Free Knitting Pattern: Old Rag Mountain Hat

Super-easy to knit, super-fast to complete, and super-warm to wear: the Old Rag Mountain Hat fits the bill. And it’s a perfect last-minute project for any gift-worthy friend or family member!

Whether you are hiking the Old Rag Mountain Loop in the Shenandoah National Park, or running errands around town, this beanie will keep you warm.

This post contains affiliate links which may provide a small income to me if you purchase something, but don’t cost you anything extra. Thanks to Lion Brand Yarn, who provided the yarn for this project.

The pattern for size Adult Medium is available free below.

Sizes Teen, Adult Medium and Adult Large are available in a downloadable, ad-free pdf.

The Yarn

Lion Brand Yarn Wool Ease Thick & Quick makes for speedy knitting. It’s a cozy blend of 80% acrylic and 20% wool, and it comes in a ton of colors. I used color Air Force for the medium size hat, and color Fisherman for the large hat. The solid colors have 106 yds [97 m] per ball, and it took less than one ball for each hat.

Old Rag Mountain Hat Free Knitting Pattern

Size: Adult Medium
Finished Circumference: 20″ [51 cm] to fit 22-23″ [56-58.5 cm] head

Materials

Super Bulky Weight Yarn: approximately 106 yds [97 m]. Sample used Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (80% acrylic, 20% wool, 6 oz [170 g], 106 yd [97 m]), 1 ball 99 Fisherman

US size 15 [ 10 mm] 16″ [40 cm] circular knitting needles and set of 4 double-pointed needles or size to obtain gauge OR one 32″ [81 cm] or longer circular needle for the Magic Loop method of knitting in the round.

Stitch marker

Pompom maker (optional)

Gauge

9 sts and 13 rnds = 4″ [10 cm] in stockinette stitch (knit every round)
To save time, take time to get gauge.

Abbreviations

k: knit
k2tog: knit 2 stitches together
p: purl
rep: repeat
rnd(s): round(s)
RS: right side
st(s): stitch(es)

Instructions

Cast on 45 sts onto circular needles. Place marker and join for working in the round, being careful not to twist.

Ribbing
Rnd 1 (RS): *K2, p3; rep from * around.
Rnd 2: Knit.
Work last two rows 4 more times.
Change to stockinette stitch (knit every rnd) and knit until piece measures 5½” [14 cm] from beginning.

Crown Shaping
Change to double-pointed needles.

Rnd 1: *K7, k2tog; rep from * around—40 sts.
Rnds 2, 4 and 6: Knit.
Rnd 3: *K6, k2tog; rep from * around—35 sts.
Rnd 5: *K5, k2tog; rep from * around—30 sts.
Rnd 7: *K4, k2tog; rep from * around—25 sts.
Rnd 8: *K3, k2tog; rep from * around—20 sts.
Rnd 9: *K2, k2tog; rep from * around—15 sts.
Rnd 10: *K1, k2tog; rep from * around—10 sts.
Rnd 11: K2tog around—5 sts.
Cut yarn, leaving a 6″ [15 cm] tail. Thread yarn tail through remaining sts and pull tight. Weave in ends.

Optional: If desired, make a large pompom and attach it to top of hat.

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