Speckled Pom Pom Hat
A classic hat topped with a super spunky pom pom is a wonderful last-minute knit that will definitely add a little boost to any day!
Our Speckled Pom Pom Hat is sized for babies to adults and is as quick and simple as can be. Knit in the round from the bottom up, we used our chunky Super Soft Merino in Heirloom White. We like its new fallen snow purity as a ground for punchy pom poms in a fruit basket of colors!
To make our pom poms nice and dense and fluffy, we used our Pom Pom Maker Set, which includes two U-shaped makers and six trim guides. For all the basics of making solid color pom poms, check out our Pom Pom Tutorial. Or to discover a world of fancy pom poms, like all-over sprinkles, patches of color blocks, and scattered polka dots, pick up our Pom Pom Pattern, too!
Yarn lovers, if you adore the yarn used in this project, you’ll love exploring all of our other yarn collections! Discover over 45 thoughtfully designed yarns in nearly every natural fiber and in every spectacular color you can imagine. Only available here at Purl Soho’s online yarn store, where every skein is created with care and your creativity in mind!
Update: New Pom Poms
November 2019
We’re having a party and you’re invited! We’ve topped a few of our favorite hat patterns with festive pom poms including our Speckled Pom Pom Hat! Using our Pom Pom Maker Set in the Small + Large and Extra Large + Jumbo sizes, adorn your Speckled Pom Pom Hat and join in on the party here!
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Jake Canton. Click here to see even more of Jake’s designs!
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoSpeckledPomPomHats, and #PurlSohoSuperSoftMerino. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- Main Color (MC): 1 (1, 1, 2, 2) skein(s) of Purl Soho’s Super Soft Merino, 100% merino wool yarn. Each skein of this bulky weight yarn is 87 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 40 (53, 62, 81, 87) yards required for hat only, 20 additional yards required for pom pom. We used Heirloom White.
- Contrast Color (CC): 1 skein of Super Soft Merino; approximately 20-40 yards required for pom pom, depending on style. We used the following colors, pictured above from top to bottom: Lime Rickey, Yellow Yellow, Turmeric Yellow, Super Pink, Artemisia Green
NOTE: The Adult sizes use exactly 1 skein of MC, not including the pom pom. If making a Speckled Pom Pom, you will need a second skein of MC.
You’ll also need…
- US 11 (8 mm), 16-inch circular needles
- A set of US 11 double pointed needles
- A jumbo stitch marker or scrap yarn
- Purl Soho’s Pom Pom Maker Set
Gauge
12 stitches and 18 rows = 4 inch in stockinette stitch
Size
Baby (Toddler, Kid, Adult Small, Adult Large)
- Finished Circumference: 12 (14, 16, 18, 20) inches
- Finished Height (from rolled edge, not including pom pom): 6 (6¾, 7½, 8¼, 9) inches
Pattern
Begin
With Main Color (MC), cast 36 (42, 48, 54, 60) stitches onto circular needles. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Place a marker and join for working in the round, being careful to not twist the stitches.
Knit every round until piece measures 5½ (6, 6½, 7, 7½) inches from cast-on edge, unrolled.
Crown
- Baby: Start with Round 9
- Toddler: Start with Round 7
- Kid: Start with Round 5
- Adult Small: Start with Round 3
- Adult Large: Start with Round 1
Round 1: *K8, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. [54 stitches]
Round 2: Knit.
Round 3: *K7, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. [48 stitches]
Round 4: Knit.
Round 5: *K6, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. [42 stitches]
Round 6: Knit.
Round 7: *K5, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. [36 stitches]
Round 8: Knit.
Changing to double pointed needles…
Round 9: *K4, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. [30 stitches]
Round 10: *K3, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. [24 stitches]
Round 11: *K2, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. [18 stitches]
Round 12: *K1, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. [12 stitches]
Round 13: *K2tog, repeat from * to end of round. [6 stitches]
Cut yarn and thread it onto a tapestry needle, then thread tail through remaining stitches. Bring tail to inside of hat and weave it in.
