This head-hugger hat is perfect for children and adults. The ribbing will keep it snuggly on the head without cumbersome ties. The starburst top adds a touch of whimsy. For the new knitter, the straightforward construction of this hat makes it a nice introduction to knitting with circular needles. Use contrasting or complementary colors for the ribbing,the body, the top, and the ribs and it becomes a perfect stash-buster for those odds and ends of yarn.
Materials
Size 8 $(4.5\mathrm{mm})$ 16in/ $40\mathrm{mm}$ circular needle Size 7 double pointed needles (dpn) Galway (Marl 600) $100\%$ worsted weight wool, 210 yards - 1 skein Stitch marker
Size
This unisex hat is sized for a preschooler (school-aged, adult). To make an infant hat, use size 6 needles and a DK weight yarn.
8stitches $=2^{\prime\prime}$
11rows $\mathbf{\omega}=2^{\prime\prime}$ Adjust needle size as necessary to obtain gauge
Abbreviations
CO- Cast on PM- Place marker dpn- double pointed needles K2tog- knit 2 together P- Purl \*\* repeat direction inside until end of round
Hat Construction
1. Cast-on (C0) seventy-two stitches 72(80, 88) with larger needles using a long tail cast-on method. 2. Row 1 PM. join to knit in the round being careful not to twist yarn. Knit 2 purl 2 (K2, P2). 3. Continue K2, P2 until ribbing measures 1.5 inches. 4. Purl next three rows. 5. Knit in stockinette stitch (knitting all rounds) untilthe hat measures 5 (5.5, 6) inches from cast-on stitches. Adjust this size as needed for depth of hat.) 6. Purl 3 rows.
Shape Top
Row 1 $^{*}\mathrm{K}6$ , K2tog\* \*continue pattern until end of round. Row 2 $^{*}\mathrm{K}5$ , K2tog\* \*continue pattern until end of round. Row 3 \*K4, K2tog\* \*continue pattern until end of round. Row 4 \*K3, K2tog\* \*continue pattern until end of round. Row 5 $\mathrm{}^{\ast}\mathrm{K}2$ , K2tog\* \*continue pattern until end of round. Row 6 \*K1, K2tog\* \*continue pattern until end of round. Row 7 \*K2tog\* \*continue pattern until end of round. 9(10, 11) stitches remaining.
Finishing
Cut1 footlengthof yarn.Usinatapestryneedle,thread yarn throughremaining 9(10,11) stitche.Pull tight, weave in end Weave in cast-on yarn. Share this head-snuggler with your favorite youngster! Optional: Add a pompom or tassel topper. $\circledcirc$ Copyright 2008 by Elizabeth A. Cote
