This seed stitch beanie is one of my favourite quick knits — it works up in about 2 hours and makes the most beautiful handmade gift. The trick is holding two strands of medium weight yarn together with large needles, which gives you a gorgeously thick, squishy texture without the bulk of super chunky yarn. The pattern only uses knit and purl stitches so you can absolutely multi-task with whatever show you’re bingeing on. Promise! 🧶

Why You’ll Love This Pattern

• ✅ Done in about 2 hours — perfect for last-minute gifting
• ✅ Beginner friendly — only knit and purl stitches in a simple seed stitch repeat
• ✅ Extra cozy texture — holding two strands together gives a beautiful thick, squishy result
• ✅ Any colour combination — two coordinating colours create a gorgeous marled effect
• ✅ Fully adjustable — increase or decrease in multiples of 2 stitches for any size
• ✅ Makes a beautiful gift — handmade hats are always treasured

Pattern Details

Materials Needed

• 🧶 Medium weight #4 yarn — 2 colours, approx. 200–250 yards total (held double throughout). Red Heart Super Saver works beautifully.
• 🪡 US 11 / 8.0mm circular knitting needles, 9″ cord
• 🧵 Tapestry needle
• ✂️ Scissors
• 🎀 Pom pom maker (optional)

Pattern Notes

This pattern is worked from the band ribbing up to the top, using two strands of yarn held together throughout. It uses only knit and purl stitches and works up as a circular tube with the top left open to be gathered and cinched closed, creating the beautiful texture at the crown. The stitch count can be increased or decreased in multiples of 2 stitches to adjust sizing.

Sizing and Gauge

This pattern is written for a Medium Adult (approx. 23″ circumference). To adjust sizing, increase or decrease your cast-on in multiples of 2 stitches.

Gauge: 4″ x 4″ (10cm x 10cm) = 12 sts, 16 rows

Abbreviations

• Sts — Stitches
• K — Knit
• P — Purl

Pattern

Begin Band

With two strands of Color A held together: Cast on 56 sts. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.

Ribbing

Rounds 1–5: *K1, P1* repeat around

Body — Seed Stitch

Round 1: *K1, P1* repeat around
Round 2: *P1, K1* repeat around

Repeat Rounds 1–2 to desired length. Bind off leaving a long tail — this will be used to cinch the top closed.

Closing the Hat

Turn the hat inside-out. Using the tail, sew a loose running stitch across the top of the hat. Cinch it tight to close and weave in the end well and firmly. Turn back right-side out and weave in all remaining ends.

Create and attach a pom pom if desired — I love using a pom pom maker for a perfectly round finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different yarn?

Yes — the pattern calls for medium weight #4 yarn held double. You can use any #4 yarn but your gauge and finished size will vary, so work up a swatch first.

Can I make this in one colour?

Absolutely! The two-colour version gives a beautiful subtle marled effect but a single colour held double looks just as gorgeous — especially in a rich jewel tone or classic neutral.

How do I adjust the size?

Increase or decrease your cast-on in multiples of 2 stitches. For a child size try 44–48 sts, for a large adult try 60–64 sts. Always check your gauge first.

What does seed stitch look like?

Seed stitch creates a beautiful bumpy, textured fabric by alternating knit and purl stitches and offsetting them each round. It lies flat, doesn’t curl, and looks gorgeous in any yarn combination.

How long does it take to make?

Most knitters finish this in about 2 hours. Holding two strands together with large needles means it grows quickly — perfect for a Friday evening project you can wear by Saturday morning.

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