This pattern makes a basic women's winter stocking cap. The pattern is easy to complete, even for beginning knitters, and it is a quick project to make for those who are more experienced with knitting. The only techniques needed beyond the basic knit and purl stitches are basic decreasing (knitting two stitches together) and sewing a seam. The instructions are for an adult woman's medium - large sized hat.
To make a women's small, cast on 60 stitches instead of 72. Then, follow the same instructions except for when shaping the top of the hat. Make only one row between each decreasing row rather than the indicated amount of rows for the medium - large size hat.
Materials Needed
- 1 Skein Jiffy Yarn
- Size 10 Knitting Needles
- Yarn Needle
Abbreviations Used in This Pattern
- sts - stitches
- K - knit
- P - purl
- tog - together
Instructions for the Cuff of the Hat
- Cast on 72 sts
- Row 1: (K1, P1) to the end of the row
- Repeat Row 1 until the cuff measures 2 inches from the beginning
Making the Hat
- Next Row: Knit all stitches
- Next Row: Purl all stitches
- Repeat these two rows until the piece measures 6.5 inches from the beginning, ending with a purl row
Shaping the Top of the Hat
- Next Row: (K4, K2 tog) across
- Next Row: Purl all stitches
- Next Row: Knit all stitches
- Next Row: Purl
- Next Row: (K3, K2 tog) across
- Next Row: Purl
- Next Row: Knit
- Next Row: Purl
- Next Row: (K2, K2 tog) across
- Next Row: Purl
- Next Row: Knit
- Next Row: Purl
- Next Row: (K1, K2 tog) across
- Next Row: Purl
- Next Row: (K2 tog) across
- Next Row: Purl
- Next Row: (K2 tog) across
Finishing the Hat
- Cut a long tail
- Draw the tail through the remaining stitches, using the yarn needle
- Pull tightly and secure
- Sew the back seam of the hat, reversing the seam for the cuff (to roll the cuff over)
- Sew in the loose ends
Variations on This Pattern
There are several easy ways to create different variations of this basic winter hat. One variation is to create a longer cuff. The cuff of the hat can be increased in length from two inches to four inches for different look. Another simple way to alter this style is to include a pom pom on the top of the hat, using an inexpensive pom pom maker and then sewing it to the very top of the hat. A striped hat can also be made by following this pattern's instructions but using two different colors, switching colors on knit rows as desired to create a striped look.
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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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