When the air outside turns colder and the world shifts into soft winter tones, it is also the perfect time for our dolls to get cozy.
Right now it is especially fun to knit small pieces of clothing that keep them warm, protect them and make each doll’s personality feel even more alive. A handmade hat is the perfect beginner project for this: small, sweet and quick to knit.
German version available
Would you like to read this pattern in German?
Here you can find the German version of this pattern:
https://www.rosaminze.de/strickanleitung-puppenmuetze/
Free knitting pattern for the doll hat “Lumi”
In this post I am sharing a free knitting pattern for a simple doll hat that fits dolls of about 35 cm / 14 in in height.
It is a lovely beginner friendly project and works very well as a quick in between knit. Maybe it becomes part of a special winter outfit or accompanies a favourite doll on many cold season adventures.
Why handmade doll clothes feel so special
Knitting doll clothes is about much more than just working one stitch after another. It is a calming, almost meditative activity that strengthens patience, mindfulness and appreciation for handmade work. Every hat carries your handwriting and your time.
At the same time you create pieces that can stay for a long time. Children notice very clearly when something has been made with love. A knitted doll hat therefore warms more than the doll’s head, it also warms the heart.
Materials for the “Lumi” doll hat
You will need
- soft yarn
(leftover yarn, for example merino such as Drops “Merino Extra Fine” Uni, colour 01 natural or a mohair blend, approx. 20 g / 0.7 oz) - set of double pointed needles size 3–3.5 mm (US 2.5–4)
- tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- extra yarn for the pompom (optional)
Gauge
22 stitches × 30 rounds = 10 × 10 cm / 4 × 4 in
in stockinette stitch, worked in the round after washing and drying.
The hat is worked in the round and has an easy, slightly relaxed fit just like on my doll photos.
Free pattern: “Lumi” doll hat
(for dolls of about 35 cm / 14 in)
Cast on
Cast on 48 stitches, distribute them evenly on the needles (12 stitches per needle)
and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.
Ribbing
Knit 6 rounds in 1 knit / 1 purl rib.
(Alternatively you can work the ribbing in 2 knit / 2 purl or 1 knit / 2 purl rib.)
You can make the ribbing wider or narrower if you like. Simply knit more or fewer rounds in your chosen rib pattern.
Main part
Continue in stockinette stitch (all stitches knit in every round) until the hat measures about 8 cm / 3.5 in from the cast on edge or until you reach the desired length.
Shape the crown
- First decrease round: knit every 4th and 5th stitch together.
- Knit one round without decreases.
- Next decrease round: knit every 3rd and 4th stitch together.
- Knit one more round without decreases.
- Then, in every following decrease round, knit every 2nd and 3rd stitch together
until only 8 stitches remain in total.
Finishing
Cut the yarn, thread it through all remaining stitches and pull tight to close the top of the hat. Weave in the end on the inside.
Pompom (optional but very cute)
For the pompom, wrap the yarn several times around two fingers (for a smaller pompom) or three fingers (for a larger one). You can of course also use a piece of cardboard or a fork. The more wraps you make, the denser and rounder the pompom will become. Try to wrap evenly so the pompom turns out nicely round later.
Slide the wrapped yarn carefully off your fingers and tie it very tightly in the centre with a separate strand of yarn. It is important to knot firmly so the pompom does not come apart later. Then cut all loops open to the left and right.
At this stage the pompom usually still looks a bit shaggy. Roll it between your palms so it becomes round and trim any longer strands with scissors until the ball looks even. When you are happy with the shape, sew the pompom to the centre top of the hat with a few firm stitches. Secure the yarn ends on the inside of the hat.
(-> find a video here)
Sizes
Fit note
For a snug fitting hat: cast on 40 stitches.
For a slightly looser version: cast on 56 stitches.
Download printable PDF version
You prefer a convenient, printable version of this pattern?
Get the beautifully formatted PDF here:
-> printable PDF pattern
A small project with a big effect
Maybe you knit the “Lumi” hat in natural shades, maybe in bold colours or to match your doll’s favourite dress. Every version tells its own little story. And quite often one single hat is only the beginning and later turns into a complete winter wardrobe.
I wish you lots of joy while knitting and playing with your warmly wrapped doll.
With love,
Nat from RosaMinze
PS: Maybe you also like this older freebie?
If you feel like knitting a little set for your doll, you might also enjoy my free knitted doll underwear pattern. It goes beautifully with this hat and is also a quick project.
Click here: https://www.rosaminze.de/strickanleitung_puppe_hoeschen/
