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March 3, 2011 · by Beverly

Knitting Newborn Hats for Hospitals

crafts, knitting

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I love to find quick little knitting projects that I can do in an evening.  I previously shared my Favorite Knit Dishcloth Pattern which has received lots of positive comments, so I thought I would share another one of my favorite fast projects – a newborn baby hat knitting pattern that can be finished in just a couple hours.

Free Knitting Pattern - Quick Knit Newborn Baby Hat. Easy for beginners too!

A needlecraft store near my home (Country Needleworks for any of my local readers near Hudsonville, Michigan) has different service projects listed on their website that knitters can help with.  I decided I could help by knitting some newborn hats that are used by the maternity ward of our local hospital. But their website didn’t include any pattern, and after doing some internet searching and not being quite happy with anything I found, I mixed and matched ideas and came up with my own pattern.

My starting point for this pattern, believe it or not, was the baby hats my own two kids came home with from the hospital almost 30 years ago.  I’m not usually one for keeping too many trinkets as keepsakes, but I did keep those two precious little newborn baby hats all these years.  I guess being a knitter made me extra sentimental about them.

vintage knit baby hats

I used these two little vintage baby hats as my template and came up with this pattern that’s quick and easy to make, even for beginning knitters.  Although many hats are knit in the round on circular needles, for these very tiny hats I decided to create a simple straight needle pattern with a seam, again, following how my little vintage knit hats had been made.  I’ve also created this pattern to use the yarns labeled as “4” weight, and that’s been helpful for using up some of my yarn scraps too.

Since I first created this pattern, I’ve had a couple grandbabies come along and have been happily knitting for them too.  I’ve made them knit afghans and little knit sweaters, and of course these hats, that were just the perfect size for a brand new baby!

When I knit these to give to my local hospital, I try to follow their request to knit the hats in either blues or pinks to make it more specifically for a little boy or a little girl.  However if I’m knitting just a solid color hat, I like to try to find a yarn with a few little flecks of color or other interest to it.  But this isn’t always easy!  I used to be able to find a fun yarn at Hobby Lobby called Lil Britches (the blue hat pictured below) but now I can no longer find that yarn.  However I did recently (June, 2017) find a pretty yarn at Michaels under the Poppy brand name (the pink hat below) that was a “4” weight and also came in a pretty shade of blue.

Free Knitting Pattern - Quick Knit Newborn Baby Hat. Easy for beginners too!

Most of the time I like to add some stripes to give these hats a little pizazz and and then I top them off with a pom pom using the pom pom maker I bought at the craft store.  I’ve included more info on how I make the stripes and the pom poms below.   I also usually try to use a yarn labeled as “soft” such as Red Heart Soft or Red Heart Soft Baby Steps yarn (just make sure it is a “4” weight).  By my calculations it only takes about 35 yards of yarn to make one of these hats so you can get lots of hats from a skein of yarn!

Here’s the pattern and I’ve also included a free pdf printable of the pattern too.

Easy Knit Newborn Baby Hat

Print This Pattern

Size 6 Needles – American (equals size 8 UK needles)
Medium Weight (4) Yarn   (I like to use a soft yarn like Red Heart Soft)

Gauge:  4.5 stitches per inch (or 2 stitches per centimeter)

Finished hat will be about 10″ around

Cast on 48 stitches

Work in Knit 1, Purl 1 ribbing for 1″  (about 6 rows)

Then knit in Stockinette Stitch (knit 1 row, purl 1 row) for 3″ inches. End with a purl row.  Piece will now measure 4″ from the beginning.

Begin Decrease for top of hat:
Next Row:  Knit 2 together across row (24 stitches)
Next Row:  Purl across
Next Row:  Knit 2 together across row (12 stitches)
Next Row:  Purl across
Next Row:  Knit 2 together across row (6 stitches)

Cut yarn, leaving a long tail for sewing up seam.  Thread the tail of yarn through a large eye needle and then pull through the stitches to remove them from the needle.   Pull stitches tight to gather. Sew seam down side of hat with remaining yarn.  Make pom pom and fasten to top of hat.

Ideas For Striped Baby Hats

Here are a few ways you can add stripes to the knit newborn baby hat pattern.  I find it usually takes me 18 rows to make the 3” body portion of the hat after the ribbing.  Therefore all these stripe patterns are for 18 rows but they are simple patterns that you could easily adjust as needed.  I always do the ribbing in the main color, and then proceed on to do the stripes,

Note:   MC = Main Color    CC = Contrasting Color

Wide Stripe Pattern:
Free Knitting Pattern - Quick Knit Newborn Baby Hat. Easy for beginners too!Do Ribbing in MC
Then in stockinette stitch:
4 rows: MC
4 rows: CC
4 rows: MC
4 rows: CC  (break off contrasting color)
2 rows: MC
Continuing in main color, begin decrease rows and complete the hat.

Skinny Stripe Pattern:
Do Ribbing in MC
Free Knitting Pattern - Quick Knit Newborn Baby Hat. Easy for beginners too!
Then in stockinette stitch:
2 rows: MC
2 rows: CC
2 rows: MC
2 rows: CC
2 rows: MC
2 rows: CC
2 rows: MC
2 rows: CC (break off contrasting color)
2 rows: MC
Continuing in main color, begin decrease rows and complete the hat.

Free Knitting Pattern - Quick Knit Newborn Baby Hat. Easy for beginners too!2 Stripe Pattern
Do Ribbing in MC
Then in stockinette stitch:
4 rows: MC
2 rows: CC
4 rows: MC
2 rows: CC  (break off contrasting color)
6 rows MC
Continuing in main color, begin decrease rows and complete the hat.

Making the Pom Poms

To finish off the hat with a pom pom, I always use my pom pom maker that I bought at the craft store several years ago.  I have the Susan Bates brand pom pom maker, although my old one looks a little different than the version they are selling now.  

How to make a pom pom using a pom pom maker

To use a pom pom maker, you wrap the yarn around two rings of plastic.  You then snip the yarn apart around the edges, pull the two rings slightly apart, and tie things together with another small length of yarn.  Once it is tied in the middle, you can pull the plastic rings off and fluff up your pom pom.

