After lots and lots of little straight knitting projects (and one big one) I finally got up the courage to knit in the round! This winter has been much cooler than we Californians are used to and those freezing temperatures gave me the extra incentive I needed to whip up a simple knit hat for Jude. I am by no means a knitting expert, this is my first hat! But I thought it would be helpful to any other newbies to know what I did (namely which youtube videos I watched). Once you get the basics down it is really simple! I'd also like to note that I did not switch to double needles (explained in one of the youtube links) so it really couldn't get any simpler!
Update: If you like this pattern and tutorial you'll love my latest ribbed version!
Simple Knit Hat (adapted from this pattern)
You'll need:
- one skein of worsted weight yarn (I used this
- 16" circular knitting needles (I used size 8)
- stitch markers (I use large safety pins or little hair ties)
- crochet hook or darning needle
Directions:
* Note: This makes a child sized hat. It is very easy to make a larger or smaller version by casting on more or less stitches (in mulitples of 8) based on gauge (see step 1).
;;lkmiy,mp[uk (I stepped out of the room and Jude decided he "had to" blog)
1. (Optional but helpful) Knit up a little swatch to test your gauge. Measure your subject's head and cast on the appropriate number of stiches (in multiples of 8) to get you to that size. Or simply cast on 64 stiches. (I went with 72 and it's a little loose.)
3. Knit 2, Purl 2 for about 2" to create a ribbed band. (For a cuffed brim add another 2 inches)
4. Knit until your work is about 6" from the cast on edge. (All you have to do is knit to get stockinette when knitting in the round.)
5. Decrease (see video at 4:51). Note: I simply followed the linked video to complete my hat. Place markers every eight stiches, then on the next round, knit until you are two stiches in front of a marker and then knit those two stiches together (k2tog). Continue this way until you come to the last 4 stiches, pulling the needle cable out between stiches when things get too tight. Close the hat up by threading the yarn through those last 4 stitches. (Pst, I "cheated" and tied a tiny knot.)
6. Add a pom pom! Top a little wonking? Or simply wish to stay "on trend"? Pom pom to the rescue! I made one by wrapping yarn around four fingers like this. Tie that bad boy on and enjoy!
Here's to new skills and warm heads!
Update 2015: I still love this pattern! Here is a version I made for recently with on super easy modification: a cuffed brim! (Simply knit an extra 2 inches of ribbing!) I've also got another great easy pattern for a ribbed hat.
