Knitting for babies can be one of the most rewarding crafting experiences. Not only do baby projects typically require only small amounts of yarn, they can be completed in relatively short amounts of time. Therefore, unique hand-knit items can be worn by baby in no time, and they can be very affordable. A basic knit hat is a must-have winter accessory for baby, so why not make one that has style and whimsy?
Knitting Supplies Needed
- Size 8 knitting needles
- 2 skeins worsted-weight yarn, 2 different colors
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
- Pom pom maker
Abbreviations Used in This Pattern
- M - main color
- A - contrast color
- sts - stitches
- K - knit
- P - purl
- tog - together
Knitting Techniques Required for This Project
- Casting on
- Knit stitch
- Purl stitch
- Changing colors
- Knitting two stitches together
- Sewing a seam
- Weaving in loose ends
- Making a pom pom
To learn how to do any of above techniques, visit the "Learn to Knit" tutorials at the Lion Brand website.
Knitting Instructions for Baby Hat
With color M, cast on 44 sts.
Work in (K1, P1) ribbing for 10 rows. To create (K1, P1) ribbing, (K1, P1) across each row.
Switch to color A.
Knit 1 row.
Purl 1 row.
Repeat the last two rows four more times each.
Switch to M.
Knit 1 row.
Purl 1 row.
Repeat the last two rows three more times each.
(K2, K2 tog) across 1 row.
Purl 1 row.
Change to A.
Knit 1 row.
Purl 1 row.
(K1, K2 tog) across 1 row.
Purl 1 row.
Knit 1 row.
Purl 1 row.
(K 2 tog) across 1 row.
Purl 1 row.
(K1, K2 tog) across 1 row.
Purl 1 row.
Knit 1 row.
Purl 1 row.
Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail onto the yarn needle, and draw the tail through the remaining stitches on the knitting needle.
Pull the tail tightly and secure it in place with a few stitches.
Sew the back seam of the hat, turning the last 1 to 1 1/2 inches over for the cuff.
Weave in all loose ends.
With M, make a small pom pom.
Attach the pom pom to the top of the hat with the yarn needle.
Yarn Note and Variations
The pictured hat is knit with lime green and white soft acrylic yarn. Acrylic is a good yarn choice for baby knitting because it is machine washable and can go in the dryer. If you select wool or a wool blend, it may not be suitable for the washing machine or dryer.
To personalize the hat, choose any colors of soft yarn that is worsted-weight. More stripes can be added by knitting and purling fewer rows before the color changes. To maintain the size and shape of the hat, keep the designated number of total rows.
Jeris Swanhorst - After earning a Bachelor's degree in English, Literature from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2005, Jeris Swanhorst went on to earn ...
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