Snip away any uneven or long pieces to even out the pom pom. I try not to obsess for too long on this step because you can ALWAYS find a few more pieces to snip away on!  🙂

I then use the two long pieces from tying the pom pom together to attach it to the hat.  I often use two colors of yarn to make the pom poms for my striped hats.

Free Knitting Pattern - Quick Knit Newborn Baby Hat. Easy for beginners too!

I hope you enjoy this pattern too.  They’re rather addicting to make and before you know it you may have a whole pile of these newborn knit baby hats laying around!  Here’s the link again to print the pattern:

Printable Pattern for Easy Knit Newborn Baby Hat

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Comments

  1. J says

    April 3, 2021 at 7:53 am

    I love this pattern!! Thank you so much for sharing. You are so correct that it is addicting. I made two solid hats in three days. I am looking forward to getting some time this weekend to knit more of these adorable hats. I am going to start donating them to a local charity for children with health issues. Do you have this pattern for older children? If so, can you share with me? Thanks again! You’ve brought purpose to my life during this challenging time!

    ❤️🥰

    Reply
  2. Gail says

    March 29, 2021 at 5:08 pm

    Thank you for your patience and understanding you have just helped me to make a hat with your pattern 🙂🙂🙂 l have just lost my mum and fee very low and your pattern has been just what I need to keep me busy thank you ❤️

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      April 1, 2021 at 7:34 pm

      So sorry about the loss of your mum. These little hats are definitely a simple and quick project to keep your hands busy and I’m glad it could be of some help to you.

      Reply
  3. Jane says

    March 27, 2021 at 5:30 am

    Love your patterns.
    Where did you get the hand knitted tags to add to the finished product?
    Thanks,
    Jane

    Reply
  4. Mansi Singh says

    March 25, 2021 at 8:43 am

    Thank You so much for sharing this good piece of information as I was seeking baby caps for my Lil princess.

    Reply
  5. Mansi Singh says

    March 17, 2021 at 4:25 am

    Thank You so much for sharing this information about baby caps. Now it will be easier for me to know and perform the same.

    Reply
  6. Sonia says

    March 15, 2021 at 12:55 pm

    Hi there. Loved making your hat. I am going to try and make it bigger.

    Reply
  7. GERI JENKINS says

    March 13, 2021 at 9:28 am

    AWESOME – I MAKE THIS HATS FOR HOSPITALS !!! THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR SHARING.

    Reply
  8. Jennifer Alco says

    March 8, 2021 at 10:50 pm

    Sounds easy to do will try as s00n as I can for our new premi great grand daughter. Thank you so much for the pattern.
    I was at a loss for a pattern for someone so small.

    Reply
  9. Samantha says

    February 12, 2021 at 11:35 am

    8mm needles for uk size seems quite large, is this the size I should be using? I am very new to knitting and am trying to knit my first baby hat. What size of yarn, in uk mm should I be buying and what size of needles should I use for this? Or do you have a link for yarn that works well with this, I’m a total beginner teaching myself and have only knitted a basic baby blanket before.

    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Jean says

      February 16, 2021 at 6:25 am

      in UK this would be dk yarn and 4mm needles. I have a similar pattern in the uk and was amazed how small it is but was assured it was fine. Good luck.

      Reply
    • Beverly says

      February 16, 2021 at 8:05 pm

      Yes, UK size 8 is equal to the US size 6 that I use for this pattern. I also use the yarn labeled as “4” weight which I believe is sometimes called Aran yarn in the UK.

      Reply
  10. Margorie says

    February 8, 2021 at 3:14 pm

    Beverly,just found your patterns for the baby beanies and am starting right now to kni them up. Last year I turned 90 in Sept. well in Feb. my daughter asked me what I wanted to do for my 90th birthday and I said I was going to make 90 beanie hats in various designs for the kids at St. Judes Hospital. I finished the 90th on Aug. 21,one month before my birthday. Since my daughter and her husband and I are full time rovers,my knitting was done last year from Ga. to Ohio to Colorado and back to Ga. I have 10 great grandchildren so they have my knitting and now I am set on the newborns can’t wait. Thank you for the patterns. Margorie.

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      February 11, 2021 at 7:21 pm

      Your comment warmed my heart Margorie ❤️ I hope if I make it to 90 that I’ll be able to still knit at that kind of pace! And thank you for blessing the children at St. Jude’s with your handiwork too. 🙂

      Reply
  11. patricia robidoux says

    February 7, 2021 at 8:01 am

    I would like to make n donate to hosp

    Reply
  12. June says

    January 24, 2021 at 4:00 pm

    Hi . Can you please advise me on the baby hats you have knitted. I have followed instructions. But my hat has turned out very small.i used double knitting wool on size 4 mm . Can you explain were I am going wrong please

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      January 24, 2021 at 4:45 pm

      These hats are about 10″ around so they are quite small and intended for newborns. However if yours is still a bit smaller, I would try going up a needle size and see if that gives you a little hat that has a 10″ circumference.

      Reply
      • Jean says

        February 16, 2021 at 6:28 am

        YOUR REPLY TO JUNE WAS FINE. THE HATS ARE EXTREMELY SMALL BUT I AM TOLD JUST PERFECT FOR PREMMIE BABIES. SO TELL HER TO KEEP KNITTING. GOOD LUCK

        Reply
  13. Patti says

    January 24, 2021 at 7:49 am

    If I want to make a hat for a 3-6 month old how many stitches could I cast in?

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      January 24, 2021 at 4:50 pm

      I have made a slightly larger version of this hat where I cast on 72 stitches and knit the hat until it was 5″ from the beginning. (I think I had to improvise a bit on the last decrease row as the stitch count did not come out quite the same).

      Reply
  14. Margaret Manby says

    January 13, 2021 at 12:17 pm

    Fabulously simple pattern .

    Reply
  15. Meesh says

    December 21, 2020 at 1:23 pm

    I loved this pattern… so so easy to do I’m making a whole bunch for the Orem babies at my local hospital!!!
    THANKYOU!!!!

    Reply
  16. Sophia says

    December 20, 2020 at 12:47 pm

    May I ask how you would resize these hats to make bigger for older babies please

    Reply
  17. Marie says

    December 20, 2020 at 8:15 am

    Knitting for fifty years and this is the best instructions for making a
    Lovely Pom Pom.

