Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Knit a Hat
If you have learned how to knit regular stitches, you can move on to knitting a hat. Knitting a hat is not complicated; it only requires that you learn how to decrease your stitches and, in some cases, knit in the round. To knit a very simple hat, just follow step-by-step instructions on how to knit a hat with two needles.
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Instructions
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Choose your materials and knit a gauge swatch. For a simple hat, use two knitting needles in size US-8 and worsted-weight yarn. Knit the hat flat, and then at the end you will have to sew up one seam. This will help you learn the structure of knitting a hat before you tackle knitting in the round.
Knit a gauge swatch by casting on 20 stitches with your yarn and needles, and knit a square in two-by-two ribbing (knit two stitches, purl two stitches, repeat). Make sure that when you turn your work, you purl into your knit stitches and knit into your purl stitches. When you finish your square, measure it to find out how many stitches you made for every horizontal inch. Now measure the circumference of your head, and subtract two inches. Multiply that number by the number of stitches per inch, and you will know how many stitches you need to cast on. Round this number to one that is easily divisible.
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Cast on the appropriate number of stitches. Work your knit-two, purl-two ribbing for a total of 2 inches. Then switch to a stockinette stitch pattern (knit one row, purl one row, repeat) and knit until the hat reaches its desired height.
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Begin to decrease your knit rows in order to shape the top of the hat. For your first decrease row, think about the number of stitches you have and how you can divide them. If you have 80 stitches, for example, then you have eight groups of ten stitches. Decrease one stitch for every 10, resulting in eight decreases in the next row. To decrease, knit eight stitches and then knit two together; repeat this pattern across the row.
When you get to a purl row, purl every stitch without decreases. Decrease on every knit row; for each new decrease row, knit one stitch less before the decrease. For instance, in the next decrease row you would knit seven stitches and two together. On the following decrease row you knit six stitches and two together.
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Continue to decrease until you have 10 stitches or fewer on your needle. Cut your working yarn into a 15-inch tail, and thread it onto a large-eye blunt needle. String this needle through the center of your remaining stitches, slide them off the knitting needle, and pull the yarn tightly. This will function as a drawstring to close the top of the hat. Fold the hat so that the side edges meet; when you fold, put the stockinette stitch inside, or position the hat inside-out. Stitch down this seam, then tie a knot and weave in your yarn end. Turn the hat right-side out and wear it with pride.
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Tips & Warnings
For a hat with a rolled brim, knit the entire thing in stockinette stitch or add 4 inches of ribbing to fold the brim up.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit snowy hat image by Karin Lau from Fotolia.com
