SIMPLE HAT PATTERN - CHILD OR ADULT Materials: Size 10½ circular knitting needle, 16" length; two double pointed needles, size not important, 3.5 ounce skein of worsted weight yarn (will probably make two hats) Cast on 66 stitches and join, being careful not to twist the stitches on the circular needle. Mark the beginning of the round. Work approximately 2" of K1, P1 ribbing - more if you want to turn up the ribbing double for warmth. Switch to stockinette stitch and work another 5½" to 6". First decrease row: K2TOG around (33 st), knit one row even. Final decrease row: using one of the double pointed needles K2TOG as far across the row as comfortable. Use the second needle to finish the row in K2TOG (there will be one stitch left over at the end, just knit it). Cut the yarn leaving about 10", using a yarn needle, run the yarn end through the stitches remaining on the double pointed needles and pull tight, sew through the stitches on the inside a couple times to eliminate any hole at the top of the cap, fasten off. Use the yarn needle to run in the beginning yarn end. VARIATIONS Knit the ribbing in one color and the body of the hat in a contrasting color. When about 2" from the top of the hat, work a 'flame' pattern of: Row 1: K1 CC, K5 MC, repeat around. Row 2: Repeat row 1 Row 3: K2 CC, *K3 MC, K3 CC, repeat from * around ending K1 CC. Row 4: Repeat row 3. Row 5, K3 CC, *K1 MC, K5 CC, repeat from * around ending K2 CC. Row 6: Repeat row 5. Continue in CC and work the decrease rows as in basic pattern. Work the ribbing in a solid color and one row of knitting after starting the body of the hat. Join variegated yarn. Row 1: Slip 1 stitch of the solid color yarn, knit the next 5 stitches with the variegated yarn. Repeat row 1 twice. Row 4: Knit with solid color; Row 5: purl with solid color; Row 6: repeat row 4. Repeat rows 1 through 6 four more times, switch to solid color and continue as with basic pattern through the decrease rows. Use your back button to return to the main blog page