    Reply
  18. Frances says

    November 11, 2020 at 4:01 pm

    I am a “new again” knitter who loved it as a new mom. After my 2nd child life sped up and knitting was left behind. As a grandmother, I have begun to knit again after 50 years – yikes!
    All that to say that your instructions are the best and easiest to follow that I’ve seen! I’ve researched a lot of patterns – my 4th blanket since Covid is almost done. Thanks sooooo much for your outstanding instructions! I’ll be looking for more of your patterns 😘💕

    Reply
  19. Ann K. says

    October 7, 2020 at 12:42 am

    Thanks so much for your pattern. I signed up for the newsletter.
    My 14 year old granddaughter, an 8th grader, is trying very hard to knit. I have not knitted for the past 7 to 8 years, but I am now interested once again – thanks to Nina.

    What kind of yarm do you recommend for the newborn hat pattern?

    Thanks ~ Ann. K
    Denver, CO

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      October 7, 2020 at 7:59 pm

      This pattern uses “4” weight yarn (worsted) and I usually suggest looking for a soft one such as Caron Simply Soft. I hope you and your granddaughter have some good times knitting together!

      Reply
  20. Joann Palm says

    September 23, 2020 at 1:54 pm

    Thank you so much. Such a cute baby hat. I am currently using your pattern in pink for my first grandchild. I was wondering what method you use to stitch the seam? I have only tried the mattress stitch (on a baby sleep sack) and it left a very bulky seam and I don’t think it will work for this hat.
    Thanks!

    Reply
  21. Shirley Stedman says

    September 7, 2020 at 8:14 am

    Hi

    I’ve done one of these using UK size 5 needles, because UK size 8 are really big, so I wasn’t sure if that was right.

    I don’t suppose you can let me know the dimensions of one of the finished hats – just so I can check what I’ve produced isn’t too small?

    Thanks very much 😊

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      September 12, 2020 at 4:58 pm

      The knit newborn hats are quite small. I measured one I did and it has an 11 inch circumference and is about 4.5 inches high. If you need that in centimeters that would be about a 28 cm circumference and about 11.5 cm high.

      Reply
  22. Karen says

    August 31, 2020 at 2:50 pm

    Thank you so much for posting such an easy-to-follow pattern! I only learned to knit 3 years ago (lifelong crocheter). I’m expecting my 7th baby and this is the first baby I’m having since learning to knit, so I’m excited to make some baby things.

    Reply
  23. Kim says

    August 27, 2020 at 11:00 am

    Also, do you have a pattern for a very small baby blanket- almost like a “lovie”?

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      August 28, 2020 at 8:39 pm

      One thing you can try for knitting a small Lovey, is to use my diagonal dishcloth pattern. Just use a soft baby yarn, and make it a larger square (perhaps a 14″ square instead of the 9″ size of a dishcloth). Here’s the link to that dishcloth pattern: https://www.themakeyourownzone.com/2-ways-to-knit-diagonal-dishcloths-holes-or-no-holes/

      Reply
  24. Kim says

    August 27, 2020 at 10:58 am

    Hi, can you knit this hat on circular needles?

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      August 28, 2020 at 8:23 pm

      If you use circular needles, this hat will get too small with too few stitches at the top to keep using them. However you could try then switching to DP’s or using the magic loop to finish things off.

      Reply
  25. Roberta Roberts says

    August 26, 2020 at 7:06 pm

    Thank you for this pattern. I’m so happy to have one that’s done on straight needles

    Reply
  26. Marjorie Quarton says

    August 5, 2020 at 4:48 pm

    I have been knitting baby hats (new-born) every time I finish something and have wool to spare. I feel I should manage a round needle, but so far I don’t like using it much. Now I’ve been asked for similar hats for 6 – 9 months old, so I’d appreciate a pattern. All my knitting goes for charity. apart from presents for friends and family. Thank you for practical advice. Sincerely, Marjorie Quarton.

    Reply
  27. Sandra Deleon says

    July 29, 2020 at 5:55 pm

    Thank you

    Reply
  28. Eunice Helmore says

    July 14, 2020 at 2:18 am

    Thank you so much for this pattern. My grand daughter has just had premmie twins at 28 weeks, so I am going to just love making these for them. Kindest regards.

    Reply
  29. Sylvia Down says

    July 1, 2020 at 7:52 pm

    Thank you! I loved your story about your two little baby hats Very generous of you to share. I hope to make some for my “wanna be a Grandmother stash” and family friends.

    Reply
  30. Frances Sullivan says

    June 21, 2020 at 9:53 am

    Just like this one

    Reply
  31. Denise says

    June 6, 2020 at 2:33 pm

    Lovely pattern and very easy to do… giving them to a local hospital for the prem babies…

    Reply
  32. jhamwil says

    May 14, 2020 at 8:02 pm

    Thanks for this pattern Bev, I made the small 5 hour sweater and brought the pattern forth on this hat. Such a cute gift for a new babe.

    Reply
  33. Susan Dutton says

    May 1, 2020 at 10:09 am

    A very easy pattern to follow, thank you.

    Reply
  34. Sue Blanke says

    April 30, 2020 at 2:40 pm

    Thank you so much for the simple pattern! I’ve been knitting piles of these cuties!!!!

    Reply
  35. Kate Blair says

    April 9, 2020 at 11:22 am

    Do you have a pattern for the next size hat.i knitted this one and i think it’s for a prem.baby

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      April 15, 2020 at 11:02 am

      This knitting pattern does create quite a small hat as they are intended for newborns. However if you are a little bit of a tighter knitter, yours may have turned out closer to a preemie size. When I want to make this pattern slightly larger, I cast on 72, and instead of knitting until 4″ from the beginning, I knit until 5″ from the beginning. From there you can proceed on with the decrease rows at the top.

      Reply
  36. jan krahnert says

    April 6, 2020 at 7:48 am

    thanx so very much great help

    Reply
  37. Marilyn says

    March 5, 2020 at 7:15 pm

    Addendum to previous comment. I do like baby yarn 3 weight on #6 needles. I find a 54 or 64 Cast on a good size.

