Free knitting pattern: lacy spring hat inspired by Japanese stitch patterns
As the chill of winter fades and the first signs of spring emerge, it’s the perfect time to knit something light, delicate, and stylish. This lacy spring hat is designed to be both elegant and practical—offering just the right amount of warmth for those breezy spring days while keeping things airy and breathable.
Inspired by Japanese knitting stitch patterns, this hat features intricate lacework that creates a beautiful texture. To keep the fabric soft and comfortable, I used DROPS Baby Merino, a 100% merino wool yarn that provides excellent stitch definition while remaining lightweight and cozy. Whether you’re looking for a mindful knitting project or a beautiful handmade gift, this free pattern will guide you through creating a timeless piece for your wardrobe.
Ready to cast on? Let’s get started!
YOU’LL NEED
- set of 5 double-pointed needles size 4mm / US 6
- about 100 g /230 yards of DK/worsted yarn – I used DROPS Merino Extra Fine
- cable needle might be helpful
- sewing needle for finishing
SIZE (one size)
Head circumference 54 cm / 21 inches
GAUGE
10 x10 cm ( x ) = 21 sts x 28 rows
ABBREVIATIONS
- st(s) – stitch(es);
- cn – cable needle;
- rep – repeat;
- k – knit;
- p – purl;
- YO – yarn over;
- k2tog – knit 2 together;
- ssk – slip, slip, knit slipped stitches together;
- k tbl – knit 1 stitch through the back loop;
- 1/2 LT – put 1 stitch to cable needle and hold in front, knit 1 through back loop, purl 1, then knit 1 stitch through back loop from cable needle;
- 1/2 RT – put 2 stitches to cable needle and hold at back, knit 1 through back loop, then purl 1 stitch and knit 1 stitch through back loop from cable needle;
- skyokpo – slip 1 stitch, knit 1, yarn over, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over those 3 stitches;
- sk2po – slip 1 st, knit 2 stitches together, pass slipped stitch over;
- p2tog – purl 2 stitches together;
INSTRUCTIONS
Cast on 108 stitches. Join to form a round.
Round 1: (K1, p1) to end of round. (108 sts)
Rounds 2 – 5: (K1 tbl, p1) to end of round.
Round 6: [1/2 LT, (p1, k1 tbl) x 4, p1, 1/2 RT, p1, k1 tbl, p1] 6 times.
Round 7: Repeat round 2.
Round 8: [K1 tbl, p1, 1/2 LT, (p1, k1 tbl) x 2, p1, 1/2 RT, (p1, k1 tbl) x 2, p1] 6 times.
Round 9: Repeat round 2.
Round 10: [(K1 tbl, p1) x 2, 1/2 LT, p1, 1/2 RT, (p1, k1 tbl) x 3, p1] 6 times.
Round 11: Repeat round 2.
Round 12: Repeat round 6.
Round 13: [P2, (k1 tbl, p1) x 5, k1 tbl, p3, k1 tbl, p1] 6 times.
Round 14: [P2, 1/2 LT, (p1, k1 tbl) x 2, p1, 1/2 RT, p3, k1 tbl, p1] 6 times.
Round 15: [P2, k2, (k1 tbl, p1) x 3, k1 tbl, k2, p3, k1 tbl, p1] 6 times.
Round 16: (P2, yo, ssk, 1/2 LT, p1, 1/2 RT, k2tog, yo, p3, k1 tbl, p1) 6 times.
Round 17: (P2, k2, p2, k1 tbl, k1, k1 tbl, p2, k2, p3, k1 tbl, p1) 6 times.
Round 18: (P2, k2tog, yo, p2, skyokpo, p2, yo, ssk, p3, k1 tbl, p1) 6 times.
Round 19: (P2, k2, p2, k3, p2, k2, p3, k1 tbl, p1) 6 times.
Round 20: (P2, yo, ssk, p2, k3, p2, k2tog, yo, p3, k1 tbl, p1) 6 times.
Round 21: Repeat round 19.
Rounds 22 – 25: Repeat rounds 18 – 21.
Round 26: Repeat round 18.
Round 27: (P2, k2, p2, k1 tbl x 3, p2, k2, p3, k1 tbl, p1) 6 times.
Round 28: (P2, yo, ssk, 1/2 RT, p1, 1/2 LT, k2tog, yo, p3, k1 tbl, p1) 6 times.
Round 29: Repeat round 15.
Round 30: [P2, 1/2 RT, (p1, k1 tbl) x 2, p1, 1/2 LT, p3, k1 tbl, p1] 6 times.
Round 31: Repeat round 13.
Round 32: [1/2 RT, (p1, k1 tbl) x 4, p1, 1/2 LT, p1, k1 tbl, p1] 6 times.
Round 33: Repeat round 2.
Round 34: [(K1 tbl, p1) x 2, 1/2 RT, p1, 1/2 LT, (p1, k1 tbl) x 3, p1) 6 times.
Round 35: Repeat round 2.
Round 36: [K1 tbl, p1, 1/2 RT, (p1, k1 tbl) x 2, p1, 1/2 LT, (p1, k1 tbl) x 2, p1] 6 times.
Round 37: Repeat round 2.
Round 38: Repeat round 32.
Round 39: Repeat round 2.
Round 40: Repeat round 6.
Round 41: Repeat round 2.
Round 42: Repeat round 8.
Round 43: Repeat round 2.
Round 44: Repeat round 10.
Round 45: Repeat round 2.
Round 46: Repeat round 6.
Round 47: Repeat round 13.
Round 48: Repeat round 14.
Round 49: [P4, (k1 tbl, p1) x 3, k1 tbl, p5, k1 tbl, p1] 6 times.
Round 50: (P4, 1/2 LT, p1, 1/2 RT, p5, k1 tbl, p1) 6 times.
Round 51: (P6, k1 tbl, p1, k1 tbl, p7, k1 tbl, p1) 6 times.
DECREASES
Round 1: (P6, sk2po, p6, k1 tbl) 6 times. (84 sts)
Round 2: (P6, k1 tbl) to the end of round.
Round 3: (P2tog, p2, p2tog, k1 tbl) to the end of round. (60 sts)
Round 4: (P4, k1 tbl) to the end of round.
Round 5: (P2tog x 2, k1 tbl) to the end of round. (36 sts)
Round 6: (P2, k1 tbl) to the end of round.
Round 7: (P2tog, k1 tbl) to the end of round. (24 sts)
Round 8: (P1, k tbl) to the end of round.
Round 9: k2tog – rep to the end of round (12 sts).
FINISHING
Cut yarn and pull it through remaining stitches using the sewing needle. Hide all yarn ends.
