LITTLE BEAR BEANIE
DESIGNED BY: PEGGY LUENSMANN
BODY
Using contrast color, cast on 72 (80, 90) sts. Place marker and join being careful not to twist. Knit in 1 x 1 rib for 2 (2.5, 3) inches. Continuing with the contrast color, knit 6 rounds in stockinette. The hat will be folded in this section to create the brim. Switch to the main color and continue in stockinette until piece measures 5 (5.25, 5.5) inches from the brim fold. \*K 7 (6, 7), K2tog\*. Repeat to end of round. Knit next round even. \*K 6 (5, 6), K2tog\*. Repeat to end of round. Knit next round even. \*K 5 (4, 5), K2tog\*. Repeat to end of round. Knit next round even. \*K 4 (3, 4), K2tog\*. Repeat to end of round. Knit next round even. \*K 3 (2, 3), K2tog\*. Repeat to end of round. Knit next round even. \*K 2 (1, 2), K2tog\*. Repeat to end of round. Knit next round even. \*K 1 (0, 1), K2tog\*. Repeat to end of round. Knit next round even. K2tog until end of final round. Cut yarn and draw through remaining stitches. Weave in ends.
SIZES
1-3 years (3-6 years, 6+ years)
YARN
Main Color (MC) - Caron Simply Soft in Chocolate Contrast Color (CC) - Caron Simply Soft in Bone Note: One ball of any main color is enough for 4 to 6 hats, depending on size; one ball of the contrast color is enough for 7 to 8 hats.
GAUGE
5 sts/inch; row gauge is not critical
NEEDLES
US size 7 (16-inch circular and dpns)
OUTER EAR (make 2)
Using MC, cast on 8 (10, 10) stitches. Row 1: Kfbf, knit to last stitch, Kfbf. 12 (14, 14) sts Knit next 5 rows in stockinette. Decrease Row 1 (RS): K1, ssk, knit until 3 stitches remain, K2tog, K1 (WS): Purl next row. Decrease Row 2 (RS): K1, slip 2 knitwise, K1, psso, kni until 3 stitches remain, K3tog, K1 (WS): BO remaining 6 (8, 8) stitches.
INNER EAR (make 2)
Using CC, cast on 6 (8, 8) stitches. Row 1: Kfbf, knit to last stitch, Kfbf. 10 (12, 12) sts Knit next 5 rows in stockinette. Decrease Row 1 (RS): K1, ssk, knit until 3 stitches remain, K2tog, K1 (WS): Purl next row. Decrease Row 2 (RS): K1, slip 2 knitwise, K1, psso, knit until 3 stitches remain, K3tog, K1 (WS): B0 remaining 4 (6, 6) stitches.
FINISHING
With wrong sides facing, whip stitch one outer ear piece to one inner ear piece. Sew ear to the hat body with contrast color facing forward as shown in the photo. Repeat for the other ear. Weave in all ends.