    Reply
    • Theresa says

      March 19, 2020 at 5:26 pm

      When you do 54 and 64 when do you start to decrease and do you follow the same instructions for decrease as this pattern does?

      Reply
  38. Marilyn says

    March 5, 2020 at 7:08 pm

    I also make baby hats for our local hospital. Your pattern is pretty straight forward but I prefer a no seam. I use Magic Loop.

    Reply
  39. patds219 says

    February 23, 2020 at 10:23 am

    Hi. Do you have a picture of what the hat will look like with the seam? I’d rather not have a seam, if possible. I’m going to try it with round needles and then gather it up on the top to avoid the seam. Has anyone tried this yet?

    Reply
    • patds219 says

      February 23, 2020 at 10:24 am

      Sorry. I meant without decreasing at the top.

      Reply
  40. Jackie Rygg says

    January 19, 2020 at 11:34 am

    I make knitted newborn hats all the time and donate them to the local hospital. I use size 8 needles – 16” circular and size 8 double pointed to finish the top. I usually cast on about 60 – 64 stitches in a baby weight yarn although I’ve used worsted weight as well (I don’t like worsted weight, they are too stiff for a baby). This pattern makes a bit bigger hat – about 28 to 30 cm. I haven’t put pompoms on mine but I certainly could. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  41. Marion says

    December 16, 2019 at 2:47 pm

    Thank you so much for the pattern. The hats are going to the Maternity Unit at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, Scotland.

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      December 20, 2019 at 12:00 pm

      I’m sure your generosity to those little ones will be appreciated!

      Reply
  42. Erica says

    December 13, 2019 at 12:05 am

    I love this pattern! But I found it to be a little small – about 28cm using the recommended 48 stitches and size 6 needles. The average newborn head measures between 32-38cm, so I think next time, I’ll need to make it a little bigger.

    Reply
  43. mieke says

    November 28, 2019 at 1:13 am

    Thank you. Need to knit a hat and it’s a nice simple pattern for a beginner.

    Reply
  44. Sharon says

    November 19, 2019 at 9:42 am

    Thank you. Just became great grandmother again last night nd need to knit a hat for it it’s a nice simply pattern.

    Reply
  45. Pam says

    October 22, 2019 at 4:29 pm

    Thank you for the pattern, from a neighbor in Ionia. Love Country Needleworks!

    Reply
    • Pam says

      October 22, 2019 at 4:42 pm

      I also make hats and donate them all, had75 last year I donated. Which hospital in GR takes donated hats? Thanks Pam

      Reply
  46. Kate says

    October 5, 2019 at 5:02 pm

    It would be helpful if you said what size circular needle for us beginners even though you used straight needles.

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      October 14, 2019 at 3:19 pm

      Because this is a very small hat, circular needles can be hard to use. I don’t recommend it unless you are using circulars with the magic loop method.

      Reply
  47. Kay Housley says

    September 29, 2019 at 10:04 am

    I have knit for years and do not know what a “4” yarn is.

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      September 30, 2019 at 10:04 am

      This is a newer numbering system that is on all yarn now (in the info on the yarn label, there will be a small black & white picture of a skein of yarn with a number on it, the numbers go from 1 through 7). The 4 weight is the traditional worsted weight yarn. I was unsure of this system at first too as I’ve also been knitting for years, but it’s actually very helpful because there are so many fancy specialty yarns now and it’s a good way to be able to determine their thickness so you know if you can use them in a pattern.

      Reply
  48. Edie Fisher says

    September 27, 2019 at 1:12 pm

    I crochet only !

    Reply
  49. Caroline John says

    September 21, 2019 at 4:17 am

    Thank you for your patterns .I’m going to try to make for a friend who works in a Maternity unit .

    Reply
  50. Hadass Rosenthal says

    September 9, 2019 at 5:05 am

    I’d like to knit a hat for a 2year old toddler. They live in another country so I can’t take the measurements. Could and would you help me? I thought of giving it together with a vest in similar colors. Thanks in advance
    Hadass Rosenthal

    Reply
  51. WENDY says

    August 8, 2019 at 11:54 am

    I have this pattern on my clipboard. Made 25 hats for newborns using Loops & Threads yarn from Michaels last year.
    This is my ‘go-to’ pattern because I can use up my stash for stripping and pom poms.
    Have also made simple knitted booties matching the stripes.

    Reply
  52. Tracey says

    July 22, 2019 at 2:45 am

    Love this pattern but I found it a little small , so I will adjust it till it measures about 40cm in diameter. I used 4.5mm Aust needles and followed the pattern but it was only about 26cm in diameter . 😀

    Reply
  53. Deb says

    June 18, 2019 at 3:00 pm

    Love this baby hat! Do you have a baby mitten pattern?

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      June 21, 2019 at 8:09 pm

      No, I’m sorry I don’t currently have a baby mitten pattern. I do remember making my own pattern for knit baby mittens for my children 30 years ago, but I didn’t write down what I did. Never dreamed I would have a blog someday and the pattern might come in handy again!

      Reply
  54. Yvonne says

    June 1, 2019 at 5:00 am

    Have you a premature baby booties
    Dk I can print

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      June 2, 2019 at 4:54 pm

      Sorry Yvonne, I do not have any bootie patterns at this time.

      Reply
  55. maureen says

    April 3, 2019 at 8:24 pm

    Found to be relaxing,and something towards a charity

    Reply
  56. Christine says

    February 7, 2019 at 7:17 pm

    After looking for a free pattern for knitting hats for newborns and not finding anything (maybe it’s me as I am not very computer savvy) I found your site. Thank you, thank you. thank you for actually having a pattern that I could print out!

    Reply
  57. jordi says

    February 3, 2019 at 9:12 pm

    This pattern is so easy I can remember it. Changed it up slightly by doing K2, P2 instead of K1, P1 for the first six rows because I like the look better. I also used the tail cast on method because it allows for more stretch.

    Reply
  58. Jenny says

    January 2, 2019 at 10:28 am

    Agree with Beverly. Garter stitch is pretty especially with variegated baby yarn. However, using two sets of circulars and knitting in the round is all stockinette. You might want to practice the purl, though, because a ribbed edge won’t curl. Try practicing with a DK weight on US size 8s till that is comfortable then do a swatch with 6s till that is comfortable. After that you will feel like a PRO ! Happy Knitting.

