Any simple knitted or crocheted baby hat pattern will be gratefully received, although we recommend the ones outlined here as it features a ribbed and stretchy band that can be rolled up to double the warmth for a newborn and rolled down as the baby grows.
The approximate measurements suitable for a newborn are 12cm wide, by 17cm high (including a 5cm band).
Knitting Pattern
Using: 8 ply wool
Needles for knitting: 3 mm - 3.5 mm
Cast on 64 stitches.
Work 16 rows in (K2, P2) rib.
Knit 26 rows in stocking stitch (1 row knit, 1 row purl).
Shape the crown as follows:
Row 1: K6, K2tog — repeat to end of row.
Row 2: Purl.
Row 3: K5, K2tog — repeat to end of row.
Row 4: Purl.
Row 5: K4, K2tog — repeat to end of row.
Row 6: Purl.
Continue decreasing in this pattern (knit one fewer stitch before each K2tog on knit rows) until you work K1, K2tog and 16 stitches remain.
Finishing:
Knit 1 row.
Break yarn, thread through remaining stitches and pull tight.
Sew up the seam, ensuring the fold of the ribbed brim is neat and not visible.
Crochet Pattern
Using: 8 ply wool
Hook size: 4 mm
Abbreviations:
ch – chain
ss – slip stitch
DC – double crochet
HDC – half double crochet
SC – single crochet
Hat Body
Round 1: Make a magic ring (or ch 4 and ss into first ch). Ch 2, work 11 DC into the ring. Ss to first DC. (11 DC)
Round 2: Ch 2, 2 DC in each stitch around. Ss to first DC. (22 DC)
Round 3: Ch 2, 2 DC in first stitch, 1 DC in next. Repeat around. Ss to first DC. (33 DC)
Round 4: Ch 2, 2 DC in first stitch, 1 DC in next 2 stitches. Repeat around. Ss to first DC. (44 DC)
Rounds 5–13: Ch 2, DC in each stitch around. Ss to first DC. (44 DC)
Brim
Round 14: Turn work to crochet in the opposite direction. Ch 2, HDC in each stitch around. Ss to first HDC. (44 HDC)
Rounds 15–16: Ch 1, HDC in each stitch around. Ss to first HDC. (44 HDC)
Round 17: Ch 1, SC in each stitch around. Ss to first SC. (44 SC)
Finishing
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Fold brim up so the fold is at Round 13.
