The Foxglove Forest Hat: A Knitted Sly Fox Beanie with Leaf-Stitch Ears

Wrap yourself in woodland whimsy with this knitted fox hat, featuring a rich burnt-orange crown, cream muzzle, and sculpted leaf-stitch ears. The cozy ribbed brim and pointy ear flaps make it a standout accessory for crisp autumn adventures. Whether you're strolling through a forest trail or sipping hot cider at a pumpkin patch, this handmade beanie will keep you warm while turning heads with its charming fox design. Best of all, this free pattern is beginner-friendly and creates a professional-looking finished piece that you'll be proud to wear or gift.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in three colors:
  • Burnt orange (MC) – approximately 250g (for adult size)
  • Cream (CC1) – approximately 50g
  • Charcoal black (CC2) – approximately 20g
• Needles: US 7 (4.5mm) 16-inch circular needle and double-pointed needles (or size needed to achieve gauge)
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (knit every round)
• Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors
• Optional: Small black buttons for eyes (if not embroidering)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sizes and Abbreviations

Sizes: Adult (Child) – instructions are written with adult first, child in parentheses.

Abbreviations:

• CO: cast on
• K: knit
• P: purl
• K2tog: knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• SSK: slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
• M1L: make one left (increase)
• M1R: make one right (increase)
• St(s): stitch(es)
• Rnd(s): round(s)
• MC: main color (burnt orange)
• CC1: cream
• CC2: charcoal black

Brim

With MC, cast on 96 (88) stitches. Join in the round, being careful not to twist your stitches. Place a marker to indicate the beginning of the round.

Work K2, P2 ribbing for 2.5 (2) inches. This creates a snug, stretchy band that will keep the hat securely on your head.

Body of Hat

Switch to stockinette stitch (knit every round) and work even until the piece measures 5 (4.5) inches from the cast-on edge. This forms the main body of the hat that covers your head.

Ear Flaps (worked flat on a section of stitches)

Place a marker after 24 (22) stitches from the beginning of the round. You will work the next 24 (22) stitches back and forth for the first ear flap, leaving the remaining stitches on hold on the circular needle.

Ear Flap 1:

• Row 1 (RS): K24 (22), turn.
• Row 2 (WS): P24 (22), turn.
• Row 3: SSK, K20 (18), K2tog (22 sts), turn.
• Row 4: Purl all stitches.
• Row 5: SSK, K18 (16), K2tog (20 sts), turn.
• Row 6: Purl all stitches.

Continue decreasing 2 stitches every right-side row (Rows 3, 5, 7, etc.) until 8 (6) stitches remain. Bind off loosely. Break yarn, leaving a tail for weaving in later.

Ear Flap 2:

Rejoin MC at the next 24 (22) stitches after the first flap and work the second ear flap identically to the first. After completing both flaps, you will have 48 (44) stitches remaining on the circular needle for the crown.

Crown Shaping

Rejoin yarn at the beginning of the round. Work in the round over all remaining stitches.

• Rnd 1: *K6 (5), K2tog* repeat to end (42 (38) sts).
• Rnd 2: Knit all stitches.
• Rnd 3: *K5 (4), K2tog* repeat to end (36 (32) sts).
• Rnd 4: Knit all stitches.
• Rnd 5: *K4 (3), K2tog* repeat to end (30 (26) sts).
• Rnd 6: Knit all stitches.
• Rnd 7: *K3 (2), K2tog* repeat to end (24 (20) sts).
• Rnd 8: *K2 (1), K2tog* repeat to end (18 (14) sts).
• Rnd 9: *K1, K2tog* repeat to end (12 (10) sts).
• Rnd 10: *K2tog* repeat to end (6 (5) sts).

Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread the tail through the remaining stitches using a tapestry needle, pull tight to close the crown, and secure with a knot. Weave in the end.

Fox Face (worked flat, then sewn on)

With CC1 (cream), cast on 20 (18) stitches.

• Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.
• Row 2: Purl all stitches.
• Row 3: K1, M1L, K18 (16), M1R, K1 (22 (20) sts).
• Row 4: Purl.
• Row 5: K1, M1L, K20 (18), M1R, K1 (24 (22) sts).
• Row 6: Purl.
• Row 7: K1, M1L, K22 (20), M1R, K1 (26 (24) sts).
• Row 8: Purl.
• Row 9: K1, M1L, K24 (22), M1R, K1 (28 (26) sts).
• Row 10: Purl.
• Row 11: K1, M1L, K26 (24), M1R, K1 (30 (28) sts).
• Row 12: Purl.
• Row 13: K1, M1L, K28 (26), M1R, K1 (32 (30) sts).
• Row 14: Purl.
• Row 15: K1, M1L, K30 (28), M1R, K1 (34 (32) sts).
• Row 16: Purl.
• Row 17: K1, M1L, K32 (30), M1R, K1 (36 (34) sts).
• Row 18: Purl.
• Row 19: K1, M1L, K34 (32), M1R, K1 (38 (36) sts).
• Row 20: Purl.
• Row 21: K1, M1L, K36 (34), M1R, K1 (40 (38) sts).
• Row 22: Purl.
• Row 23: K1, M1L, K38 (36), M1R, K1 (42 (40) sts).
• Row 24: Purl.
• Row 25: K1, M1L, K40 (38), M1R, K1 (44 (42) sts).
• Row 26: Purl.
• Row 27: K1, M1L, K42 (40), M1R, K1 (46 (44) sts).
• Row 28: Purl.
• Row 29: K1, M1L, K44 (42), M1R, K1 (48 (46) sts).
• Row 30: Purl.
• Row 31: K1, M1L, K46 (44), M1R, K1 (50 (48) sts).
• Row 32: Purl.

Bind off loosely. This creates a rounded, oval muzzle shape that will become the fox's face.

Nose

With CC2 (charcoal black), cast on 6 stitches.

• Row 1: Knit all stitches.
• Row 2: K2tog, K2, K2tog (4 sts).
• Row 3: Knit all stitches.
• Row 4: K2tog, K2tog (2 sts).
• Row 5: Knit all stitches.
• Row 6: K2tog (1 st).

Cut yarn and pull through the remaining stitch. This creates a small triangle. Sew the nose onto the center of the muzzle, about 1 inch from the bottom edge.

Eyes

With CC2, embroider two small satin stitches or French knots on the hat body, positioned just above the muzzle and about 2 inches apart. Alternatively, you can sew on small black buttons for a more playful look.

Ears (make 2)

With MC, cast on 10 stitches.

• Row 1 (RS): Knit.
• Row 2: Purl.
• Row 3: K1, M1L, K8, M1R, K1 (12 sts).
• Row 4: Purl.
• Row 5: K1, M1L, K10, M1R, K1 (14 sts).
• Row 6: Purl.
• Row 7: K1, M1L, K12, M1R, K1 (16 sts).
• Row 8: Purl.
• Row 9: K1, M1L, K14, M1R, K1 (18 sts).
• Row 10: Purl.
• Row 11: K1, M1L, K16, M1R, K1 (20 sts).
• Row 12: Purl.
• Row 13: K1, M1L, K18, M1R, K1 (22 sts).
• Row 14: Purl.
• Row 15: K1, M1L, K20, M1R, K1 (24 sts).
• Row 16: Purl.
• Row 17: K1, M1L, K22, M1R, K1 (26 sts).
• Row 18: Purl.
• Row 19: K1, M1L, K24, M1R, K1 (28 sts).
• Row 20: Purl.
• Row 21: K1, M1L, K26, M1R, K1 (30 sts).
• Row 22: Purl.
• Row 23: K1, M1L, K28, M1R, K1 (32 sts).
• Row 24: Purl.
• Row 25: K1, M1L, K30, M1R, K1 (34 sts).
• Row 26: Purl.
• Row 27: K1, M1L, K32, M1R, K1 (36 sts).
• Row 28: Purl.
• Row 29: K1, M1L, K34, M1R, K1 (38 sts).
• Row 30: Purl.

Bind off. Fold the ear in half lengthwise and sew the side edges together to create a pointed, leaf-shaped ear. Sew the ears onto the top of the hat, about 1.5 inches from the crown, angled slightly outward for that sly fox look.

Finishing

Weave in all loose ends using a tapestry needle. Sew the muzzle onto the front of the hat, centered between the ear flaps, with the bottom edge about 1 inch above the brim. Ensure the nose is at the bottom of the muzzle. Block gently if desired to even out the stitches and give the hat a polished finish.

Your Foxglove Forest Hat is now complete! Slip it on and enjoy the cozy warmth and playful charm of your handmade woodland accessory. This pattern is perfect for autumn gifting, holiday presents, or simply treating yourself to a bit of knitting whimsy. Happy knitting!