Pom Pom
If you’re using Purl Soho’s Pom Pom Maker Set, use the Large Pom Pom Maker and the 2½ inch Trim Guide to make a pom pom. Follow the basic instructions found in our Pom Pom Tutorial, with these modifications…
Solid Pom Pom
Holding two strands of CC together, pulling from the inside and outside of the ball, wrap the two strands of yarn around the Large Pom Pom Maker 60 times (120 total revolutions) and tie with a piece of CC.
Variation Of A Sprinkled Pom Pom
Holding three strands of MC and one strand of CC together, wrap all four strands of yarn around the Large Pom Pom Maker 30 times (120 total revolutions) and tie with a piece of MC.
NOTE: To hold three strands of MC together, split the ball of yarn so one is about twice as large as the other. Pull from the inside and outside of the larger ball (2 strands of yarn) and pull one strand from the smaller ball.
Trim
With the 2½ inch Trim Guide, trim the pom pom a bit outside the edge of the Trim Guide to create a 3-inch pom pom.
Finish
Thread each pom pom tail separately through the top of the hat to the inside. Tie the tails into a knot, then thread the tails up through the pom pom itself and trim them so they’re even with the pom pom.
Weave in the ends and steam if desired!
LEARN ABOUT SUPER SOFT MERINO + ALL OUR BEAUTIFUL YARNS
The best reason to use Super Soft Merino for this project is because it is the dreamiest, cuddliest, toastiest yarn you can imagine! A single ply of 100% merino wool, Super Soft Merino has a nice, loose spin that shows off the softness of its fiber and keeps it nice and lightweight. Its gauge ranges from a chunky/bulky-weight to super bulky-weight (2.75-3.25 stitches per inch), making it a great choice for quick (and beautiful!) hand-knit gifts. And more… Super Soft Merino comes in over 30 amazing colors, too!
More Free Knitting Patterns
- Be sure to explore our vast collection of (mostly free!) Super Soft Merino knitting patterns and cast on!
More Chunky/Bulky + Super Bulky-Weight Yarns
- Shop our entire collection of chunky/bulky weight yarns
- Shop our entire collection of super bulky-weight yarns
- If you want to use a different yarn, be sure to take the time to get the correct gauge. Need help? Check our All About Gauge Tutorial!
More Yarns With Similar Fibers
- Shop merino wool
Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our free knitting patterns and knitting tutorials, buy one of our many knitting kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!
Is a 3 year old considers a toddler? Thank you
Hi Diane,
Thanks for writing in! Although the Toddler size will most likely fit a three year old, the best way to choose the correct size would be to measure the three year old’s head and choose the size that has a finished circumference that is two to four inches smaller than his or her head.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
I would love to be able to knit nice things so I hope u can help me I’m 75 and not too good with my hands
Hello Patricia,
Thank you for reaching out! This is a fairly simple hat knit up on size 11 needles, so it knits up quick. Perhaps this could be a good pattern for you.
Warmly,
Marilla
Than kyou very much for the beautiful hat patter you gave me. I will start today. Se you in New York at the end of January . I will be attending the vogue knitting fair. And visiting you . I need to buy yarns
Much love
Lucy.
Is the sweater shown with the PomPom Cap from Purl Soho? They look great together!
Hi Bennie-Ruth,
Thanks for reaching out! The lovely sweater worn by our model is, sadly, not one of our patterns but is rather a store bought sweater. We love it too and wish it were our own pattern!
Best,
Cassy
please send me a free specked pom pom hat pattern, thank you
Hi Nahid,
Thanks for reaching out! You can find the free pattern for our Speckled Pom Pom Hat on this page, in the section titled “Pattern.” If you would like to print a copy, on a desktop version of the site, you will find a “print” icon in the right column just below the date and tags. If you’re on a mobile version of the site, you will find a “print” icon below the pattern and above the comments.