    Reply
  59. Anonymous says

    December 4, 2018 at 1:06 pm

    Can this hat be made with circular needles and if so what size?

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      December 9, 2018 at 7:23 pm

      The top of these hats are very small so circular needles will probably not work unless you do the magic loop method.

      Reply
      • Carol says

        December 11, 2018 at 2:20 am

        You can use double pointed needles at the top

        Reply
  60. Anonymous says

    November 27, 2018 at 1:42 pm

    What do I do with the 6 stitches? I’m a crocheter and this is my first time knitting.

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      November 27, 2018 at 8:31 pm

      When you get to the end and have the six stitches left on your needle, you will cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread that tail of yarn onto a blunt, large-eye needle and thread it through the stitches on the needle, then remove the stitches from the needle and pull them tight to gather them together. Then sew the seam and your hat will be complete!

      Reply
  61. Ellen says

    October 18, 2018 at 12:14 pm

    I love this pattern, but how can I also make newborn. I have been making the preemie for the hospital and they would also like some for newborn. I’m a beginner knitter. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      October 27, 2018 at 8:50 pm

      For me, this pattern does make a newborn hat so if you are getting a preemie size you are probably a “tighter” knitter than I am. Perhaps to get a newborn size you could switch to a larger needle and/or try a heavier yarn. There are some fuzzy baby yarns that are labeled as Bulky 5 size, but are still soft and would probably work for a newborn hat.

      Reply
      • Jenny says

        January 2, 2019 at 10:22 am

        Circulars; absolutely! The secret is to use two sets or circulars with half the stitches on each set. I usually use sets with different colored needles or different colored cables. That way you can easily pick up the right needle for the side on which you are working. There are plenty of YouTube videos which demonstrate this technique.

        Reply
  62. TRACY says

    October 15, 2018 at 10:54 am

    HI CAN I MAKE THEM IN JUST KNIT AND LEAVE THE PURL AS MY PURL ISNT VERY GOOD THANKS.

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      October 16, 2018 at 8:37 pm

      Well if you do only knit stitch you will have a much different looking garter stitch hat with a roll brim, but it might work!

      Reply
  63. Pauline Roberts says

    October 10, 2018 at 4:44 am

    great little pattern i do loads for the prem unit

    Reply
  64. Saira Babar says

    September 15, 2018 at 1:23 am

    This is beautiful I am trying this myself thanks for the pattern

    Reply
  65. Susan Law says

    September 5, 2018 at 11:54 pm

    As a neonatal nurse, please don’t knit them any smaller than 28cm or 11 inches round. Babies have big heads, same goes for their feet, dolls booties aren’t not suitable as they are too short and too narrow. Hate to see people wasting there time and wool on unsuitable items.

    Reply
  66. Ruby Fox says

    August 14, 2018 at 12:53 am

    This was my first time following a knitting pattern and changing colours, but it was surprisingly easy, and quick to make! This is the perfect pattern for beginners (and I know my soon-to-be baby cousin will be happy too!) Thank you very much. 🙂

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      August 15, 2018 at 11:09 am

      I’m so glad you had success with this pattern as a beginner Ruby! Small projects like this are indeed a good way to learn knitting skills.

      Reply
      • Margaret knight says

        October 3, 2018 at 8:14 am

        Can u help me I need a pattern for premy baby’s for the hospital the top of the hat u can open to test baby without removing the hat I have looked everywhere can’t find one hope I wil be lucky with u Regards Margaret .

        Reply
  67. Jeannette Thompson says

    July 29, 2018 at 12:10 pm

    Hello! How can I get the pink or blue yarn. Love the color. Thank You

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      August 5, 2018 at 8:06 pm

      Most of the yarns I used for these baby hats were the Bernat Satin yarns that I buy at Michaels Crafts. However they change the colors they manufacture as the years go along so some of the colors pictured here might not be available anymore.

      Reply
  68. helen trussler says

    June 25, 2018 at 3:23 pm

    i have not made these for some time and started one with some left over yarn . how do you donate it where it is needed We used to take them to one of the Drug stores I live in the North Bay area in Northern Ontario

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      June 26, 2018 at 12:29 pm

      Helen – you could try contacting local yarn shops who might know about where knitted goods can be sent for donation. Otherwise you could contact your local hospital directly about giving them a donation of hand knitted hats for the natal unit.

      Reply
  69. Gail says

    June 12, 2018 at 3:07 pm

    Can you give the directions for a 6-12 month baby please

    Reply
  70. Shilpa says

    May 17, 2018 at 5:11 am

    Thank you so much, I am a complete novice and left handed knitter and found the pattern really easy to follow. I even made the babies hat in one evening, It has given me confidence to try other things.

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      May 20, 2018 at 4:47 pm

      I love that this pattern has helped you feel confident to try more knitting projects. Even the best knitters get started in this same way. You start small and work your way up from there!

      Reply
  71. Dawn says

    April 18, 2018 at 6:58 am

    Thank you so much for the patterns. They are so clear and easy to read.
    I just found out this morning that one of my best friends is unexpectedly pregnant so I am getting busy with the needles
    Love this pattern, thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  72. Lynn Law says

    April 9, 2018 at 4:01 pm

    I am looking for hat, bootie, cardigan patterns for baby weighing 2.5 lbs any help would be much appreciated.

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      April 15, 2018 at 8:41 pm

      I don’t have any preemie patterns in my stash but here is a a link to a web page with a list of quite of few preemie patterns. Maybe one of those will work for you! http://www.knittingwomen.com/35-free-knitting-patterns-for-preemie-babies/

      Reply
  73. laura says

    April 4, 2018 at 8:12 pm

    Thanks for this lovely little pattern. I found it this afternoon and have made 2 and started looking for infant mitts pattern as well but think I can modify this one a bit. I had leftover yarn from a small baby blanket so this hat is just perfect to add to the blanket.

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      April 10, 2018 at 12:33 pm

      I did the same thing with a leftover yarn after making a baby afghan! I used this pattern to make an extra little matching hat. Works great!

