Whit's Knits: Fun Kid's Hat

Purl's newest yarn is an amazing blend of quirk and sophistication. Knit Collage's Gypsy Garden is a tri-continental mix of wool from Australia, mohair from South Africa, and ribbons, trims and notions from the streets of Hong Kong. The result is a yarn with a whole lot of spunk to spare.

This one skein hat expresses the funky whimsy of the kids we all know. Coco is definitely one such kid. I love to make things for Coco because she is a kid who really appreciates an opportunity to express herself. Plus she's a total sweetheart!

P.S. For all of us with a kid still inside, we've included instructions for an adult size hat too.

The Materials

• 1 (for kid's size) or 2 (for adult's size) skeins of Knit Collage's Gypsy Garden, 75% Wool and 25% Mohair. This color is "Kinari Bazaar".
• A set of US #17 double pointed needles.
• A pom pom maker.
• A small amount of yarn for the pom pom. I used Imperial Stock Ranch's Bulky 2 Strand Pencil Roving in the color "Natural".

The Pattern

Gauge

1 3/4 stitches = 1 inch in stockinette stitch

Finished Size

Kid Size: 18 1/2 inches in circumference, to fit a 3-6 year old child.

Adult Size: 20 inches in diameter, size medium for a woman.

NOTE: The Adult Size pattern in shown in parentheses after the Kid Size.

With US #17 double pointed needles, cast on 32 (35) stitches.

Join for working in the round, being careful to not twist the stitches.

Knit every round until piece measures 4 (7) inches from the cast on edge.

KID SIZE ONLY: Decrease Round: *K6, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. (28 stitches)

Knit 1 round.

BOTH SIZES: Decrease Round: *K5, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. (24 [30] stitches)

Knit 1 round.

Decrease Round: *K4, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. (20 [25] stitches)

Knit 1 round.

Decrease Round: *K3, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. (16 [20] stitches)

Knit 1 round.

Decrease Round: *K2, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. (12 [15] stitches)

Decrease Round: *K1, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. (8 [10] stitches)

Cut the yarn and thread the tail through the remaining stitches.

Weave in the ends.

Use the largest pom pom template to make a pom pom. If you're using the Pencil Roving and want your pom pom to look like this one, wrap it around the template only a few times. A little goes a long way!

Bring the pom pom tail to the inside of the hat, tie a knot and weave in the ends. And you're done!