket.

Finish time ranges from two to five hours, depending on the size, so you can cast on after breakfast and bind off before dinner. A simple decrease sequence shapes a neat crown, and a quick tug on the yarn tail gathers everything into a snug little peak. Block lightly, weave in the ends, and you’ll have a gift‑ready hat that pairs beautifully with our Argyle and Diamonds Baby Blanket. The diamonds on the baby hat are replicated in the border of the blanket.

How to Measure a Baby’s Head for the Best Hat Fit

The most important measurement is the circumference of the baby’s head. To measure head circumference, rest a soft tape just above the baby’s eyebrows, sweep it over the tops of the ears, and pass it around the fullest part of the back of the head where you feel the little bump. Keep the tape level all the way around; if it drifts upward, your number will come up short. Hold the tape snug—pressed against the hair but not digging into the skin—then read and record the length.

For stretchy ribbed brims, subtract ½–1 inch (1.3–2.5 cm) from the measured circumference; the hat will hug without squeezing. For less-stretchy fibers (cotton, bamboo) or a looser fit, use the exact circumference or even add ¼ inch (0.6 cm).

Materials Needed For This Baby’s Knit Hat Pattern

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• Lightweight/DK yarn [14g (45 yards)/20g (66 yards)/28g (92 yards)], I used Lion Brand Baby Soft
• US 2.5 (3.0 mm) circular needles
• US 2.5 (3.0 mm) double pointed needles (optional…can use Magic Loop instead)
• Stitch marker
• Tapestry needle
• Scissors
• This free Little Diamonds Bayb’s Knitted Hat Pattern is available in this post below and as an ad-free printable PDF for subscribers. You can find the pattern in the Library (your super secret password is included at the bottom of every Monday’s Newsletter email) or email me, and I’ll send it to you. Not a subscriber? C’mon—we’d love to have you. A subscription costs nothing and gives you access to all our printables and pattern PDFs. Click here to subscribe and have the pattern PDF emailed to you.

Yarns That Would Work With This Baby’s Knitted Hat Pattern

• Cascade Yarns Anthem DK, 100% Acrylic
• Valley Yarns Haydenville DK Yarn, Wool Blend
• Berroco Vintage Baby, Wool Blend
• Sirdar Snuggly, Nylon Acrylic
• Sirdar Stories, Cotton Blend

Stitches Used For This Knit Baby Hat

Instructions For This Baby’s Knitted Hat

Gauge

24 stitches x 32 rows = 4 inches (10 cm)

Finished Sizes

Preemie

4″ tall, 11.5″ circumference

Newborn

5″ tall, 13.5″ circumference 

3-6 months

6″ tall, 15.5″ circumference 

Notes

• Hat is worked in the round from the bottom up.
• The pattern stitch is based on a multiple of 8 sts + 1.
• Use stitch markers to keep track of motif repeats if needed 

 Ribbing

• Cast on 73/81/97 stitches + 1 stitch for joining in the round
• Join to work in the round, and be careful not to twist the stitches on your circular needles. Place a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of the round.
• Work (k1, p1) ribbing for 8/8/10 rounds.

Motif Pattern (Body of Hat)

Work in rounds:

• Round 1: K4, *p1, k7; repeat from * to last 5 sts, p1, k4.
• Round 2: K3, *p1,k1,p1,k5; repeat from * to last 6 stitches, p1, k, p1, k3
• Round 3: K2, *p1, k3; repeat from * to last 3 sts, p1, k2.
• Round 4: K1, *p1,k5, p1, k1; repeat from * to end
• Round 5: P1, *k7, p1; repeat from * to end
• Round 6: K1, *p1,k5,p1,k1; repeat from * to end.
• Round 7: K2, *p1, k3; repeat from * to last 3 sts, p1, k2.
• Round 8: K3, *p1,k1,p1,k5; repeat from * to last 6 sts, p1, k1, p1, k3

Repeat Rounds 1–8 two/three/four times 

Crown Shaping

• Round 1: K4, *p1, k7; repeat from * to last 5 sts, p1, k4.
• Round 2: (k6, k2tog), repeat until there’s one stitch left, k1.
• Round 3: Knit all stitches.
• Round 4: (k5, k2tog) repeat until there’s one stitch left, k1.
• Round 5: Knit all stitches.
• Round 6: (k4, k2tog) repeat until there’s one stitch left, k1.
• Round 7: Knit all stitches.
• Round 8: (k3, k2tog) repeat until there’s one stitch left, k1.
• Round 9: Knit all stitches. 
• Round 10: (k2, k2tog) repeat until there’s one stitch left, k1.
• Round 11: Knit all stitches. 
• Round 12: (k1, k2tog) repeat until there’s one stitch left, k1. 
• Round 13: Knit all stitches. 
• Round 14: (k2tog) repeat until there’s one stitch left, k1. 
• Round 15: (k2tog) repeat until there’s one stitch left, k1. 

Note: For preemie size, stop at round 14.

Chart Showing Stitches Left at the End of Each Row

• Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight, and weave in ends.

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