How to Knit a Baby Hat with Drawstring & Pom Pom

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Cast on your stitches

Begin by casting on 58 stitches using your preferred cast-on method. This pattern is worked in a two-by-two knit purl rib stitch — alternating two knit stitches with two purl stitches across every row — which produces a stretchy, textured fabric that is both warm and comfortable against a baby's skin. Working with multiple strands of yarn held together creates the extra thickness needed to keep little heads cosy. Choose a soft, baby-safe fibre in any colour you like; a neutral tone works well for gifting. Count your cast-on stitches carefully before beginning the first row to ensure the rib pattern lines up correctly throughout the hat.

Step 2 — Work the rib stitch body

Establish the two-by-two rib by working across the row as follows: knit 2, purl 2, and repeat to the end. On every subsequent row, knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches as they appear, keeping the rib columns aligned. Continue in pattern, increasing stitches at the beginning of rows as directed to shape a folded brim — this brim adds extra warmth around the forehead and ears and gives the hat a neat, structured edge. If you are new to the rib stitch, watch the video carefully at this stage, as maintaining consistent tension between knit and purl stitches is the key to an even, professional-looking fabric.

Step 3 — Knit to the desired length

Continue working in the two-by-two rib pattern until the hat body reaches the appropriate length for a 9–18 month infant. Hold the knitting up against a baby's head or use a standard infant hat measurement as a reference — the hat should cover the ears comfortably without being so deep that it obscures the face. Keep a running tally of your rows so you can replicate the size easily if you want to knit a second hat as a pair or gift. The ribbed fabric will stretch slightly when worn, so err on the side of slightly snug rather than overly generous.

Step 4 — Bind off with Kitchener stitch

Once the hat has reached the correct length, bind off the stitches using the Kitchener stitch. Unlike a standard cast-off, the Kitchener stitch grafts the live stitches together invisibly, creating a seamless, stretchy edge on the inside of the hat. Thread a length of yarn onto your tapestry needle and follow the Kitchener stitch sequence — working alternately through the front and back stitches on the needle — until all stitches have been joined and the needle is free. This finish is especially valuable on a baby hat, where a smooth interior prevents any rough edge from irritating delicate skin.

Step 5 — Sew the seam with mattress stitch

Fold the hat so that the two short edges meet and sew the side seam closed using the mattress stitch. Working on the right side of the fabric, insert the tapestry needle under the horizontal bar between the first and second stitches on one edge, then under the corresponding bar on the opposite edge, pulling the yarn gently to draw the two sides together. Continue up the length of the seam, keeping the tension even so the join is neat and nearly invisible from the outside. The mattress stitch creates a flat, professional-looking seam that lies comfortably against the head without creating a ridge inside the hat.

Step 6 — Add the drawstring closure

Thread a length of yarn onto the tapestry needle and weave it in and out through the stitches around the top edge of the hat, spacing the entry points evenly to distribute the gathering. Leave a small opening at the point where the two ends of the drawstring meet — this gap is where the pom pom attachment will pass through in the next step. Once the drawstring has been threaded all the way around, pull both ends gently to gather the crown of the hat closed. This adjustable closure lets you customise the fit and gives the top of the hat its characteristic gathered, rounded shape. Tie the ends loosely for now and set them aside.

Step 7 — Make the pom pom

To make the pom pom, wrap yarn around two or three fingers repeatedly until you have a full, thick bundle — the more wraps, the denser and fluffier the finished pom pom will be. Carefully slide the bundle off your fingers and tie a separate length of yarn tightly around the centre, knotting it firmly so the bundle cannot come loose. Cut through all the loops on both sides of the centre tie to release them, then fluff the pom pom out into a round shape. Trim any uneven strands with scissors, rolling the pom pom in your hands as you trim to achieve an even sphere. Leave the two tails from the centre tie long — these will be used to attach the pom pom to the hat.

Step 8 — Attach and secure the pom pom

Thread the two long tails from the pom pom's centre tie onto the tapestry needle and pass them through the opening left in the drawstring at the crown of the hat. Pull the tails through to the inside of the hat and tie them off securely with several firm knots so the pom pom sits centred and upright on top of the gathered crown. Once the pom pom is knotted in place, weave the remaining tails back through the interior fabric to hide them completely. Trim any excess yarn close to the fabric and check that the pom pom feels firmly attached — it should not twist or pull free when tugged gently.

Step 9 — Finish and tighten the drawstring

Pull the drawstring ends to close the crown fully around the base of the pom pom, then knot or tie them off neatly. Weave in any remaining loose ends using the tapestry needle, securing each tail in at least two directions so it cannot unravel with washing. Give the hat a gentle tug in all directions to check the seams and drawstring are secure, then lay it flat and adjust the brim fold if needed. The finished hat is sized for 9–18 months — if it runs slightly large, folding up the brim reduces the depth for a snugger fit. The hat is now ready to wear, gift, or wash as needed.

Frequently asked questions

What materials do I need to knit a baby hat with drawstring and pom pom?
You will need yarn in multiple strands (a soft, baby-safe fibre works well), size 6 knitting needles, a tapestry needle for sewing seams and threading the drawstring, and scissors. Having stitch markers on hand is also helpful for tracking your row count.

What stitch pattern is used for the foundation of this baby hat?
The hat is worked in a two-by-two knit purl rib stitch — alternating two knit stitches with two purl stitches across each row. This creates a stretchy, textured fabric that hugs the head comfortably and gives the hat its warm, cosy appearance.

How can I adjust the size of the hat if it comes out too large?
If the finished hat is slightly too large for the baby's head, fold up the brim to reduce the depth. The drawstring closure at the top also allows you to gather the crown more tightly, giving you a second point of adjustment for a snug and comfortable fit.

Enjoyed this tutorial?

Find 60+ free tutorials on YouTube. Grab a pattern from the Etsy shop, or go deeper with a community membership.

Free tutorials on YouTube →    Shop on Etsy →    Join the community →