Super bulky hats are the perfect knitting project for beginners looking to expand their repertoire. The chunky yarn and big needles produce a thick, comfortable fabric that’s warm and very quick to knit up.
Unfortunately, there are so many free and paid patterns to search through online, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve found 13 of the best super chunky hat knitting patterns and put them all in one place – so you can focus on knitting!
We’ve included both free and paid patterns, as well a selection of slouchy beanies, pom poms, and other hat shapes. Though they’re different in design, all of these patterns work with bulky yarn and large needles, which means they shouldn’t take long to knit at all. If you’re looking for easy knitting projects for winter, you can also check out our list of balaclava knitting patterns and knitted cowl patterns.
For intermediate knitters, there are also patterns that use techniques that can help you improve your skills in preparation for larger projects.
13 Easy Super Chunky Hat Knitting Patterns
Whether you’re looking to make a gift, practice your knitting, or just to add some style to your winter outfits, this list includes the best-looking free and paid knitting patterns for easy bulky hats and beanies of every size.
Most of these hat knitting patterns only require one skein of yarn, and you can decide whether you’d like to add a pom-pom to all of them.
1. “Spill the Beanie” Super Bulky Hat Pattern
| Price | $4.07/£3.02 |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Beginner |
| Techniques Used | Rib Stitch |
| Completion Time | 6 Hours |
| Designer’s Website | “Spill the Beanie” Chunky Hat – BrendaMadeThis on Etsy |
This super chunky hat pattern is a winter staple with a stylish modern design. With a classic beanie silhouette, it is simple to work up in a few hours and will fit all adult sizes.
The example featured uses Crazy Sexy Wool from Wool and the Gang, but any super bulky yarn will work well. You’ll need a pair of 15mm circular needles and less than 1 skein of super chunky yarn.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 19/15mm Knitting Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 80m = 200g/Super Chunky |
| Yarn Quantity | 1 Skein |
| Suggested Yarn | Crazy Sexy Wool – Wool and the Gang |
2. “Bobble-Optional” Chunky Hat Pattern
| Price | $9.73/£7.00 |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Beginner |
| Completion Time | 3 Hours |
| Techniques Used | Knit Stitch, Purl Stitch |
| Designer’s Website | Bobble-Optional Hat – Lauren Aston Designs |
If you’re wondering how to use any leftover chunky yarn, this stunning pattern from Lauren Aston Designs is an ideal choice.
Knit in the round with circular needles, this is also a great choice for beginners looking to knit a hat and learn how to use circular needles in the process.
The design uses easy knit and purl stitches with a soft rib at the bottom to create a comfy, snug fit. You can fold it up for a tighter fit, or leave it folded down for a slouchy, chunky beanie-style hat.
What’s more, the pattern comes with instructions for adding a chunky bobble too – so you can decide how you want your hat to look! Simply choose your colour combination and get started.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 15/10mm Circular Needles (40cm Cable) |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | Super Chunky |
| Yarn Quantity | 100g (+20g for the optional pompom) |
| Suggested Yarn | Super Chunky Yarn – Lauren Aston Designs |
3. The September Hat
| Price | $4.76/£3.45 |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Beginner |
| Completion Time | 7 Hours |
| Techniques Used | Brioche Stitch |
| Designer’s Website | The September Hat – PetiteKnit |
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:| Needle Size | US Size 7/4.5mm Circular Needles (16 Inch Cable) |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 50g = 235m & 25g = 212m |
| Yarn Quantity | 50g Yarn A 50g Yarn B |
| Suggested Yarn | Sunday – Sandnes Garn Tynn Silk Mohair – Sandnes Garn |
4. Youngs Chunky Beanie
| Price | $4.60/£3.37 |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Beginner |
| Completion Time | 8 Hours |
| Techniques Used | Stockinette Stitch |
| Designer’s Website | Youngs Beanie – Witre Design |
This bulky hat knitting pattern from Witre Design is a contemporary pattern that looks great in bold, vibrant colors. The hat is knit using the stockinette stitch from the bottom up with a wide ribbed cuff.