Follow the easy on-screen instructions to delete whichever parts of the pattern you don’t want to print or save. For example, you may decide to shorten the pattern by omitting certain images or the list of materials. To remove images, click the drop down next to the image icon and change from 100% to 0%.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Thanks for a great looking hat pattern. I can hardly wait to start one tomorrow!
Please could you tell me the name of the white sweater pattern, worn at the top of your pattern?
Many thanks,
Ros
Hi Ros,
Thanks for reaching out! The lovely sweater worn by our model is, sadly, not one of our patterns but is rather a store bought sweater. We love it too and wish it were our own pattern!
Best,
Cassy
Would hat look finished at top without the Pom Pom?
Hi Joanne,
Thanks for reaching out! This hat would definitely still look great without a pom pom – although they add something fun and whimsical, many people prefer their hats without pom poms!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Is the sweater the model is wearing a purl soho pattern as well? I love the collar!
Hi Kate,
Thanks for reaching out! The lovely sweater worn by our model is, sadly, not one of our patterns but is rather a store bought sweater. We love it too and wish it were our own pattern!
Best,
Cassy
Hi,
In the pattern it says to “knit” the entire hat in the round until you get to 5.5 inches for a baby hat and then to start from Round 9. However, the images seem that the hat is a knit/purl pattern. Can you please advise the patter for the first 5.5 inches?
Thanks!
Best,
Alex
Hello Alex,
Thank you for reaching out! The body of this hat is knit in stockinette stitch. This means that because it is knit in the round every row is knit.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Speckled Pom Pom hat:
I have printed the pattern but at the beginning it just says ‘knit’ and no mention of the rolled edge?
So I have just purled a few rows.
Is that correct?
Thanks.
Stephanie
Hi Stephanie,
Thanks for reaching out! Stockinette stitch, by its nature, will always naturally curl up, so there is no need to purl any stitches. Following the pattern as written will result in a rolled brim hat.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
Would tosh merino work for this pattern? If yes, any alterations to the pattern that you would suggest? Would one skein be enough for the adult large size, or two?
Thanks!!
Hello Carolyn,
Thank you for reaching out! Tosh Merino will be much to thin for this project, this hat requires a super bulky yarn.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hello there, I’m a crocheter who is trying to relearn knitting and I’d love to start with this pattern. I’ve had a look at your YouTube channel if there are any videos that show a complete pattern of yours. There are great videos from many different techniques there and I’ll utilise these for sure. But can I suggest or hopefully ask for a video on how to make this hat for example? That would be super helpful! Thank you so much Melanie
Hi Melanie,
Thanks so much for the kind words and for writing in! Unfortunately we do not do full video tutorials of our patterns, although as you have found we do offer quite a few video and picture tutorials for various techniques included in our patterns. I will certainly pass along your suggestion to the design team, but we are also always here to help if you run into any questions!
Best of luck and happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi! I’m knitting this pattern using 2 strands of Paintbox Yarn Simply Chunky on size 15 needles. I originally intended to make the Snow Day hat, but found that I didn’t like the look of the pattern with my yarn and needles. I cast on 46 stitches to make the Adult Small size. My gauge is 10 stitches and 13 rows for 4 inches. So I think following the pattern as-is will result in a very tall crown portion of the hat. My question is, how do I work the crown portion with these modifications? Should I somehow follow the decrease in this pattern or the one in the Snow Day pattern?
Hi Maria,
Thanks for reaching out! Since the crown decreases are only 10 rounds, it will turn out a bit taller than ours, but not by much. However, you are going to find that with 46 stitches, your stitch counts will not work with the written decrease. I would suggest increasing to 48 stitches, and following the crown decreases for the Kid size of the hat – this will also shorten the crown by a few rows!
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
I’m a bit confused about the difference between a small adult and large adult. While my head measures 20 inches – I am “small.” I know that with some hats, you go down to inches for stretch. Is that so in this hat?
Hello Madeline,
Thanks for reaching out! I would recommend knitting up the small adult for your head.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hello,
I made this hat with a different sized wool and it turned out beautifully – except it is a bit too short. Is it possible to add on rows to the bottom but still keep the curled edge look?
