Looking for a cozy, casual beanie that works for both men and women? The Boyfriend Beanie is the perfect knit hat pattern—minimal, slouchy, and easy to style. It’s soft, gender-neutral, and ideal for beginners or anyone wanting to knit a fast, gift-worthy project.
The Boyfriend Beanie is a free, beginner-friendly knitting pattern designed with a relaxed unisex fit, using chunky yarn for warmth and a modern silhouette.
Whether you're crafting for a loved one or building a handmade brand, this pattern has the flexibility and comfort everyone wants in a go-to hat.
Easy Unisex Beanie Knitting Pattern
The charm of the Boyfriend Beanie lies in its simplicity. It’s designed with a classic ribbed brim and a soft, slightly slouchy crown. Perfect for everyday wear, it flatters all face shapes and works with nearly every wardrobe.
This pattern uses basic knit stitches, making it an ideal first hat project with enough style to look store-bought.
Materials:
- Chunky or bulky weight yarn (100g / ~100m)
- Circular needles: US Size 10.5 (6.5 mm), 16" length
- Stitch marker
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
Pattern Instructions:
- Cast On 64 stitches (adjustable in multiples of 4)
- Join in the Round, place marker at start
- Ribbing: Work K2, P2 for 2.5–3 inches
- Body: Knit all rounds for 5–6 inches (or desired slouch)
- Decrease:
- Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, and pull tight
- Weave in ends securely
Finished Size:
- Circumference: ~18" (stretches to fit 21–23")
- Height: ~9–10" (slouchy with folded brim)
You can make it shorter for a tighter fit or taller for that relaxed, boyfriend-style slouch.
Best Chunky Yarn for Cozy Beanies
Using chunky yarn gives the Boyfriend Beanie its signature cozy feel. It knits up quickly, adds visual texture, and traps heat—perfect for winter markets, gifting, or cold-weather wardrobes.
The best chunky yarns for beanies are warm, soft, and maintain structure—like wool blends, superwash merino, or premium acrylics.
Recommended Yarn Options:
| Yarn Brand | Fiber Content | Feel & Features |
|---|---|---|
| Malabrigo Mecha | 100% Superwash Merino | Soft, hand-dyed, slouchy drape |
| Lion Brand Hue + Me | Wool-acrylic blend | Budget-friendly, durable |
| Berroco Vintage Chunky | Acrylic-wool-nylon blend | Washable, holds shape |
| Drops Andes | 65% Wool, 35% Alpaca | Slight halo, luxe texture |
| Knit Picks Tuff Puff | 100% Wool | Great structure, bold colors |
Color Ideas:
- Neutrals: Charcoal, oatmeal, navy
- Pop tones: Rust, forest green, mustard
- Duo shades: Marled or heathered yarns add texture
A single 100g skein of chunky yarn is usually enough for one hat, making it an affordable and satisfying project.
How to Adjust Sizing for Perfect Fit
One of the best things about this pattern is how easy it is to size up or down. With a multiple-of-4 stitch count and flexible ribbing, it can be made to fit kids, teens, adults, and oversized fashion fits.
To adjust the beanie for different head sizes, modify the cast-on count and total body height before decreasing.
Sizing Chart:
| Head Circumference | Cast-On Stitches | Body Length (before decrease) | Fit Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child (18–19") | 56–60 | 5.5–6" | Fitted beanie |
| Teen/Adult S (20–21") | 60–64 | 6.5–7" | Standard boyfriend fit |
| Adult M/L (22–23") | 64–72 | 7.5–8" | Slouchy or fold-over |
| Oversized (24"+) | 72–80 | 8–9" | Deep slouch |
Additional Adjustment Tips:
- Use smaller needles (US 10) for a snugger fit
- For extra warmth, double the brim by knitting 5" of rib and folding over
- For a lightweight summer version, use cotton-blend yarn and skip the slouch
Remember: ribbing stretches a lot, so it’s better to err on the smaller side for tighter fits.
Free PDF Download & Video Tutorial
To make your knitting experience even easier, we’ve created a downloadable pattern you can print or save to your tablet—plus a beginner-friendly video tutorial that walks through every step of the process.
Get the free Boyfriend Beanie pattern in PDF format, with detailed instructions, sizing notes, and a companion video for visual learners.
What’s Included:
- Printable PDF pattern (standard + slouch version)
- Video walkthrough (casting on, ribbing, shaping, binding off)
- Sizing adjustment guide
- Yarn substitution tips
- Branding ideas (if selling)
Download the free PDF here →
Watch the step-by-step tutorial video →
Whether you’re just learning to knit or adding a new best-seller to your shop, this free pattern is the perfect project to cozy up with.
Conclusion
The Boyfriend Beanie is a true all-rounder—easy to make, universally flattering, and endlessly customizable. With this free pattern, soft chunky yarn, and a few hours of knitting, you’ll have a handmade hat that looks great on anyone. Download the pattern, grab your needles, and start stitching your next favorite beanie today.