The final hat measures roughly 60-63cm in circumference with a fluffy texture and a tight, durable, oversized fit perfect for cold weather. While the yarn used is light weight, it’s knit tightly and doubled over to create a super chunky hat.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 7/4.5mm Circular Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | Chunky |
| Yarn Quantity | 50-100g Yarn A 50-100g Yarn B |
| Suggested Yarn | Rauma Finullgarn – Wool and Company Rauma Iris Alpakka – Ravelry |
5. Quick and Easy Bulky Bobble Hat
| Price | Free |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Beginner |
| Completion Time | 4 Hours |
| Techniques Used | Knit Stitch, Purl Stitch, Stocking Stitch |
| Designer’s Website | Bulky Bobble Hat – LoveCrafts |
This free bulky hat pattern from Julie Taylor is simple, fast, and comes with instructions for children’s sizes all the way to adults.
Like most of the knitting patterns in this list, it’s perfect for beginners – you can even use old scraps of chunky yarn to get started.
Depending on your preference, the pattern instructions include details for knitting flat on straight needles as well as knitting in the round with circular needles.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 11/8mm Knitting Needles US Size 15/10mm Knitting Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | Super Bulky (5-6 wpi) |
| Yarn Quantity | S: 75g/60m M: 85g/68m L: 100g/80m |
| Suggested Yarn | Wendy Serenity Super Chunky – Outback Yarns Crazy Sexy Wool – Wool and the Gang |
6. “Blaize” Beanie Hat Pattern
| Price | $5.70/£4.47 |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Intermediate |
| Completion Time | 5 Hours |
| Techniques Used | Twisted Rib Stitch, Decreasing, Stockinette Stitch |
| Designer’s Website | Blaize Beanie – JessieAlsoKnits on Etsy |
This original design is a fun, easy hat knitting pattern that’s great for newbies looking to experiment with twisted rib stitch and simple stockinette stitch. Designed with super thick yarn, this hat will stay true to its name and keep you warm in winter.
The instructions come with specifications for one size, but it’s easily adjusted by changing the number of stitches you cast on in the beginning. You can choose to knit the hat flat or in the round, and pick between one color or two.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:| Needle Size | US Size 17/12mm Circular or Straight Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 80m = 200g |
| Yarn Quantity | 1-2 Skeins |
| Suggested Yarn | Crazy Sexy Wool – Wool and the Gang |
7. Super Chunky Beanie Hat Knitting Pattern
| Price | $3.94/£2.91 |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Beginner |
| Completion Time | 8 Hours |
| Designer’s Website | Super Chunky Beanie Hat – AnotherHatBag on Etsy |
This super bulky, baggy hat is knit from the bottom up using 200g of chunky yarn and 10mm circular needles. In addition to written instructions, the knitting pattern also comes with a private video link and images, which makes it a super easy pattern for beginners to follow.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 15/10mm Circular Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 200g = 150m |
| Yarn Quantity | 200g |
| Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
8. “Steve’s Beanie” Men’s Chunky Knitted Hat
| Price | Free |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Beginner |
| Completion Time | 5 Hours |
| Designer’s Website | Steve’s Beanie – LoveCrafts |
This chunky men’s beanie knitting pattern looks great in bold colours like red, yellow, and green. It’s completely free, instantly downloadable, and super easy to get started.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 8/5mm Double Point Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 170g = 288m |
| Yarn Quantity | 1 Ball |
| Suggested Yarn | Caron Simply Soft – LoveCrafts |
9. The “Everyone” Hat
| Price | Free |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Beginner |
| Completion Time | 3 Hours |
| Designer’s Website | The Everyone Hat – Brooklyn Craft Company |
If you’re looking for easy practice, the “Everyone” hat is a pattern you can knit again and again when winter comes. You can give them to friends, charity, or keep them to yourself!
Knit in the round with super bulky yarn, this classic bobble hat is 100% free and includes sizing instructions from babies to adults.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 15/10mm Circular Needles (40cm Cable) US Size 15/10mm Double-Pointed Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | Super Chunky |
| Yarn Quantity | 1 Ball |
| Suggested Yarn | Crazy Sexy Wool – Wool and the Gang |
10. Super Chunky “Colour Pop” Hat
| Price | $9.73/£7.00 |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Beginner/Intermediate |
| Completion Time | 3 Hours |
| Designer’s Website | Colour Pop Hat – Lauren Aston Designs |
This knitting pattern is aimed at beginners. In truth, the most difficult thing about it is choosing the colour pop combination!
