Whiskered Winter Monarch Cat Hat Free Pattern – A Knitted Feline Crown

Transform your beloved feline into a purring sovereign of the season with this regal Whiskered Winter Monarch Cat Hat. This charming knitted pattern features a plush, textured brim, cozy ear flaps, and a whimsical gold pompom that crowns your cat with undeniable winter royalty. Whether you're preparing for festive photos, a chilly outdoor adventure, or simply want to spoil your furry friend with handmade warmth, this pattern is the perfect project for knitters of all skill levels. The deep forest green, cream, and gold color palette evokes a majestic winter aesthetic, while the snug fit ensures your cat stays comfortable and stylish. Let's dive into this delightful crafting adventure and create a crown worthy of your whiskered monarch!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in three colors:
  • MC (Main Color): Deep Forest Green – for the hat body
  • CC1 (Contrast Color 1): Cream – for the brim
  • CC2 (Contrast Color 2): Gold – for the pompom
• Knitting Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles (straight or circular for the hat body)
• Crochet Hook: US G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook for the pompom
• Stitch holders (or scrap yarn) for ear flaps
• Stitch marker for tracking rounds
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and sewing
• Scissors
• Polyester fiberfill (small amount for pompom stuffing)

Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS). Always check your gauge to ensure a proper fit for your cat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions carefully to create your Whiskered Winter Monarch Cat Hat. The pattern is divided into sections for clarity. Take your time, and enjoy the process!

Hat Body (Knitted)

The hat is constructed by knitting two ear flaps first, then joining them with additional stitches to form the main body. This creates a comfortable, secure fit that covers your cat's ears.

Ear Flaps (Make 2)

1. Cast On: With MC (Deep Forest Green), cast on 6 stitches.
2. Row 1 (WS - Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
3. Row 2 (RS - Right Side): K1, M1L (make one left – pick up the bar between stitches from front to back and knit through the back loop), knit to the last stitch, M1R (make one right – pick up the bar between stitches from back to front and knit through the front loop), K1. You now have 8 stitches.
4. Repeat Rows 1-2: Continue repeating these two rows until you have 16 stitches on your needle. Ensure you end with a WS row (purl row).
5. Place on Holder: Slip these 16 stitches onto a stitch holder or a piece of scrap yarn. Set aside.
6. Repeat for Second Ear Flap: Repeat steps 1-5 to create the second ear flap. You will now have two identical ear flaps on holders.

Main Hat Body

1. Join Ear Flaps: With MC, cast on 10 stitches for the back neck (this will be the back of the hat). Then, knit across the 16 stitches of the first ear flap from its holder. Next, cast on 20 stitches for the forehead (this will be the front of the hat). Knit across the 16 stitches of the second ear flap from its holder. Finally, cast on 10 stitches for the other side of the back neck. You should now have a total of 72 stitches on your needle.
2. Join in the Round: Carefully join the work in the round, being extremely careful not to twist the stitches. Place a stitch marker at the beginning of the round to mark your starting point.
3. Rounds 1-8: Knit all stitches. This creates the stockinette stitch body of the hat.
4. Round 9 (Decrease Round): *K2, K2tog (knit two together – decreases one stitch)*. Repeat from * to * around. You will have 54 stitches remaining.
5. Rounds 10-14: Knit all stitches.
6. Round 15 (Decrease Round): *K1, K2tog*. Repeat from * to * around. You will have 36 stitches remaining.
7. Rounds 16-18: Knit all stitches.
8. Round 19 (Decrease Round): *K2tog*. Repeat from * to * around. You will have 18 stitches remaining.
9. Round 20 (Decrease Round): *K2tog*. Repeat from * to * around. You will have 9 stitches remaining.
10. Finish Top: Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail (about 8 inches). Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle. Slide the needle through the remaining 9 stitches, removing them from the knitting needle. Pull the yarn tight to gather the top of the hat closed. Secure the yarn with a knot and weave in the end.

Brim (Knitted)

The cream-colored ribbed brim adds a cozy, textured finish and helps the hat stay in place on your cat's head.

1. Pick Up Stitches: With CC1 (Cream), pick up and knit 60 stitches evenly around the bottom edge of the hat. This includes the cast-on edges of the back neck and forehead, as well as the bottom edges of the ear flaps. Ensure you pick up stitches neatly for a professional look.
2. Ribbing: Work in K1, P1 ribbing (knit 1, purl 1) for 6 rounds. This creates a stretchy, snug brim.
3. Bind Off: Bind off in pattern (knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches as you bind off). This maintains the ribbed elasticity. Weave in the ends.

Pompom (Crocheted)

This adorable gold pompom is crocheted in the round, giving it a neat, spherical shape that sits jauntily on top of the hat.

1. Magic Ring: With CC2 (Gold), make a magic ring (also known as a magic circle).
2. Round 1: Work 6 single crochet (sc) into the ring. Pull the tail to close the ring tightly. (6 stitches)
3. Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
4. Round 3: *Sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch*. Repeat from * to * around. (18 stitches)
5. Rounds 4-6: Sc in each stitch around. (18 stitches) – This creates the body of the pompom.
6. Round 7 (Decrease Round): *Sc in the next stitch, sc2tog (single crochet two together – decreases one stitch)*. Repeat from * to * around. (12 stitches)
7. Round 8 (Decrease Round): *Sc2tog*. Repeat from * to * around. (6 stitches)
8. Fasten Off: Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches). Pull the tail through the last loop to fasten off.
9. Stuff and Close: Lightly stuff the pompom with a small amount of polyester fiberfill. Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle and weave it through the remaining 6 stitches. Pull tight to close the opening. Secure with a knot.
10. Attach Pompom: Use the long tail to sew the pompom securely to the top center of the hat. Make several firm stitches to ensure it stays attached.

Finishing Touches

1. Weave in All Ends: Use your tapestry needle to carefully weave in all loose yarn ends on the inside of the hat to keep it neat and durable.
2. Fold the Brim: Fold the cream ribbed brim up for a cozy, layered look. This also adds extra warmth and a stylish, regal appearance.
3. Final Inspection: Check the hat for any loose stitches or ends. Ensure the pompom is secure and the ear flaps are symmetrical.

Your Whiskered Winter Monarch Cat Hat is now complete! Place it gently on your cat's head, adjust the ear flaps for comfort, and admire your furry friend's majestic transformation. This handmade creation is not only a functional winter accessory but also a heartfelt expression of love for your pet. Enjoy the purrs and the adorable photos!