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How to knit a bobble hat

Nothing makes us feel oh-so cosy during autumn like a soft knitted hat does. This super-simple tutorial shows you how to knit a bobble hat - it's the ideal project if you're preparing for breezy weather like us.

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Phoebe Burt

Published: January 20, 2021 at 10:14 am

IF you're feeling the chill at the moment, why not keep your head cosy with our how to knit a bobble hat tutorial. Here's a cool idea: you could make a whole set of colourful, interchangeable bobbles – that way you'd have a pom-pom to match your mood and any outfit!

You will need:

• 5 x 7mm double-pointed (or circular) knitting needles • 100g chunky merino yarn, main colour (MC) • 50g chunky merino yarn, contrasting colour (CC) • Scissors • Tapestry needle

Abbreviations:

• Stitches (sts) • Double pointed needles (dpns) • Slip (sl) • Knit (k) • Knit two together (k2tog)

If you need help learning the abbreviations used in this how to knit a bobble hat tutorial head to our knitting abbreviations blog post.

How to knit a bobble hat tutorial

free bobble hat knitting pattern step 8

If you're new to knitting check out our knitting for beginners guide which will teach you all the basic techniques used in this how to knit a bobble hat tutorial. To help you make your knitted bobble hat also head to our how to knit section.

You will need:

Yarn
Knitting needles
Scissors
Tapestry needle

Step 1

free bobble hat knitting pattern step 1

Cast on 56 sts in CC and divide 14 sts onto four dpns. Make sure sts aren’t twisted. Sl first and last sts over one another to connect the round.

Step 2

free bobble hat knitting pattern step 2

Using the fifth dpn *[k2, p2], repeat * until end of round (56 sts).

Step 3

free bobble hat knitting pattern step 3

Repeat step two 8 times. Switch to MC. Break off CC, leaving a tail.

Step 4

free bobble hat knitting pattern step 4

Knit each st in round (56 sts).

Step 5

free bobble hat knitting pattern step 5

Repeat step four 22 times.

Step 6

free bobble hat knitting pattern step 6

*[k5, k2tog], repeat * 7 times (48 sts in round). *[k4, k2tog], repeat * 7 times (40 sts in round). *[k3, k2tog], repeat * 7 times (32 sts in round). *[k2, k2tog], repeat * 7 times (24 sts in round). *[k1, k2tog], repeat * 7 times (16 sts in round). *[k2tog], repeat * 7 times (8 sts in round). Cast off, tighten hole and weave ends.

Step 7

free bobble hat knitting pattern step 7

Make a pom-pom. Take a look at our how to make a pom pom tutorial to see how to make one for your knitted bobble. (You might want to make yours to scale or it’ll be huge!)

Step 8

free bobble hat knitting pattern step 8

Attach the pom-pom to the hat by sewing the yarn tails to the crown using a tapestry needle. Weave in the ends and pull on for a warm noggin.

And you’re done! One free bobble hat knitting pattern, one toasty warm head. If you make this knitted bobble hat tag us in a picture on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, we’d love to see the finished result! And remember to subscribe to Mollie Makes for more creative inspiration and tutorials.

free bobble hat knitting pattern step 9

If you enjoyed our bobble hat knitting pattern then check out our range of Knitting Patterns on the site. We also have a free crochet bobble hat pattern if crochet is more your craft!

SEO and Communities Editor, Gathered

Phoebe has worked for Gathered, and our sister magazine Mollie Makes, for 3 years. She manages our Arts & Crafts section and specialises in social media and content strategy. She has a background in all things marketing, a flair for Pinterest and a knack for finding the next big craft trend. Previously she worked as Digital Campaign Executive for Fat Media. You may recognise her name from Mollie Makes Social Media magazine, where she shared her expertise and top tips on becoming social media savvy. She has two passions in life - craft (specifically embroidery) and music. She's written for online music publications including Bristol in Stereo, Culture or Trash and Festival Mag so if you're looking for a new band recommendation she's the one to ask.