      Reply
  74. Gloria Gregg says

    March 24, 2018 at 4:52 pm

    Do you have a similar pattern for babies older than newborn and toddlers ?

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      March 25, 2018 at 8:04 pm

      Currently I don’t have larger sized patterns, but it’s something I hope to work on in the future.

      Reply
      • Martha Kirkton says

        April 1, 2018 at 3:33 pm

        Your pattern is one of the best I have ever seen. Your directions are very easy to follow also. I have made a dozen changing the size by changing needle size cast on number and yarn type. Most of the ones I have made however are newborn size. But I made a few changes for the other sizes. I just finished one where I used size 7 (us)needle for cast on.and the beginning rows of rib. Then changed to size 6 needles for the pattern of body.which is a simple k1 yo k2together. This produces a bit of a lacy look. I used #4 yarn . Followed the decrease row pattern you wrote. And it worked.when finished it turned out to be approximately the next size from newborn.I love all your suggested color schemes. So knitters just experiment with her pattern and adjust if necessary an increase of 4 stitches to get the size you desire. Then for decrease just divide stitches to even numbers. Thank you so much Beverley for your talent and gift to us all. Oh. Did I forget to say I LOVE THIS PATTERN!

        Reply
        • Beverly says

          April 15, 2018 at 9:10 pm

          Thanks for your kind words Martha . . so glad you have enjoyed the pattern! 🙂

          Reply
  75. Mrs Smith says

    March 24, 2018 at 4:55 am

    Thank you for publishing this pattern, My local maternity unit is asking for hats in red, amber and green so I can use up some of my leftovers for a good cause. Great it does not need to be done in the round as that would be beyond me, kind regards from Devon, UK

    Reply
  76. Lyn Brooks says

    March 16, 2018 at 2:21 am

    Many thanks for sharing the pattern, 6th great grand child due this week so I’d better get busy.

    Reply
  77. Isobel Thomson says

    March 14, 2018 at 9:38 am

    Thank you so much. Am doing hats for Glasgow Mat and most sites ask for payment for patterns!

    Reply
  78. Debbie J says

    March 9, 2018 at 1:43 pm

    This is a great pattern! I have adapted it for double pointed needles to avoid the seam as well. This pattern works up quickly so it doesn’t take long to have a collection of hats ready to donate to the local birthing unit! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Patricia says

      April 12, 2018 at 5:48 pm

      Do you mean you are knitting them in the round so you have no seam, that is what I would like to do but not sure how to adapt pattern to do it .

      Reply
  79. Anne says

    March 2, 2018 at 3:32 pm

    Thank you for sharing. So often I look for patterns that are labeled free, however there usually a catch. Plus this a great community mission?❤️

    Reply
  80. Marilyn says

    February 24, 2018 at 6:36 pm

    I too make baby and chemo hats using the Magic Loop method thus eliminating the seam.

    Reply
    • Marilyn says

      February 24, 2018 at 6:41 pm

      So sorry for multiple comments. I didn’t realize I was on the same post.

      Reply
      • Dorothy Sweeting says

        March 3, 2018 at 12:34 am

        Thanks for the patterns Dorothy Sweeting

        Reply
    • Scharlotte Markham says

      February 28, 2018 at 6:44 pm

      I am interested in making these hats. Can you help me to get started?

      Reply
  81. Marilyn Huntress says

    February 15, 2018 at 11:28 am

    I appreciate this pattern but I would not seam a hat. I use the circular needle Magic Loop method.

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      February 16, 2018 at 4:10 pm

      I wish I was good at Magic Loop Marilyn! I’ve tried it several times but I just don’t seem to be getting the hang of it very well. For others with this same dilemma, this seamed hat is an alternative that even beginners can usually make.

      Reply
  82. Marilyn says

    February 11, 2018 at 10:27 pm

    I love your Knit baby hats but not in favor of seams. I use the Magic Loop technique.

    Reply
  83. Christine says

    February 9, 2018 at 9:24 pm

    I found your pattern online and am very keen to give it a try. However, I am in New Zealand and have no idea what the yarn you mentioned is. We have 4ply, 8 ply etc.
    Would 8 ply (also known as double knit) be the correct equivalent? Thank you

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      February 11, 2018 at 5:38 pm

      Hi Christine – Yes, I did some quick research and the 8 ply should be the equivalent of what we call worsted yarn in the U.S. I didn’t know those terms were used in New Zealand so you helped me learn something today too!

      Reply
      • Christine says

        February 11, 2018 at 11:44 pm

        Thank you very much – can’t wait to get cracking with your lovely pattern.

        Reply
  84. Jeannette Sagrestano says

    February 9, 2018 at 9:48 am

    Hi! I have been making blankets/scarfs/sweaters for “World Vision” (knit for kids). They are now requesting hats and I am not good at making hats and wanted something simple. I came upon your blog —- This is great —- and for free. Most blogs wanted money for their patters. Thank you so much.
    Jeannette
    [email protected]

    Reply
  85. Lori Garin says

    February 7, 2018 at 11:03 am

    Oh Bev, these are so adorable! Looking for something to do while watching TV (need to keep my hands out of the cookie jar!!). Just had my first grandbaby so excited to try this. My goal is to get good enough to be able to donate to hospitals.

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      February 16, 2018 at 4:34 pm

      These are perfect to make while watching TV Lori! I am often “half” watching TV while my husband watches sports, news, and etc., and these hats are a nice little project to stay busy with on these types of evenings.

      Reply
  86. Patricia Bate says

    January 24, 2018 at 6:16 pm

    Great pattern. Thank you!

    Reply
  87. Suzette Fergusson says

    January 19, 2018 at 10:52 pm

    Sigh. Absolutely adorable. If only i had read the comments first. I need to use the baby yarn, to match thw booties etc. My hat came out doll sized. Would it work with bigger needles? I am such a beginner knitwise.

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      January 28, 2018 at 8:08 pm

      Perhaps you could try using two strands of your lighter weight baby yarn held together as you knit to get a larger finished hat.I think if you use the bigger needles with the thinner baby yarn the stitches will look too loose and stretchy, but you could give it a try.

