How to Crochet or Knit a Hat for a Cat

Knitting a hat for your cat is a quick and easy project.

Some cat owners enjoy dressing up their animals for photographs or holidays, and knitted hats can make cute feline accessories. Knitting a hat for a cat is not significantly different than knitting a hat for a human; it is simply smaller. Cats will likely find the hat uncomfortable, and will not keep it on for very long, regardless of what materials you use. Therefore, fit is not critical for this project. Hats for cats can be quick and easy projects, even for beginning knitters.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Yarn
• Circular or double-pointed knitting needles
• Stitch marker
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle

Instructions

1. Knit a gauge swatch. To determine how many stitches per inch you get with your chosen needles and yarn, knit a swatch at least 4 inches wide by 4 inches tall. Use your measuring tape to count the number of stitches per inch on a row.

2. Cast on and knit. Most cats have small heads, and will likely not appreciate a tight-fitting hat, so cast on for approximately a 10-inch diameter at the brim. To determine the number of stitches to cast on, multiply the number of stitches per inch from your gauge swatch by 10 inches. Place a marker and join for knitting in the round. Knit for about 3 inches in your chosen stitch pattern.

3. Begin decreasing. Your first decrease round will need to reduce the number of stitches on your needle by about one-third. Knit three, knit two together, and repeat until you have reached the end of your round. Knit one round plain, then on the next round, knit two, knit two together, and repeat. Knit another plain round, and then knit one, knit two together and repeat. On the final round, knit two together across the entire row. Leave all stitches on the needles.

4. Cut your yarn, leaving approximately 12 inches for a tail. Using your tapestry needle, weave the tail through the live stitches on your needles twice. Remove the needles and pull the yarn on the tapestry needle tightly through the final stitches. Weave in all ends.

References

• The Diet Diary: Eazy Roll Brim Hat
• "The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns"; Ann Budd; 2002
• Spindles and Spices: International Cat Hat: United Kingdom