Inspired by the timeless childhood story The Little Engine That Could, this playful train hat knitting pattern is a fun project for kids, train lovers, and anyone who still believes a little determination can get you over the hill.

The Choo Choo Train Hat is knit in the round from the bottom up, beginning with a cozy folded 2x2 ribbed brim. The body is worked in simple stockinette stitch, creating the perfect canvas for the colorful train motif, which is added afterward using duplicate stitch. The hat is finished with a classic 4-corner crown decrease and can be topped with a big multicolor pom pom—or worn without one!

Designed with an intentionally slightly slouchy fit, the pattern includes five sizes from toddler through adult large, making it a sweet handmade gift for train-loving kids and grown-ups alike.

The sample is knit in a vintage-inspired blue with black, gold, red, and pale gray accents, but the train is easy to customize in your own favorite color combination.

PATTERN DETAILS:

SKILL LEVEL: Advanced Beginner

TECHNIQUES USED:

Casting on and casting off
Knit and purl stitches
Working in the round
Increasing and decreasing
Crown shaping
Working with circular needles
Working with double-pointed needles
Duplicate stitch

SIZES:

Toddler (1–3 years)
Child (3–10 years)
Teen
Adult
Adult Large

HEAD CIRCUMFERENCE:

18–19” (46–48 cm)
19–20” (48–51 cm)
20–22” (51–56 cm)
22–24” (56–61 cm)
24”+ (61 cm+)

MATERIALS:

YARN:

The hat uses one Main Color and four Contrast Colors.

Sample colors:

MC – “Canal” – Caron One Pound Yarn
CC1 – “Black” – Impeccable™ Solid Yarn by Loops & Threads®
CC2 – “Gold” – Impeccable™ Solid Yarn by Loops & Threads®
CC3 – “Red Hot” – Impeccable™ Solid Yarn by Loops & Threads®
CC4 – “Pale Grey” – Impeccable™ Solid Yarn by Loops & Threads®

Feel free to make your train completely your own by substituting your favorite colors!

KNITTING NEEDLES:

US Size 6 (4 mm) 16” circular knitting needles
US Size 7 (4.5 mm) 16” circular knitting needles
US Size 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles

NOTIONS:

Stitch marker
Darning needle
Row counter
Yarn cutter or scissors
Large pom pom maker, optional

GAUGE:

Approx. 19 stitches = 4” (10 cm) in stockinette stitch using US Size 7 / 4.5 mm needles.