      Reply
  88. Hazel says

    January 4, 2018 at 7:12 pm

    Thank you for the pattern I loved knitting these hats knowing they are helping hospitals.
    I saw the appeal on facebook. Thank you.
    I will try the stockings nex they look nice and will cheer people up too. I did some mini hats for the elderly help the aged for the smoothly bottles they are so easy and fun to make.

    Reply
  89. Jessica Minton says

    December 28, 2017 at 2:32 pm

    Hey! I am so excited to start using this pattern. I have been looking for a simple pattern to make hats to donate. Just one question, though. If you were to down size them for a preemie, how many stitches would you cast on? I have a hard time down sizes things.

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      December 29, 2017 at 9:54 pm

      I’ve never used my pattern to knit a preemie size newborn hat, but my first thought would be to try making it about an inch smaller around, so I would try casting on 44 stitches. You would also want to knit a few less rows before starting the decrease rows too.

      Reply
  90. Liv says

    December 23, 2017 at 10:29 pm

    I love this pattern, but I’m a little confused! I made 5 today and they turned out great, but one turned out being 6″ tall and the rest only about 4-4’5″
    Reading online it seems like a newborn baby hat is supposed to be 6″ tall, so am I somehow doing something wrong?

    They measured 4″ when I started to decrease, and the rib was 1″ doing 6 rows 🙂

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      December 25, 2017 at 8:04 pm

      My finished hats are about 4.5″ and they should fit most very newborn babies. So your hats that are turning out 4.5″ are correct. I’m not sure how you ended up with a 6″ hat, unless perhaps it was a stretchier yarn.

      Reply
  91. Lucy Neate Mcgill says

    December 15, 2017 at 8:32 pm

    thankyou for the pattern just knitted 4 for the baby unit will start 4 more tomorrow

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      December 17, 2017 at 7:49 pm

      Glad you are enjoying the pattern Lucy! I know the baby unit will appreciate your donation too.

      Reply
  92. Sophie says

    December 10, 2017 at 11:56 pm

    How do you seam the hats? What kind of stitch do you use?

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      December 17, 2017 at 8:04 pm

      I have recently discovered Mattress Stitch which is a very invisible way of seaming. You might like to try that on these little hats.

      Reply
    • Anne says

      February 24, 2018 at 2:21 pm

      Hi do you have a easy bootie pattern you can recommend
      Thank you

      Reply
  93. Maddie H. says

    November 25, 2017 at 12:29 am

    Hello Beverly! Thank you so much for the knitting pattern. I am thirteen, and have been knitting for a few years. I’m going to donate all the hats I’ve made the the children’s hospital:)

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      November 26, 2017 at 5:19 pm

      That’s great Maddie! These little knit hats are a perfect pattern for when you’re learning to knit and I love that you’re able to donate the hats too 🙂

      Reply
  94. Lesley says

    November 8, 2017 at 10:19 am

    Looks good will give them a try thanks

    Reply
  95. Janette says

    October 22, 2017 at 3:59 pm

    Do you have directions for caps for older kids. My group makes knit and crochet blankets for foster children and this would be good for the leftover yarn.

    Reply
    • Marlene says

      November 13, 2017 at 4:39 pm

      Love to do older also need a pattern please
      Crochet or knitting! Thnk u!

      Reply
  96. Nancy says

    October 9, 2017 at 4:35 pm

    Hi, I’m a newbie. Would this pattern work on 3 DPN? I’m not good at seams. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      October 11, 2017 at 7:22 pm

      Yes, I think this pattern would work on double pointed needles. I don’t often use DPN, but if you divide the stitches evenly between the needles when casting on, I think you should be able to proceed with the rest of the pattern OK.

      Reply
      • Eleanor Smith says

        October 30, 2017 at 11:48 pm

        DPN works well. I’m not good at seaming either. I like crochet better.

        Reply
      • Pamela says

        November 8, 2017 at 8:37 pm

        When you use double point needles, you need to knit all stitches for the stockinette portion.

        Reply
  97. Helen Whitney says

    September 26, 2017 at 6:34 pm

    Hi Bev, Thank you for an excellent pattern. I use size 8 sock needles ( 5 short needles with 12 stitches on 4 needles) and there is no problem knitting in the round and decreasing at the top.

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      September 26, 2017 at 8:44 pm

      I wish I was better at using sock/double pointed needles. Like you said, they’re a good way to do small things in the round!

      Reply
  98. Vera Staruch says

    September 24, 2017 at 8:31 pm

    Thank you for so many great ideas for knitting hats for babies in hospitals. I have just started this project but am running out of ideas. Thanks again. Vera Staruch

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      September 26, 2017 at 8:57 pm

      Glad to hear you are enjoying some of the stripe pattern ideas Vera!

      Reply
  99. Alison says

    September 22, 2017 at 10:22 am

    My hat turned out tiny with 20cm (8 inches) circumference…iv made it for a friends baby…are they meant to be for full term babies cause my babies had way bigger heads … 35cm (14 inches) and 36cm (14 1/4 inches) or are we supposed to make 2 sides

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      September 22, 2017 at 11:35 am

      Yes, that sounds too small Alison. One of my finished hats with this pattern has about an 11″ total circumference. You need a gauge of about 4 stitches per inch to get a properly sized hat. Did you use a worsted weight yarn (labeled as 4)? Sometimes it’s tempting to want to use the baby weight yarns (labeled as 2 or 3) but those will result in very small hats.

      Reply
  100. Bonnie says

    September 17, 2017 at 2:53 pm

    Love, the hats. Just starting back to knitting after 40 some years. (very basic knitting) Would love to know if you have larger sizes. Youngest grand babies are almost a year old. (and almost 3, 3 year olds.

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      September 18, 2017 at 8:17 pm

      I have done a little bit of experimenting with some larger hats but have not really got it all figured out with a pattern to share yet. I’ll keep working on it!

      Reply
    • Amanda Sanderson says

      October 20, 2017 at 9:16 pm

      Bonnie the trick to making larger hat’s is to know your tension. I knit with red heart yarn (#4) which calls for a size 7 needle. So knowing that it is 5 stitches per inch. So if someone’s head is 23 inches you will need to cast on 115 stitches (23 inches*5 stitches =115). Good luck.

