Fair Isle Reindeer Hat Knitting Pattern
Fair Isle Reindeer Hat Knitting Pattern
If there’s one knitting project that instantly says winter magic, it’s a Fair Isle hat—and this Fair Isle Reindeer Hat Knitting Pattern is as classic as it gets. Featuring a charming reindeer motif and timeless colorwork design, this cozy hat is perfect for holiday gifting, winter adventures, and festive family photos.
Whether you’re knitting for yourself, your kids, or someone who lives for all things Christmas, this reindeer hat is a fun and satisfying project that looks far more complicated than it actually is.
Why You’ll Love This Fair Isle Reindeer Hat
This pattern combines traditional Fair Isle style with an approachable construction, making it a great project for confident beginners ready to try colorwork—or seasoned knitters who want a relaxing, festive knit.
Highlights include:
- Classic reindeer Fair Isle chart
- Cozy, winter-ready fit
- Perfect for Christmas and cold-weather wear
- A great stash-busting project for leftover yarn
- Instant heirloom vibes
The repeating pattern makes it easy to get into a rhythm, and the finished hat has that timeless, Nordic-inspired look that never goes out of style.
Skill Level & Techniques
This Fair Isle reindeer hat knitting pattern is best suited for advanced beginners to intermediate knitters. You’ll practice:
- Knitting in the round
- Reading a colorwork chart
- Carrying yarn floats
- Basic decreases for crown shaping
If you’ve knit a basic hat before and are ready to level up, this is a perfect next step.
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Fair Isle Reindeer Hat Knitting Pattern
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Yarn: Loops & Threads Impeccable in Claret and in Heather
Needles: size US 7 circular knitting needles, 16 inch, size US 8 circular knitting needles, 16 inch
Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches
Size: women’s one size
Pattern instructions:
With the smaller circular needles, cast on 84 sts. Place a marker and join in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches.
Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 5 inches.
Switch to the larger needles.
Next round: (Increase round). Knit around, increasing 1 stitch as you go. (85 sts)
Switch to the larger circular needles. Beginning in the lower right corner of the knitting chart, knit every round and change yarn color following the chart until all 25 rounds of the chart have been completed.
Shape the crown:
Round 1: K15, k2tog — repeat 5 times. 80 sts.
Round 2: Knit.
Round 3: *K2tog. K8. Rep from * around. 72 sts.
Round 4: Knit.
Round 5: *K2tog. K7. Rep from * around. 64 sts.
Round 6: Knit.
Round 7: *K2tog. K6. Rep from * around. 56 sts.
Round 8: Knit.
Round 9: *K2tog. K5. Rep from * around. 48 sts.
Round 10: Knit.
Round 11: *K2tog. K4. Rep from * around. 40 sts.
Round 12: Knit.
Cut yarn, leaving a 15 inch tail. Thread tail onto yarn needle and pass through remaining sts and remove them from the needle. Pull to gather and close the top opening. Make and attach pom pom.
Looking for more knitting patterns for women like this Fair Isle Reindeer Hat Knitting Pattern?
Bulky Cable Hat Knitting Pattern
Hurdle Stitch Hat Knitting Pattern
I love seeing your finished projects! If you enjoyed making this Fair Isle Reindeer Hat Knitting Pattern or any of my other free knitting patterns, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, just tag me @ginamicheleny. Happy knitting!
