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!

Comments

[Janet]

Thank you so much for creating this great hat pattern. I made the adult version with a combination of wools from my stash (trying to be thrifty). I mixed colours that remind me of candy apple lollies we had as kids. Four balls of wool down [mumble mumble something like a million] to go . . . (lol)
I wanted to put a link to your gorgeous pattern on the words on my blog (except I'm not that blog savvy yet), I have however, noted Purl Bee as the inspiration (hope that's ok?).

[purl bee]

Hi Janet,
That's totally fine!
Thanks so much for you comment. --PB

[joanna]

Hey! I LOVE this hat! quick question- can i knit it flat (with the same decrease) and just sew the seam?

[purl bee]

Hi Joanna,
Yes you can! Just remember that you'll be purling on the wrong side.
Good luck!

[Stacey]

Hi there!

Am wondering what LENGTH the size 17 needles should be?

Thanks!

Stacey

[purl bee]

Hi Stacey,
The 17's are double pointed, and their length is appx 8-inches.

[Stacey]

Got it! So if I have a choice between 7 1/2 inch and 10 inch #17's which one would you recommend going with?

[purl bee]

Hi Stacey,
Either is fine, both will work. It's really just a matter of preferece. If you're doing a kid's size the shorter length will be great because they won't be so long as to be in your way, but if you want to use them for an adult size hat then the 10" will probably be more useful since the big yarn tends to take up a lot of room on the needles.

Good luck and please let us know if you need anything else.

[Margaret]

I see that the pattern is for a child that is years 3 to 6, but what if the child is about 8 to 10 years of age. Would it make that much of a difference? I'm thinking of making this for my niece for Christmas.

[purl bee]

Hi Margaret-

Thanks for the comment. This hat is would be too small for an 8-10 year old. The cover hat from Joelle's newest book might be a cute alternative:

http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/7642-Stewart-Tabori-Chang-More-Last-Minute-Knitted-Gifts

Thank you!

[Eugenie Torgerson]

I have made two of these using Knit Collage Emerald Forest and #17 needles. The hats are darling, but be warned --- they are very heavy for a small person.

[Carolyn]

I am searching for a simple hat for a 7 yr. old girl with cancer. She has no hair and small framed. I would like to find a knit pattern fairly easy and quick to complete that could b donated to a charitable cancer organization. Thank you in advance. Carolyn

May reply via email

[purl bee]

Hi Carolyn-

I would suggest this hat: http://purlbee.squarespace.com/hats-for-everyone/

It's quick, soft, and can be made in fun colors!

Thank you!

Molly