Knitted hats aren’t just for cold weather. You can knit a light, bucket-style hat with a brim to keep the sun out of your eyes in the summer, too.
This type of hat isn’t just convenient; it’s coming back into style as designer streetwear brands like Stussy release knitted bucket hats into mainstream fashion.
Bucket hats are usually easy to work up – in fact, you can knit your own bucket hat with one or two balls of yarn in just 3 hours or less, which makes them an excellent project for beginners.
Unfortunately, most bucket hat designs are made for crochet, which can make it difficult to find good patterns from knitwear designers. That’s why we’ve curated this list of stylish bucket hat knitting patterns from knitwear designers in the UK, US, Denmark, and more.
In this list, we’ve selected patterns that require a mix of knitting techniques and difficulty levels. You’ll find both free and paid patterns for women and even some for babies, too. Most of the knit bucket hat patterns are unisex and can be worn by all adults, including men.
The bucket hat knitting patterns in this collection use a variety of yarn types and knitting needle sizes. However, all of them exemplify the classic summer bucket hat style with a stiff brim that can also be used as a sun hat.
Although most of these hats are knit with chunky yarn in the round, some are knit with straight needles too. To make the best use of yarn you’ve already got, make sure to use our yarn weight conversion chart.
12 Bucket Hat Knitting Patterns (Free and Paid)
Here is a list of 12 bucket hat knitting patterns that you can stitch with just a few basic materials. Whether you’re an intermediate knitter or a complete beginner, you’ll only need one or two balls of yarn, some straight or circular needles, and a couple of hours of spare time.
1. Deima’s Bucket Hat
| Price | $6.22/£4.61 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | Stockinette Stitch |
| Suggested Yarn | Drops Alpaca Bouclé – Garn Studio |
| Designer’s Website | Deima’s Bucket Hat – Deima Knitwear |
This pattern from Deima Knitwear is knit from the top down using stockinette stitches and circular needles. Once the body is complete, you simply collect the stitches up to the crown.
Using 2 skeins of alpaca bouclé yarn and circular needles, Deima’s bucket hat is a beginner-friendly pattern with a soft and warm texture. For a chunky knit bucket hat, simply knit the hat with two yarn strands held together, which is included in the pattern instructions.
The final hat comes in one size measuring 50cm in circumference, though this can be increased or decreased in the last round.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 8/5mm Circular Needles (80cm) |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 50g = 140m |
| Yarn Quantity | 2 Skeins |
2. “Brightwool” Bucket Hat Pattern
| Price | $8.50/£6.30 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | Increasing Decreasing Knit & Purl |
| Suggested Yarn | Flette Bulky – Woolfolk Yarn Dream State – SpinCycle Yarns |
| Designer’s Website | “Brightwool” Bucket Hat Pattern – Brightwool |
The Brightwool bucket hat is also worked in one piece, but this time from the bottom up. The hat’s brim is created using a pattern of increases, purl stitches, and decreases, which is then folded and sewn into the body of the hat at the end.
This bucket hat pattern is best for intermediate knitters who are comfortable with these techniques. It uses 2 skeins of yarn (one bulky weight and one worsted weight) to create a hat measuring 51cm in circumference with a tight gauge to hold the shape of the brim.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 10/6mm Circular Needles (80cm) |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 100g = 120m (Yarn A) 91g = 137m (Yarn B) |
| Yarn Quantity | 1 Skein (Yarn A) 1 Skein (Yarn B) |
3. “Drop in the Bucket” Hat Pattern
| Price | $5.60/£4.63 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | Stockinette Stitch Increasing & Decreasing |
| Suggested Yarn | Crazy Sexy Wool – Wool and the Gang |
| Designer’s Website | “Drop in the Bucket” Hat – KarasKnitEng |
This chunky bucket hat knitting pattern is suitable for beginners and works up in only an hour or two. It uses one skein of super bulky yarn and circular needles to create a thick brimmed hat that’s constructed both in the round and flat.
