Knitters usually remember their first knitting project. It's nearly always a tiny little baby doll blanket or a 10 foot long scarf riddled with mistakes that was the bane of that knitter's existence. It's a bit unfair really. So I set out to make something that would encourage a beginning knitter, give them something useful right from the first project, and still require only the most basic skills. This little hat was born, which I have been shoving over my children's ears at every chance I get because it gives me a giggle to see them bobbing around in it. (Right? So cute.)
When I posted a picture of this adorable finished hat on Instagram, someone asked me if I was going to write a pattern for it. Here is the thing: this ridiculously adorable hat does not warrant a pattern, because it is SO. Darn. SIMPLE. So consider this a recipe, an idea with helpful links to help beginning knitters on their way. As such, it is a bare bones set of instructions and NOT a pattern that will receive pattern support.
Feel free to use this idea when next you make another knitter! They'll thank you for the fact that their first project was not a 10 foot scarf but instead a satisfying little hat.
Makes one adorable hat, approximately 15 (18) inches in circumference and 7 (7.5) inches deep. Sized for baby/toddler (child). The 15 inch is pictured on my 4 year old and my 21 month old.
Ingredients:
- US Size 9 Needles
- 1 Skein of Quince & Co. Osprey
- the same yarn or one you have on hand for a dash of a pretty contrast color (for the pom poms) It does not need to be the same weight yarn.
- A tapestry needle
Instructions:
Cast on 30 (36) number of stitches using your desired cast on method. (I prefer the Long Tail Cast On.) Be sure this isn't too tight! It needs to fit over someone's head!
Knit every row until piece measures 14 (15) inches, or twice your desired depth.
Bind off.
Fold downward in half, with the folded edge at the top. Sew up both sides using your preferred seaming method. (A great chance to learn mattress stitch.)
Make adorable pom poms and sew them onto each of the two corners of the hat.
Place on the nearest person's head and giggle.
On a sidenote: MAINE Knits is 90% funded! We're nearly there with 8 days left to go! Pop on over to the Kickstarter page to pledge and get some great gifts including Simple Shawls Ebook and preorder of MAINE Knits itself!