Yuletide Plum Pudding Beanie Free Pattern – Cozy Knit Holiday Hat

Wrap your head in the nostalgic charm of a Christmas pudding with this whimsical knit beanie, complete with a faux holly sprig and a drizzle of "brandy butter" cream. This textured, plush hat is a joyful conversation starter for holiday markets and cozy gatherings. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a brave beginner looking for a fun project, this pattern will guide you through every step to create a festive masterpiece that's as delightful to wear as it is to gift.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

This isn't just another beanie—it's a wearable holiday dessert! The deep chocolate brown body mimics a rich plum pudding, while the scalloped cream drip adds a playful "sauce" effect. The holly leaves and berries on top complete the festive look. Plus, the pattern uses simple knit and purl stitches, making it accessible for beginners while still being a fun challenge for more experienced knitters.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. All yarn amounts are approximate and based on the specified gauge.

Yarn

• Worsted weight yarn in the following colors:
  • MC (Main Color – Deep Brown): Approx. 200g (about 400 yards)
  • CC1 (Cream): Approx. 50g (about 100 yards)
  • CC2 (Red): Approx. 20g (about 40 yards)
  • CC3 (Green): Approx. 20g (about 40 yards)

Needles & Notions

• US 7 (4.5 mm) 16-inch circular needle for the hat body
• US 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) for the crown shaping and small pieces (or use magic loop method)
• Stitch markers (at least 1, but 2-3 recommended)
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and sewing pieces together
• Scissors

Gauge

20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (knit every round). Always knit a gauge swatch to ensure your hat fits correctly. If your gauge is off, adjust your needle size accordingly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is written for an adult size (21-23 inch head circumference). The finished hat measures approximately 8 inches tall and 20 inches around (unstretched)—a perfect snug fit with a bit of slouch.

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on
• K: knit
• P: purl
• K2tog: knit two stitches together (decrease)
• SSK: slip, slip, knit (decrease)
• PM: place marker
• SM: slip marker
• St(s): stitch(es)
• yo: yarn over (increase)

Part 1: Ribbing (The Brim)

1. With your MC (deep brown) yarn and the 16-inch circular needle, CO 100 stitches.
2. Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round, and join in the round, being very careful not to twist your stitches. The cast-on edge should form a clean circle.
3. Rounds 1-10: *K2, P2* repeat from * to * around. This creates a classic ribbed brim that will be stretchy and snug.

Part 2: Body of the Hat

1. After completing the ribbing, switch to stockinette stitch (knit every round).
2. Continue knitting every round until the hat measures 6 inches from the cast-on edge. You can measure this with a ruler or tape measure, holding it against the inside of the hat.

Part 3: Shaping the Crown

Now we'll decrease to close the top of the hat. Follow the rounds below in order. Note: On even-numbered rounds (2, 4, 6, etc.), simply knit all stitches with no decreases.

1. Round 1: *K8, K2tog* repeat from * to * around. (You will have 90 stitches.)
2. Round 2: Knit all stitches.
3. Round 3: *K7, K2tog* repeat from * to * around. (80 stitches)
4. Round 4: Knit all stitches.
5. Round 5: *K6, K2tog* repeat from * to * around. (70 stitches)
6. Round 6: Knit all stitches.
7. Round 7: *K5, K2tog* repeat from * to * around. (60 stitches)
8. Round 8: Knit all stitches.
9. Round 9: *K4, K2tog* repeat from * to * around. (50 stitches)
10. Round 10: Knit all stitches.
11. Round 11: *K3, K2tog* repeat from * to * around. (40 stitches)
12. Round 12: Knit all stitches.
13. Round 13: *K2, K2tog* repeat from * to * around. (30 stitches)
14. Round 14: Knit all stitches.
15. Round 15: *K1, K2tog* repeat from * to * around. (20 stitches)
16. Round 16: Knit all stitches.
17. Round 17: *K2tog* repeat from * to * around. (10 stitches)

Cut your yarn, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches). Thread the tail through a tapestry needle, then pass the needle through the remaining 10 stitches, slipping them off the knitting needle. Pull tight to gather the top of the hat closed. Secure with a knot and weave in the end on the inside of the hat.

