5 Free Knitting Patterns for Hats Men & Boys Will Love

These hat knitting patterns are cool enough even for the Y chromosome!

It is a truth universally acknowledged that knitters love to make hats, and the young males of our species love to refuse to wear them. 🙅‍♂️

I grew up with a sister, not a brother, and I raised girls, not boys. But I know this struggle second-hand. I’ve watched many friends and relatives wrestle with their young chaps to get them to keep hats atop their heads.

And in my teenage years, I saw many contemporaries with very red ears and necks coming inside from out of the biting Ohio air with bare heads. 🥶

Men do get better about this as they get older (and their hair starts going gray or going bye-bye). Of course, then they just get plain picky.

So how do you get past this?

What you need is the right color of yarn and the right pattern. 🧶

Now that you’re primed for the challenge, read on. You’ll find 5 perfect hat knitting patterns that even the boys and men in your life will love!

Five Fantastic Free Hat Knitting Patterns for Men and Boys

1. We Call Them Pirates

• What you’ll need to make it: 220 yards heavy DK/light worsted weight yarn in two colors, plus about 45 yards soft sport weight yarn (for lining); US Size 1 and 3 circular needles and/or DPNs, depending on how you prefer to knit in the round; scrap yarn for provisional cast-on

• Why you’ll want to: This pirate-themed hat is the most complex pattern in this collection… but how gorgeous is it? It’s perfect for young lads who dream of sailing the seven seas. Certain older boys may enjoy this as well. But I can’t imagine a little guy not falling in love with all the skulls and crossbones.

2. Abstract Camouflage Beanie

• What you’ll need to make it: 390 yards Aran-weight camouflage-patterned yarn (preferably in 2 color variations); US Size 8 and 10 circular needles and/or DPNs, depending on how you prefer to knit in the round

• Why you’ll want to: Nothing says “manly” like camouflage! This hat knitting pattern is perfect for hunters, veterans, or any guy hooked on camo.

3. Two by Two

• What you’ll need to make it: 200 yards worsted weight yarn; US Size 6 circular needles and/or DPNs, depending on how you prefer to knit in the round; 4 stitch markers

• Why you’ll want to: This is a very basic hat with a simple 2 x 2 ribbing (hence the name) throughout. The ribbing creates a very pleasing and simple look that fits close to the head.

4. Classic Ribbed Hat

• What you’ll need to make it: 120 to 260 yards light worsted/DK-weight yarn, in at least 2 colors if you want stripes; US Size 3 circular needles and/or DPNs, depending on how you prefer to knit in the round; stitch markers

• Why you’ll want to: If your boys love simplicity or find your knitting too “frou-frou,” I’ll bet they’ll appreciate this one! I also love the variety. You can choose between solid color, thin stripes, thick stripes, two-color block, and three-color block. (The non-solid variations can be a great way to introduce a favorite sport’s team colors!)

5. Men’s Basic Hat

• What you’ll need to make it: 250 yards worsted weight yarn (for hat only); US Size 6 and 7 needles; tapestry needle

• Why you’ll want to: The name says it all with this simple, easy to knit hat. Those of you who prefer knitting flat (rather than in the round) will love this one! I love that it comes with a “bonus” scarf pattern that fits perfectly with the hat.

So while it may be a truth universally acknowledged that males are notoriously difficult to knit for, it’s not hopeless! Try one of these hat knitting patterns like the ones above, and you can keep your boys and men warm this winter.