Hello Corinne,
Thanks for reaching out! You could try picking up stitches at the brim and knitting until you are at your desired length. This will add a seam on the inside of your hat that could be irritating, depending on how thick your yarn is. I would try it out and if you are not happy with it you can always take it out.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Thank you for the advice, that worked! I used one size larger needle so the brim was not too tight.
Hi, I was wondering if I can knit this hat using Big Good Wool. I have a skein left over from a cowl I made. I hope so. Thank you.
Barbara
Hi Barbara,
Thanks for reaching out! Big Good Wool would be a great option for this hat! I do recommend working a gauge swatch prior to beginning to insure you are consistent with the pattern!
Warmly,
Gianna
Oh goodie! 🥰. Thank you so much for your help, Gianna.
Hi! If I wanted to do this hat with cashmere, would the 12 or 8 ply be most appropriate?
Thanks!
Peggy
Hi Peggy,
Thanks for reaching out! For this pattern I would recommend using the Jade Sapphire 12 ply cashmere, it will be a more similar gauge to the original Super Soft Merino but I do recommend working a gauge swatch first to insure that it you are consistent with the pattern!
Warmly,
Gianna
Sorry, I meant is it true the only has 13 rounds (not 10 like my prior question)? Am I supposed to repeat any of the rounds? It seems awfully short and I checked the gauge!
Hi there!
I think you’re missing one little line of the pattern, but it’s an important one!
After you cast on your stitches, place your marker and join to work in the round, there’s a line just before the CROWN section that reads:
Knit every round until piece measures 5½ (6, 6½, 7, 7½) inches from cast-on edge, unrolled.
I think that’s what you’re missing, and instead jumping right to the 13 row decrease section for the crown of the hat. So you’ll want to make sure to knit every round after casting on until you reach the right height for your size before you move onto those final rows.
I hope this helps clear things up, but let me know if you run into any other questions!
Happy Knitting,
Kelsey
Omg, that totally makes sense. Thank you so much – it’s my first hat!!
Happy to help! Let us know if you have any other questions!
Happy Knitting,
Kelsey
Hi,
My daughter purchased a beginner knitting set, yarn and wooden needles. Unfortunately she has not had time to use them. I now have the yarn and would love suggestions as to how I can use it. Perhaps a simple sweater for her three year old. I have two of the beginner sets. So two lots of wool. The yarn is very thick and very soft. Any help is appreciated.
Best wishes,
Marie
Hi Marie,
Thanks for reaching out! Is the kit you are speaking of our Learn to Knit Kit? If yes, then you have 4 skeins of our Super Soft Merino yarn which is a lovely bulky weight yarn, this yarn is great for hats, scarves, or even a sweater! A sweater that would be perfect for a 3 year old, knit in this yarn, is our Friendly Fair Isle Sweater! We offer this pattern in a variety of sizes, we have an option for a 2 year old and 4 year old, so depending on the child’s measurements, you can select your size. For the 2 year size you will need 4 skeins, we used 3 skeins of the main color and 1 skein of the contrasting color, you can choose to do this and knit the fair isle in a contrasting color or you can omit the fair isle and knit the sweater in one color. For the 4 year size you will need 5 skeins, 4 skeins of you remain color and 1 skein of the contrasting color.
I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any more questions!
Gianna
Hi, I’d like to make a slightly larger adult hat than the pattern allows for. If I cast on 66 stitches, what should I do with the decrease rows? Knit 1 row of 9 stitches, then 2 together, followed by a row of knit, then proceed with the decrease instructions for the adult large size as written? Thanks!
Hi Rachel,
Thanks for reaching out. This hat works over a multiple of 6 stitches, so you can absolutely cast on 66 stitches! And you’re exactly correct, just begin the CROWN as you described and then proceed to the decreases for the Adult Large size. Hope this helps confirm things!
All the best,
Lili