The Giggly Garden Gnome Hat Free Pattern – A Knitted Whimsical Cap with Berry Pom-Poms

Transform your little one's head into a blooming garden with the Giggly Garden Gnome Hat! This playful, whimsical cap features a leafy eyelet brim, squishy berry pom-poms, and a cozy, handcrafted look that sparks imagination. Knitted in soft, washable worsted weight yarn, this hat is perfect for everyday adventures, from backyard explorations to storybook make-believe. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a confident beginner, this free pattern is a delightful project that comes together quickly and brings endless smiles.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. All materials are readily available at your local yarn shop or online.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in the following colors:
  • MC (Main Color): Forest Green – approximately 120 (140, 160) yards
  • CC1 (Contrast Color 1): Berry Red – small amount for pom-poms
  • CC2 (Contrast Color 2): Sunny Yellow – small amount for pom-poms
  • CC3 (Contrast Color 3): Cream – small amount for leaf ties
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) 16-inch circular needle and a set of double-pointed needles (or size needed to obtain gauge). You will need DPNs for the crown decreases.
• Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a pom-pom maker (or a piece of cardboard) for the berry pom-poms.

Gauge

20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (knit every round). Always knit a gauge swatch to ensure your hat fits perfectly. If your gauge is off, adjust your needle size accordingly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is written for three sizes: 12-18 months (2-4 years, 5-7 years). Finished circumference: 16 (18, 20) inches. Instructions are written for the smallest size, with larger sizes in parentheses.

Brim (Leafy Edge)

This textured brim has a clever eyelet row that creates the perfect spot for threading your leaf ties.

1. With MC (Forest Green), cast on 80 (90, 100) stitches using your preferred method. Place a stitch marker and join in the round, being extremely careful not to twist your stitches.
2. Round 1: Knit all stitches.
3. Round 2: *K1, p1; repeat from * to end of round. This creates a neat ribbed edge.
4. Round 3 (Eyelet Row): *K2tog (knit two together), yo (yarn over); repeat from * to end of round. This creates the small holes for your leaf ties.
5. Round 4: Knit all stitches. Your brim is complete.

Hat Body

Now you'll work the main body of the hat in a simple, soothing stockinette stitch.

1. Continue working in stockinette stitch (knit every round) until the piece measures 4 (5, 6) inches from the cast-on edge. This is the length from the bottom of the brim to the start of the crown decreases.

Crown Decreases

This section shapes the top of the hat. You will decrease stitches in a pattern, knitting a plain round in between each decrease round. When your stitches get too tight for the circular needle, switch to your double-pointed needles.

1. Round 1 (Decrease): *K8 (9, 10), k2tog; repeat from * to end. You now have 72 (81, 90) stitches.
2. Round 2 and all even rounds: Knit all stitches.
3. Round 3 (Decrease): *K7 (8, 9), k2tog; repeat from * to end. You now have 64 (72, 80) stitches.
4. Round 5 (Decrease): *K6 (7, 8), k2tog; repeat from * to end. You now have 56 (63, 70) stitches.
5. Round 7 (Decrease): *K5 (6, 7), k2tog; repeat from * to end. You now have 48 (54, 60) stitches.
6. Round 9 (Decrease): *K4 (5, 6), k2tog; repeat from * to end. You now have 40 (45, 50) stitches.
7. Round 11 (Decrease): *K3 (4, 5), k2tog; repeat from * to end. You now have 32 (36, 40) stitches.
8. Round 13 (Decrease): *K2 (3, 4), k2tog; repeat from * to end. You now have 24 (27, 30) stitches.
9. Round 15 (Decrease): *K1 (2, 3), k2tog; repeat from * to end. You now have 16 (18, 20) stitches.
10. Round 17 (Decrease): *K0 (1, 2), k2tog; repeat from * to end. For the smallest size, simply k2tog around to get 8 stitches. For the larger sizes, you will have 12 (15) stitches remaining.
11. Cut your yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread the tail through a tapestry needle, then pass it through the remaining stitches on your needles. Pull tight to close the hole, and secure the yarn on the inside of the hat.

Leaf Ties (Make 2)

These charming I-cord ties dangle from the sides of the hat and hold the berry pom-poms.

1. With CC3 (Cream), cast on 3 stitches onto a double-pointed needle.
2. Knit an I-cord for 6 inches. To do this, knit the 3 stitches, then *slide the stitches to the other end of the needle, pull the yarn tightly across the back, and knit the 3 stitches again. Repeat from * until your cord measures 6 inches.
3. Bind off all stitches. Weave in the ends.
4. Thread each I-cord through the eyelet row at opposite sides of the brim. Tie each cord in a small, neat bow on the outside of the hat.

Berry Pom-Poms (Make 3)

These squishy, plush pom-poms are the "berries" that give this hat its garden charm.

1. Using CC1 (Berry Red), make a 2-inch pom-pom using a pom-pom maker or a piece of cardboard. Fluff and trim it into a perfect sphere.
2. Repeat with CC2 (Sunny Yellow) to make two more 2-inch pom-poms.
3. Attach one pom-pom to the very top of the hat (at the crown point) using a tapestry needle and a length of matching yarn. Sew it securely.
4. Attach one pom-pom to the end of each leaf tie, securing them firmly.

Finishing

1. Weave in all loose ends with your tapestry needle, being sure to secure them well on the inside of the hat.
2. Block lightly if desired. To block, gently wet the hat, squeeze out excess water, and lay it flat to dry in the desired shape. This helps even out the stitches and gives the hat a polished look.

Your Giggly Garden Gnome Hat is now complete! Watch as it brings a burst of color and joy to your little one's wardrobe. This pattern is perfect for gifting, and the whimsical design is sure to become a cherished handmade treasure. Happy knitting!