This pattern is great if you want to knit something stylish for winter, but you don’t want to use too much yarn. If that’s the case, you can also check out our list of super bulky hat knitting patterns.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 17/12mm Circular Needles (60cm) |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 200g = 80m (Super Bulky) |
| Yarn Quantity | 200g (1 Skein) |
4. Chunky Beginner’s Bucket Hat
| Price | $5.34/£4.44 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | Stockinette Stitch |
| Suggested Yarn | Alpaca Yarn – Drops Alpaca Boucle – Drops |
| Designer’s Website | Chunky Beginner’s Bucket Hat – WellLovedKnits on Etsy |
The simple hat pattern will create a knitted bucket hat for both men and women. It is knit in the round with multiple strands of bulky wool held together, and comes in just one universal size. It’s a quick project that’s great for beginners or intermediate knitters looking to experiment with different textures and colors.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 13/9mm Circular Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 50g = 167m (Yarn A) 50g = 140m (Yarn B) |
| Yarn Quantity | 1 Skein (Yarn A) 2 Skeins (Yarn B) |
5. The “Classic” Bucket Hat by Brightwool
| Price | $4.65/£3.85 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | Stockinette Stitch Increasing & Decreasing |
| Suggested Yarn | Boucle – Julie Asselin |
| Designer’s Website | The “Classic” Bucket Hat – Brightwool on Etsy |
Another pattern from Brightwool, this fashionable bucket hat is a good option for advanced beginners looking for a quick knit. You’ll use knit and purl stitches and two skeins of fluffy boucle yarn to knit the bucket hat in one piece, from the bottom upwards.
You’ll need to be familiar with increasing and decreasing, knitting with two strands of yarn at once, and some more advanced techniques for creating a sturdy brim. If you have any issues, the pattern includes easy instructions and a selection of video tutorials to help you with the process.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 10/6mm Circular Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 100g = 220m |
| Yarn Quantity | 2 Skeins |
6. “Sopka” Bucket Hat With Brim
| Price | $0.00 (Free) |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | Garter Stitch |
| Suggested Yarn | Rainbow Cotton – Hobbii |
| Designer’s Website | “Sopka” Bucket Hat With Brim – Hobbii |
The “Sopka” hat is a free bucket hat knitting pattern with a classic style. By the end of this pattern, you’ll have mastered intermediate techniques like garter stitches and back forth knitting to create a summery hat with a practical brim. What’s more, you can choose any color combination you’d like to make it your own.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 4/3.5mm Circular Needles (80cm) |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 50g = 75m |
| Yarn Quantity | 3 Skeins |
7. Vintage Women’s Cloche Hat Pattern
| Price | $1.75/£1.30 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | N/A – See Pattern |
| Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
| Designer’s Website | Vintage Women’s Cloche Hat Pattern – BCFunkFactory on Etsy |
This vintage knitting pattern creates an item halfway between a women’s bucket hat and a cloche hat. This classic pattern has been scanned and transferred to a PDF with the original instructions and photographs, so you can knit an authentic vintage hat at home.
The pattern uses worsted yarn and three different needle sizes. It’s worth noting that the inner brim will also require a crochet hook and basic crochet techniques.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | N/A – See Pattern |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | Worsted Weight (Aran) |
| Yarn Quantity | N/A – See Pattern |
8. 90’s Knitted Bucket Hat Pattern
| Price | $3.73/£2.76 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | Linen Stitch Chain Stitch Double Decreases |
| Suggested Yarn | Pima Cotton – We Are Knitters |
| Designer’s Website | 90’s Knitted Bucket Hat Pattern – FridayKnitsDesigns |
Bucket hats peaked in popularity in the 90s, and this knitting pattern from FridayKnitsDesigns brings that style back perfectly. It is knit from the bottom up primarily using the linen stitch, starting at the brim and using decreases to shape the hat’s body.
This pattern will help you practice the linen stitch both flat and in the round, as well as the chain stitch. If you’re having difficulty, you can also find video tutorials on the designer’s YouTube channel.
