Here is a basic hat pattern for Magic Loop that is perfect for learning this awesome technique.
Or, if you’re teaching a lucky friend how to do Magic Loop, you can each make one — you can practice Continental knitting in the round or knitting faster while your friend practices the basic movements of Magic Loop.
Why not use this opportunity to try the Travelling Loop method? It’s a cool way of using one loop of cable when knitting a large-ish diameter project, like a hat or small sweater.
I usually start out using normal Magic Loop, then switch to using one loop after I increase to the widest diameter of the hat (here, 100 stitches), and then switch back to using two loops when I start to decrease.
Basic Magic Loop Hat Pattern
The hat can be made more fitted or more slouchy, depending on how long you knit after the cast-on. It’s up to you!
The pattern calls for worsted-weight yarn and size 7 circular needles at least 40 inches long — be sure to check your gauge (in the round, of course) before you start!
Size: one size fits most
Measurements: 16-inch-brim stretches to 20 inches around. Hat fits a 19–21-inch head.
Materials:
Yarn: 100 g (150 yards) worsted-weight wool
Gauge: 5 sts/in in Stockinette stitch
Needles: 1 circular needle, 40–47 inches in length, US size 7 (4.5 mm) or WHATEVER size you need to use to achieve the right gauge.
Notions: measuring tape, tapestry needle, scissors
Abbreviations: (links pop up KNITFreedom videos)
CO: cast on
K: knit
P: purl
St st: Stockinette stitch
M1L: make 1 left (M1)
K2tog: knit 2 together
Magic Loop: how to do it!
Check your gauge: swatch in the round!
Work even: continue in the same stitch without increasing or decreasing
Notes:
This basic hat is worked from the brim to the top, with a wide, ribbed brim. It can be a fitted hat or a more slouchy hat, depending on how long you knit before beginning to decrease.
Pattern Instructions:
Using long-tail cast-on, LOOSELY CO 82 sts.
Separate stitches and prepare for working in the round on Magic Loop.
Round 1: (K1, p1) around.
Continue to work in k1, p1 rib for 12 more rounds.
Increase for main part of hat:
Round 1: K1, m1, (k5, m1) to end, m1 (100 sts total).
Work even in St st for 6 inches from cast-on edge for a fitted hat, 7 inches for a slouchy hat.
Decrease for top of hat
Round 1: (K8, k2tog) around (90 sts remain).
Round 2 and all even rounds: K
Round 3: (K7, k2tog) around (80 sts remain).
Round 5: (K6, k2tog) around (70 sts remain).
Round 7: (K5, k2tog) around (60 sts remain).
Round 9: (K4, k2tog) around (50 sts remain).
Round 11: (K3, k2tog) around (40 sts remain).
Round 13: (K2, k2tog) around (30 sts remain).
Round 15: (K1, k2tog) around (20 sts remain).
Round 17: K2tog around (10 sts remain).
Break yarn, leaving a 12-inch tail.
Thread tail on tapestry needle and pass twice through live sts on needles.
Remove needles, pull tail tight.
Finishing:
Using tapestry needle, weave in ends.
Wear and be fabulous!
Keep Learning
- Related Pattern: Chunky Lacy Aspen Ice Hat Pattern
- Related Resource: Complete Video Guide To Magic Loop Knitting
If you liked this basic magic loop hat pattern, please comment and click the “Like” button!
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I just realized the other evening that I am not doing the one loop or travelling loop method. I am doing the regular magic loop method and I am now about to begin the decrease rounds and realize that once I get to the ten stitches I don’t know how to
get the ten stitches off the circular needle at the end.
OH, maybe it’s one of those things that will just fall into place when I get there.
I realized as soon as I first posted that it would be as simple as
just pulling the tips of the needle through the remaining sts.
Sounds like you may have solved it! We can help you through anything you are stuck on — just post your question in the KNITFreedom Forum and we will help. :)
Keep up the good work!
I am now half way through your hat pattern.
It did take me awhile to figure out the magic loop method,
but I am on my way.
Wow! Keep up the great work. :) I’m so glad that you stuck with it and are half way through! I’d love to see your finished project when it’s all done. :)
I have been trying to work up the courage to try the magic loop method for a few years now. Even have bought books on it for socks. I think beginning with your hat pattern will be a great introduction to using this method.
Peggy
Yay! I’m so glad you are ready to try Magic Loop! I have a guaranteed course here if you want a little video guidance: Magic Loop Video E-Book. Keep posting and let us know how it goes! :)
Great pattern. How many Sts would you cast on for a child’s hat?
I would cast on 60 stitches for a newborn hat and 75 for a toddler. I hope this helps!
Thanks so much for the lesson.
How many sts would you cast on for a child’s hat?
This is great thanks. Always room for one more project!
Hi Mary,
I agree, there is definitely always room! And you are more than welcome! Good luck on your Magic Loop Hat project!
If you were knitting this hat for a man would you still do the increase round, or would you just cast on 100 stitches to start with? I want this to look more or less like a watch cap. Thanks so much in advance.
Hi Lori,
Great question! To make a watch cap to fit a man, either use a slightly thicker yarn with a slightly larger gauge, or cast on about 8–10 more stitches and follow the directions, including the increase round.
Just follow the directions for the non-slouchy version. :)
Liat, I can’t wait to start one of these hats. I will most likely make quite a few for Christmas gifts this year. How long will you be in South America? It’s awesome that you can experience this big adventure! Thank you for all your help and sharing of talent!!!
Yay! I think you’ll love them — it’s so relaxing to knit something easy in the round like this. I’ll be here until the end of October I think — I’ll leave right when it gets too hot, and then it’s back to Aspen for winter again! Thanks so much for your sweet comment and for following my blog!
Thanks for the video tutorial Liat!
I haven’t knitted a hat on circular needles before so this is perfect opportunity.
Thank you for watching! Yes it is an easy pattern to learn on. Do let me know how yours turns out and remember I am always here if you need me. :)