Part 4: Holly Leaves (Make 2)

These leaves are knitted flat (back and forth) using your DPNs or straight needles. Use CC3 (green) yarn.

1. CO 3 stitches.
2. Row 1: K1, yo, K1, yo, K1. (You now have 5 stitches.)
3. Row 2: Purl all stitches.
4. Row 3: K2, yo, K1, yo, K2. (7 stitches)
5. Row 4: Purl all stitches.
6. Row 5: K3, yo, K1, yo, K3. (9 stitches)
7. Row 6: Purl all stitches.
8. Row 7: K2tog, K2, K2tog, K1, SSK, K2, SSK. (5 stitches) Tip: This row starts the leaf's pointy tip.
9. Row 8: Purl all stitches.
10. Row 9: K2tog, K1, SSK. (3 stitches)
11. Row 10: Purl all stitches.
12. Row 11: K2tog, SSK. (1 stitch)
13. Cut yarn and pull through the last stitch. Weave in ends. Repeat to make a second leaf.

Pro Tip: Gently steam block the leaves (using a steam iron held above, not touching) to flatten them and give them a subtle shape.

Part 5: Berries (Make 3)

These tiny berries are knitted in the round. Use CC2 (red) yarn and your DPNs (or magic loop).

1. CO 4 stitches onto a DPN.
2. Knit 4 rounds in the round (no increases or decreases). You'll have a small tube.
3. Cut yarn, leaving a tail. Thread the tail through all 4 stitches, pull tight to form a ball, and secure. Weave in ends.
4. Repeat to make 3 berries total.

Part 6: Brandy Butter Drip

This is the fun, wavy strip that drapes across the hat like sauce. Use CC1 (cream) yarn.

1. CO 8 stitches.
2. Row 1: Knit all stitches.
3. Row 2: K1, yo, K6, yo, K1. (10 stitches)
4. Row 3: Knit all stitches.
5. Row 4: K1, yo, K8, yo, K1. (12 stitches)
6. Row 5: Knit all stitches.
7. Row 6: K1, yo, K10, yo, K1. (14 stitches)
8. Row 7: Knit all stitches.
9. Row 8: K1, yo, K12, yo, K1. (16 stitches)
10. Row 9: Knit all stitches.
11. Row 10: K1, yo, K14, yo, K1. (18 stitches)
12. Row 11: Knit all stitches.
13. Row 12: Bind off all stitches loosely. This creates a wavy, scalloped edge.

Now, take this strip and sew it onto the hat at an angle, starting from the side and curving down towards the front, like a drip of sauce. Use a tapestry needle and matching cream yarn to secure it neatly along the edges.

Part 7: Assembly & Finishing

1. Create the holly cluster: Arrange the 2 leaves and 3 berries together in a pleasing cluster. Sew them together at the base using green and red yarn.
2. Attach the cluster: Sew the holly cluster to the top of the hat near the crown, or on the side where the drip ends—whichever looks best to you.
3. Weave in all ends: Use your tapestry needle to hide any remaining yarn tails on the inside of the hat.
4. Wash and block: Gently hand-wash the hat in cool water with mild soap, then lay it flat to dry on a towel. You can shape it slightly while damp.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it—your very own Yuletide Plum Pudding Beanie! This hat is perfect for holiday parties, winter markets, or just adding a touch of whimsy to your cold-weather wardrobe. It also makes a thoughtful, handmade gift for the knitter or dessert-lover in your life.

We'd love to see your finished creation! Share your photos on social media with the hashtag #PlumPuddingBeanie and tag us. Happy knitting, and have a wonderfully cozy holiday season!