Easy Pom Pom Fleece Beanie Hat
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This easy pom pom fleece beanie is a cute variation of my free beanie hat pattern. A separate folded cuff and soft fleece pom pom give the basic hat a fun new look, and it is still an easy sewing project for beginners.
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Easy Cuffed Fleece Beanie With a Pom Pom
Brr… We finally had our first real cold front blow through yesterday morning! OK, so technically, it was the 2nd cold front of the season, but since we were out of town when the 1st one came through, that one didn’t really count.
The timing was definitely right on getting this pom pom fleece beanie done for my lil missy. It is so cold and windy outside right now!
To make the hat, I used my free beanie hat pattern. I trimmed the bottom of the hat and replaced the regular turned-up hem with a separate folded cuff. Then I added a fluffy fleece pom-pom to the top.
It is a simple change, but I love the finished look. The separate cuff also gives it a little extra pizzazz. Plus, you can mix colors and patterns for a fun look. You can use a solid color for the band, a print for the hat, or make the entire beanie from the same fleece as I did here.
Why You’ll Love This Fleece Beanie
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Beginner-friendly – The basic shape and separate cuff are both simple to sew.
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Easy to customize – Use matching fleece or add a contrasting cuff for a completely different look.
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Great for fleece scraps – The cuff and pom pom are perfect for using smaller leftover pieces.
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Cute handmade gift – The pattern comes in four sizes, from child through large adult.
Before You Begin
This tutorial is a variation of my free beanie hat pattern. You will use that pattern, with just a few modifications to add the separate cuff and pom-pom.
The original pattern includes four sizes. Use these head-circumference measurements as the fit guide:
- Child 3 to 6: up to a 20-inch head circumference
- Child 7 to 9: 21.5-inch head circumference
- Preteen/small adult: 22.5-inch head circumference
- Large adult: 24.5-inch head circumference
Important fit note: The folded fleece band doesn’t stretch as much as the regular hem on the basic beanie. Measure around the head just above the eyebrows and ears before choosing a size. If the measurement falls between sizes, or your fleece has limited stretch, I recommend sizing up.
Supplies Needed
- My free beanie hat pattern, printed in the size you need
- Stretchy fleece or a sturdy knit fabric with good stretch and recovery
- Coordinating thread
- Ballpoint or jersey sewing-machine needle
- Sewing machine or serger
- Fabric scissors or a rotary cutter and cutting mat
- Pins or sewing clips
- Hand-sewing needle
- Fleece pom pom
Need the pom pom too? Follow my separate tutorial showing how to make a fleece pom pom. It only requires strips of fleece, cardboard, and scissors.
Products Used and Recommended:
- My Sewing Machine: SINGER 9960 Quantum Stylist, my coverstitch: Janome Cover Pro 1000cpx. My Serger: Brother 1034D 3 or 4 Thread Serger
- Rotary Cutter
- I love my large ruler and large cutting mat, but you may prefer to start off with a smaller Cutting set
- Dritz Dual Purpose Marking Pen and Fray Check
- Ball point needles
- Anti-pill Fleece
How to Sew a Cuffed Pom Pom Fleece Beanie
The seam allowance is 1/4 inch unless otherwise noted.
1 Print the beanie pattern: Download the free fleece beanie pattern and use the fit chart in the original post to choose a size. For this cuffed version, consider the larger size if the wearer falls between sizes or the fleece does not have much stretch.
Print the pattern at actual size. Assemble the pages and cut out the size you need according to the directions in the original beanie tutorial.
2 Shorten the pattern and cut the fabric: Trim 1.5 inches from the bottom edge of the beanie pattern. This removes the fabric that would normally be used for the turned-up hem.
Fold the fleece and cut two mirrored hat pieces from the shortened pattern. Make sure the greatest stretch runs from side to side around the head.
Next, cut two rectangular band pieces. Each piece should be:
- The same width as the bottom edge of your shortened hat piece
- 3.75 inches tall
3 Sew the main hat: Place the two hat pieces right sides together. Follow the sewing instructions in the original beanie tutorial to sew the outside edges and the top seam.
Stop when you reach the hemming step. Do not turn up and sew the original 1-inch hem. The separate band will finish the bottom edge instead.
4 Sew the folded cuff: Place the two band pieces right sides together. Sew the short ends together using a 1/4-inch seam allowance to create a loop.
Fold the band in half lengthwise, wrong sides together. The right side of the fabric should face out, and the two long raw edges should line up.
