cotton knit baby hat

NOTES

this pattern was done in a variegated 100% cotton worsted weight yarn. I chose cotton as it is low maintenance to clean and does not pill. Acrylic is warm but pills too much after washing for the kind of cap I wanted.

NEEDLES

I knit using a US 5, despite the package suggesting a US 7. I knit loosely and wanted a tight stockinette stitch.

CAST ON

64 stitches, fits an average 6m/o in my gauge. If you alter it, make it divisible by eight (# of decrease columns). Perhaps use a circular needle to cast on, then join and transfer to double-pointed needles.

stockinette variegated

WORK (1)

first row after joining, knit every stitch. This separates the rib from the edge, setting it straighter. With row 2, start [k2,p2] rib and continue until ribbing is about 2” long; this was about 15 rounds.

WORK (2)

change over to stockinette stitch and knit every row until piece measures 6” total. Check for 16st each per 4 double pointed needles.

REDUCE/DECREASES

decrease 8st(2 per needle) one round, and maintain stitches the next, making the pattern:

  • [k2tog, k6]
  • [k]
  • [k2tog, k5]
  • [k]
  • [k2tog, k4] […]
  • [k2tog, k1]
  • [k]
  • [k2tog]

leaving one stitch on each needle.

FINISH

cut the working yarn 5” from piece. Thread on to a tapestry needle and thread through remaining stitches, pull through. Weave in ends.