Basic Hat

This is a great beginner’s hat.  All you need to know how to do is cast on, knit, and k2tog (knit 2 together).  One of my favorite resources is www.knittinghelp.com  You will find all you need to get started here. 

Materials: 

Worsted weight wool, Paton’s Merino is great. 

2 sets of US #7 (4.5 mm) 16” circular knitting needles or size needed to obtain gauge. 

6 st markers.

Gauge:  5 sts per inch.

Sizes:  Newborn-6 months (6-12 months, 2t, 4t and Child small, Child Medium, Child Large and Adult Small, Adult Medium, Adult Large).

 

Directions:

1.       Cast on 66, (72, 78, 78, 84, 90, 96, 102) sts.  Join in a round being careful not to twist the stitches, mark beginning of the round. 

2.       Work in stockinette st  (just knitting) until piece measures 4 (4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.25, 6.5, 6.5) inches from rolled edge.

3.        Place stitch markers after every 11 (12, 13, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17) stitches. 

4.       *Knit to 2 sts before st marker, k2tog, repeat from * around (6 decreases).

5.       Knit even.

6.       Repeat steps 4 and 5 until there are 6 sts on the needles. 

7.       When stitches get too tight on the needles, knit half the stitches with one needle and the second half with the other pair of needles (see knittinghelp.com for more detailed instructions under circular knitting on 2 circular needles).

8.       Cut yarn and draw through 6 remaining stitches.  Pull tight and weave in ends. 

 

I-cord end (optional):

For a cute little top-knot, work steps 1-7.  You should end with 6 sts on your needles.  Work 1 more round, k1, k2tog, k1, k2tog (4 sts).  Place 4 sts on 1 double point needle or circular needle.

Work I-cord as follows for about 2-3” or enough to tie in a knot:

1.       Without turning work, draw yarn across the back and pull stitches to the right side of the needle. 

2.       Knit across the 4 sts.

Repeat 1 and 2 until desired length.   I-cord video can be seen at http://www.knittinghelp.com