With the hat right side out, slide the folded band over the bottom of the hat. Match the raw edges of the band to the raw edge of the hat, with the right sides together.
Match the band seams to the side seams of the hat. Pin or clip the layers in place, stretching the band only as needed to fit evenly around the hat.
Sew around the entire bottom edge with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Turn the band down and gently press the seam toward the hat with your fingers.
5 Make and attach the pom pom: Make a soft pom pom using my fleece pom pom tutorial, or use a pom pom you already have.
Position the pom pom over the center of the top seam. Using a hand-sewing needle and coordinating thread, stitch through the center of the pom pom and the top of the hat several times. Tie the thread securely inside the hat.
That’s it! Your cuffed pom pom fleece beanie is ready to wear.
Fleece Beanie Sewing Tips
- Check the stretch before cutting. The greatest stretch should run from side to side so the hat stretches around the head.
- Use a ballpoint or jersey needle. It will slide between the fibers instead of damaging the fleece or knit fabric.
- Choose a stitch with a little give. A serger, stretch stitch, narrow zigzag, or slightly longer straight stitch can all work. Test your stitch on a scrap first.
- Do not stretch the fleece while sewing. Let the machine feed the fabric naturally so the cuff does not become wavy.
- Size up when in doubt. The doubled cuff is thicker and less stretchy than the basic turned-up hem.
- Prefer a less-slouchy hat? Remove a little more fabric when trimming the bottom of the hat. Start with a small adjustment. You can always shorten it a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this beanie with knit fabric instead of fleece?
Yes. A sturdy knit fabric with good stretch and recovery should work. Avoid very thin or drapey knits unless you are comfortable adjusting the fit, since they will not hold the same shape as fleece.
Can I use a different fabric for the cuff?
Absolutely. A contrasting cuff is one of the cutest things about this version. Just make sure the cuff fabric stretches comfortably around the head and has a similar amount of stretch and recovery as the hat fabric.
Can I leave off the pom pom?
Yes. The separate folded cuff looks cute on its own, so the pom pom is completely optional.
Why does this version fit more snugly than the basic beanie?
The cuff contains two layers of fleece plus a seam, so it has less give than a simple turned-up hem. If the basic beanie is already snug, use the next size up for the cuffed version.
Is this a good project for a beginner?
Yes. If you can sew a basic seam, you can make this hat. Fleece does not fray, and the separate band eliminates the need to sew a traditional hem.
More Easy Fleece Sewing Projects
If you have fleece left over, use it to make a coordinating scarf or another quick winter project:
- Free beanie hat pattern in four sizes
- How to make fleece pom poms
- This Fleece Scarf (goes perfectly with the hat!)
- Easy Ear Warmer Pattern
If you make one of these fleece beanies, I would love to see it! Leave a comment below, share a photo in my private Facebook sewing group, or tag me on Instagram @scatteredmom.
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Cuffed Pom Pom Fleece Beanie
Turn the free four-size fleece beanie pattern into a cute cuffed hat with a soft fleece pom pom. This easy pattern variation is beginner-friendly and makes a great handmade winter gift.
Materials
- Free beanie hat pattern
- Stretchy fleece or sturdy knit fabric
- Coordinating thread
- Fleece pom pom
Tools
- Sewing machine or serger
- Ballpoint or jersey needle
- Fabric scissors or rotary cutter and mat
- Pins or sewing clips
- Hand-sewing needle
Instructions
- Download and print the free beanie pattern in the size you need. Print at actual size and assemble the pattern according to the original tutorial.
- Trim 1.5 inches from the bottom of the pattern.
- Cut two mirrored hat pieces, positioning the fabric so the greatest stretch runs from side to side.
- Cut two cuff pieces. Each piece should be the same width as the bottom edge of the shortened hat piece and 3.75 inches tall.
- Place the two hat pieces right sides together. Sew the outside edges and top seam according to the original beanie instructions, but do not hem the bottom.
- Place the two cuff pieces right sides together and sew the short ends to create a loop.
- Fold the cuff in half lengthwise with the wrong sides together and the long raw edges aligned.
- With right sides together, match the raw edges of the cuff to the raw bottom edge of the hat. Pin or clip the layers evenly around the hat.
- Sew around the bottom edge with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Turn the cuff down.
- Hand-stitch the fleece pom pom securely to the center of the top seam.
Notes
See the full post for sizing guidance, sewing tips, and customization ideas.
Wow!! Wonderful tutorial. Brilliant work.