The final product is chunky, cosy, and perfect for staying warm in the winter. If you’re looking for a subtle alternative to the bobble hats in this list, the Colour Pop Hat is a stylish option.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 15/10mm Circular Needles (40cm Cable) |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | Super Chunky |
| Yarn Quantity | 70g x 1 Color, 20g x Color Pop |
| Suggested Yarn | Super Chunky Yarn – Lauren Aston Designs |
11. Simple Chunky Wool Knit Hat
| Price | Free |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Beginner |
| Completion Time | 5 Hours |
| Designer’s Website | Simple Chunky Knit Hat – Ashley Lillis |
Another bulky hat that is knit in the round, this beginner-level hat pattern from Ashley Lillis is super simple.
The ribbing at the bottom allows the hat to fit perfectly on most adult heads, while the length lets it fold over for a slouchy silhouette.
Follow the pattern for a quick knit, or mix it up with different colours and stitches!
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 17/12mm Circular Needles (40cm Cable) |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | Super Chunky |
| Yarn Quantity | 1 Skein |
| Suggested Yarn | Crazy Sexy Wool – Wool and the Gang |
12. Snow Day Hat by Purl Soho
| Price | Free |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Beginner |
| Completion Time | 3 Hours |
| Designer’s Website | Snow Day Hat – Purl Soho |
Aptly named, the Snow Day Hat is an excellent winter accessory for kids and adults.
The pattern from Purl Soho is completely free and comes with instructions for all ages. The classic marled look is achieved using two strands of 100% merino wool, which also lends a super soft texture.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 15/10mm Circular Needles (40cm Cable) US Size 15/10mm Double Pointed Needle |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 79m = 100g |
| Yarn Quantity | 2 Skeins |
| Suggested Yarn | Super Soft Merino – Purl Soho |
13. “Opposites Attract” Bulky Hats
| Price | Free |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Beginner |
| Completion Time | 3 Hours |
| Designer’s Website | “Opposites Attract” Hats – LoveCrafts |
This is a good hat pattern for knitters new to fair isle. Knit in the round with double pointed needles, the design begins with the ribbed edge and continues in a simple 6-stitch pattern.
The instructions include both a chart and written details, as well as measurements for adults, babies, and children. All you’ll need is two 100g balls of super chunky yarn, and you’ll be able to make a set of two fun bulky hats!
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 13/9mm Double Pointed Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | Super Chunky (100g = 96m) |
| Yarn Quantity | 2x100g Skeins in Contrasting Colors |
| Suggested Yarn | Drops Andes – Wool Warehouse |
Bulky Hat Knitting Patterns: What You Should Know
Can You Knit a Hat Using Straight Needles?
While the majority of hat knitting patterns require knitting in the round using circular or double-pointed needles, it’s also possible to knit a hat using straight needles.
If you want to avoid knitting in the round when creating a hat, you can work back and forth in the traditional way by knitting the hat flat and then seaming the two panels together.
How Much Yarn Will I Need to Knit a Chunky Hat?
Generally speaking, a 100g skein or ball of super chunky or bulky yarn will be enough for you to knit a hat. This will depend on the measurements you’re following, the stitches you’re using, and the age of the person you’re knitting for, but adult chunky knit hats rarely need more than 100g of yarn.
What Type and Size of Needles Do I Need?
Chunky yarn will almost always need large needle sizes. The smaller the needle size you use, the tighter the resulting knitted pattern will be.
If you’re knitting a bulky hat using chunky wool, you’ll generally need needles around 10mm (US Size 15), though this can be as low as 8mm and go up to around 12mm on average.
When it comes to the type of knitting needle you’ll need, every hat pattern will be different. However, as a rule of thumb, most chunky hat patterns will be knit in the round using circular or double-pointed needles.
Related Guides
Classic Beret Knitting Patterns
Choose from a curated list of modern beret knitting patterns, from classic french berets to super-easy slouchy designs.
Modern Balaclava Knitting Patterns
Here are 10 beautiful balaclava knitting patterns from top designers this season. You'll find chunky, vintage, full-face patterns and more.