How to Knit a Children's Hat on Straight Needles

Needles and yarn for knitting a hat.

All knitting moms remember the day their kid refuses to wear a hand-knit hat. Suddenly that perfect, lovingly created, warm hat is left behind, crammed in a pocket or just ignored. But that doesn't keep moms from knitting hats; they just find another small, cold head to cover. This pattern creates an impish, twirled hat that resembles a chocolate kiss.

Things You'll Need

• 200 yards of worsted-weight yarn
• Knitting needles, U.S. size 6
• Stitch markers
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle

Instructions

1. Cast on 96 stitches. Use whatever cast-on method you prefer, just keep the stitches loose.

2. Knit four rows for a garter stitch brim.

3. Knit one row, turn the work and purl the next to create a stockinette stitch. The knit row is the right side and the purl row the wrong side.

4. Continue in stockinette stitch for about 5 inches, ending with a purl row.

5. Knit 12 stitches and place a stitch marker. Repeat across the row. You will have eight sections of 12 stitches. Purl the next row.

6. Knit to two stitches before the marker, knit two stitches together, slip the marker. Continue across the row. You have decreased eight stitches on this row. Purl the next row.

7. Repeat the decrease row and the purl row until you have just two stitches between the markers or 16 stitches.

8. Knit two stitches together across the row, removing the markers as you reach them. You have eight stitches left. Purl one row.

9. Knit two stitches together across the row, leaving you with four stitches. Purl one row.

10. Cut the yarn leaving an 18-inch tail and thread a tapestry needle. Draw the needle through the four remaining stitches and pull them together tightly. With the same yarn, sew the two sides together.

11. Weave in the ends.

Tips & Warnings

• The finished hat will be about 18 inches around at the brim. For a smaller hat, try using smaller needles; for a larger hat, use larger needles. You can easily add some decoration to this hat. Sew buttons or a fabric patch pocket. Attach a small tassel or pom-pom to the tip.

References

• "Knitting Rules"; Stephanie Pearl-McPhee; 2006
• Craft Yarn Council: Head Circumference
• Ravelry: Easy Pointy Pixie Hat