The final knitted bucket hat measures approximately 55cm in circumference and is knit using just one ball of chunky yarn. You can also find a free version of the pattern available on Ravelry.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 10/6mm Circular Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 100g = 211m |
| Yarn Quantity | 1 Skein |
9. Cable Knit Bucket Hat
| Price | $5.00/£3.70 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | Stockinette Stitch Brioche Stitch Cable Knitting |
| Suggested Yarn | YarnArt Merino Bulky – Etsy |
| Designer’s Website | Cable Knit Bucket Hat – Daeri Kim on Ravelry |
If you’re looking to practice brioche stitches or cable knitting, this pattern is for you. It uses both flat and round stockinette stitches with bulky weight yarn to create a feminine bucket hat that will provide some warmth in the cooler months. The pattern includes written instructions in English as well as a full video tutorial.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 10/6mm Circular Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | Bulky/12 ply (7 wpi) |
| Yarn Quantity | 130m-150m |
10. “Tulip” Bucket Hat Knitting Pattern
| Price | $6.18/£4.58 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | Garter Stitch |
| Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
| Designer’s Website | “Tulip” Bucket Hat Knitting Pattern – NophiesTulipKnits on Etsy |
The “Tulip” bucket hat is knit in the round using one skein of super chunky yarn and 5.5mm circular needles. Using the garter stitch, it creates a casual, one-size hat with a brim that also works well as a sun hat in bright weather.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 9/5.5mm Circular Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | Super Bulky |
| Yarn Quantity | 1 Skein |
11. Big Cotton “The Bucket Hat” Knitting Pattern
| Price | $9.45/£7.00 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | Basic Shaping |
| Suggested Yarn | Big Cotton Recycled Yarn – Lauren Aston Designs |
| Designer’s Website | Big Cotton “The Bucket Hat” Knitting Pattern – LaurenAstonDesigns |
This pattern from Lauren Aston Designs is knit from the rim upwards and then decreased, which makes it a good choice for confident intermediate knitters looking to practice the cable cast on method. Designed to be knit with chunky cotton yarn, it creates a bucket hat that is super soft, stretchy, and comfortable in all seasons.
You’ll find instructions for two sizes in the pattern: 50cm and 54cm in circumference. As long as you’re confident, you’ll be able to knit this bucket hat in just a few hours with two balls of bulky yarn.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 10/6mm Circular Needles (60cm) |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 100g = 70m |
| Yarn Quantity | 200g |
12. Checkered Knitted Bucket Hat
| Price | $0.00 (Free) |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | Short Rows |
| Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
| Designer’s Website | Checkered Knitted Bucket Hat – Ribblr |
This free bucket hat knitting pattern uses short rows to create a stylish checkered bucket hat. It includes sizes for adults as well as instructions for a baby bucket hat. Knit from the top down, this pattern uses light worsted yarn for a soft, even texture that will stay comfortable in summer or on sensitive skin.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 7/4.5mm Circular Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | DK/Light Worsted |
| Yarn Quantity | 100g |
How Do You Knit a Bucket Hat?
Most DIY bucket hats are made with crochet, which produces a bulkier fabric compared to knitting. By contrast, knitted bucket hats use tension and sturdy yarns to hold their shape, ensuring you can keep the hat’s brim stiff throughout several years of wearing it.
Though you can knit a bucket hat or a sun hat with straight needles, most knitting patterns for these hat styles use circular or double pointed needles. That’s because the majority of patterns include both flat and round knitting. You can learn more about how needle types affect your knitting in our guide to knitting needle types.
To knit a bucket hat or sun hat with a brim, you’ll usually begin by casting on at the brim. From here, you’ll knit in the round from the bottom up until you make it close to the crown of the hat. Here, the top of the hat is shaped using a series of decreases. While this is the most common method, it can vary by style, design, and more, so make sure to follow the instructions in your knitting pattern carefully.
How Much Yarn Do I Need to Knit a Bucket Hat?
You can knit a bucket hat with just one or two skeins of yarn. That’s why knitted bucket hats are great project ideas if you’ve got some leftover yarn or you’re on a budget.
Though it’s rare to find a bucket hat pattern that requires more yarn than this, many contemporary patterns require yarns of different weights and in different colours. This can be for both style and texture reasons.
For example, a bulky yarn might be combined with a light worsted yarn for sturdiness and integrity, while a chunky bucket hat might use super bulky yarns in two different colors to create a striped effect.
Thanks to their stiff brim, bucket hats are often used as sun hats. For this reason, cotton yarns and other lightweight yarn types are considered good options to ensure the final hat remains cool and breathable.
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