Free Knitting Pattern – Oversized Santa Hat

Nothing says Christmas cheer quite like a big, slouchy Santa hat. This oversized version is cozy, playful, and perfect for holiday photos, parades, or just lounging by the fire with a mug of cocoa. Knit in chunky yarn, it works up quickly and has that dramatic long tail that drapes perfectly to one side. Top it off with a giant fluffy pompom, and you’ll have a holiday hat everyone wants to try on.

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What you need

• Yarn A (Brim): Bulky weight yarn in white (faux fur yarn also works beautifully)

• Yarn B (Body): Bulky weight yarn in classic Santa red

• Needles:
  • 6 mm (US 10) circular needles (for brim)

  • 8 mm (US 11) circular needles (for hat body)

  • Double-pointed needles (optional, for shaping)

• Tapestry needle

• Pompom maker (or cardboard template)

Size

Adult Large – to fit 24–26″ (61–66 cm) head circumference

Instructions

Abbreviations

• K – knit

• P – purl

• K2tog – knit 2 stitches together (decrease)

Instructions

1. Cast On (Brim):
   With Yarn A (white) and 6 mm needles, cast on 80 sts. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a marker if desired.

2. Brim:
   Round 1 – K1, P1 repeat to end.
   Continue in 1×1 ribbing until the brim measures 4–5 inches (for a folded cuff, knit 6 inches).

3. Body:
   Switch to Yarn B (red) and 8 mm needles. Knit every round until the hat measures 14–16 inches from the cast-on edge. (This gives it a nice oversized, droopy length. Add more inches if you want extra slouch.)

4. Crown Decreases:
   • K2tog, K8 repeat to end.

   • Knit 3 rounds.

   • K2tog, K7 repeat to end.

   • Knit 3 rounds.

   • K2tog, K6 repeat to end.

   • Knit 3 rounds.

   • K2tog, K5 repeat to end.

   • Knit 3 rounds.

   • K2tog, K4 repeat to end.

   • Knit 3 rounds.

   • K2tog, K3 repeat to end.

   • Knit 3 rounds.

   • K2tog, K2 repeat to end.

   • Knit 2 rounds.

   • K2tog, K1 repeat to end.

   • Knit 1 round.

5. Continue decreasing until very few sts remain.
   
   When stitches become too tight on circulars, switch to DPNs or use the magic loop method.

6. Finish:
   Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread onto a tapestry needle, pass through remaining stitches, and pull tight. Secure with a knot and weave in ends.

7. Pompom:
   Make an oversized pompom in Yarn A (white). The fluffier, the better! Sew securely to the tip of the hat and weave in loose ends.

Notes & Variations

• For a fun twist, add jingle bells inside the pompom or along the hat’s tail.

• Want a more “elf-like” look? Knit the body a bit longer and finish with a slightly smaller pompom.

Use sparkly or velvet yarn for a luxe holiday version.