      Reply
  101. Stephanie Sodel says

    September 3, 2017 at 3:18 pm

    I am a beginner knitter,at least that is how I feel! I have been knitting baby hats on circular needles. ( with a 16″ length). They have been coming out great. I want to do preemie hats to donate. I was a premie and I have bad eyesight because of that. So a #6US is about as small as I can handle. I also like th circular because it is difficult for me to do a nice seam. Any suggestions?

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      September 6, 2017 at 8:53 pm

      One idea for making tiny preemie hats on circular needles would be to use the Magic Loop method. You should be able to go to YouTube and find some videos of how to do it. It’s a way to use circular needles, even on tiny projects. For a preemie hat, you could maybe try casting on 40 stitches (so that the hat is a couple inches smaller around). You might have to tweak the decrease rows at the top a bit too. I think you could still use size 6 needles.

      Reply
  102. Julie says

    August 30, 2017 at 11:02 am

    I just finished making one of your hats and it is so small I wonder if it would fit any newborn. Was very disappointed. Would it be better to use larger needles?? Maybe increase number of stitches.

    Julie

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      August 31, 2017 at 7:14 pm

      Was your gauge 4.5 stitches per inch? The finished hats should be about 11″ around when finished. I have used this size finished hat on my newborn grandchildren and they fit perfectly. You could probably go up a needle size if you wanted to, if that would help you get the proper gauge, or if you wanted a slightly larger hat.

      Reply
  103. Carol says

    August 17, 2017 at 8:44 pm

    Your little hats are adorable. Could these be increased to make for 5 year olds?

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      August 26, 2017 at 1:48 pm

      I have made these in a slightly larger toddler size by casting on 72 stitches and knitting until it was 5″ before decreasing, however I think that might still be a little small for a five year old. Perhaps you could try casting on 80 stitches (to add a couple more inches around) and knitting to about 6″ before the decreases. You might have to improvise on the decreases a bit at the top too.

      Reply
  104. Susan A Ross says

    August 14, 2017 at 3:39 pm

    Love these little hats. I knit for the local hospital as well. They ask that the hats be knit on a round needle to avoid a seam that can irritate bald heads. This pattern would still work by knitting in the round.

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      August 26, 2017 at 1:34 pm

      Some day soon I hope to try the magic loop method on these little hats. I think that would be a way to knit them in the round even when they get very small at the top.

      Reply
      • Jcoolican says

        September 18, 2017 at 6:35 pm

        You can purchase 10 inch length circular needles on the Internet of various sizes. I use these to make the premie hats. Works wonderfully.

        Reply
  105. Linda says

    August 10, 2017 at 11:19 am

    Hi, Thanks so much for the easy pattern for infant hats. I have not done knitting for years and my daughter sent me a link, http://abcn.ws/2um5VmR which is to raise awareness of shaken baby syndrome. Look it up it’s about Oklahoma State making Purple hats for the hospital and will tell you why it’s Purple hats. I am going to make purple hats to either send to Oklahoma or I am going to see if my local hospital will be doing the purple hats for awareness.
    Thanks Again,

    Linda
    P.S. i will also be looking for a preemie pattern.

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      August 13, 2017 at 8:06 pm

      I’m glad you are able to use this pattern for a good cause Linda!

      Reply
  106. Margaret says

    April 1, 2017 at 9:06 pm

    I make these for my local hospital but use a circular needle. When it’s time to decrease, I divide the stitches between three straight needles and proceed to the finish. It saves the need for a seam and makes for a smoother, neater look.

    Reply
    • Marilyn Younce says

      January 3, 2018 at 5:19 pm

      Hi Margaret, when knitting in the round, do you simply knit for stockinete? Also, could you explain further how you decrease (at what point) with the double pointed needles?? Thank you!!

      Reply
  107. Caleb says

    March 11, 2017 at 6:42 am

    Thanks for the pattern. This was perfect for a gift for my sister’s first kid!

    Reply
  108. Martina says

    January 27, 2017 at 12:27 am

    Hi sue how many stitches would I need to make the hat a bit bigger? Tks

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      February 5, 2017 at 9:30 am

      After recently experimenting making this hat a little bigger too, I would suggest casting on 72 stitches and knitting until about 6″ from the beginning, and then doing the decrease rows in pretty much the same way. This should fit about a 2 year old size.

      Reply
  109. Marjorie Silverman says

    December 11, 2016 at 3:24 am

    Hi, This is a wonderful and generous project. I, especially, would love to take part in something like this. Both of my granddaughters were very premature and lived in the NICU for four months and six months respectively. One of them miraculously came home to us. They each weighed only one pound at birth. They gained a lot of weight during their stay but their lungs don’t necessarily fully develop. Fortunately, Lauren did survive. I don’t know if I remember pom poms. I’ll have to look at the pictures. I have many. These two little girls were from two different mothers. I have four daughters. I guess the hats would have to be much smaller for a preemie that size. Do you have any idea what kind of pattern that would be?

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      December 11, 2016 at 7:36 pm

      Thanks for sharing your story Marjorie, and I’m glad one of the babies was able to come home from the NICU. I currently do not have a preemie size version of this hat, but I will put that on my to do list.

      Reply
  110. marygale wright says

    December 2, 2016 at 4:45 pm

    toddler free pattern for a hat

    Reply
  111. curlycueathome says

    November 23, 2016 at 8:53 am

    Just found your blog through Ravelry. I am making this hat for a friend that just had a baby. Thanks!

    Reply
  112. Sue mc says

    October 9, 2016 at 4:49 am

    Can you share a down load link for this pattern please.

    Reply
  113. Graciela says

    September 11, 2016 at 6:25 pm

    Beautiful and made really fast.
    I wonder about the size I got, possibly a bit small? like 30 cms circumference.

    I think I will try adding two more stitches and see how it goes, just in case, since I plan to do as may as I can for a charity in Uruguay

    Reply
  114. Wilma says

    August 5, 2016 at 7:15 pm

    Wonderful just the right size some hats are to big for a newborn theses are just right thank you

    Reply
  115. Barbara Davis Turlington says

    April 19, 2016 at 2:18 am

    I use double point needles and knit these in the round. I have no seams to sew up. I have been Donating baby hats to local hospital for 12 yrs.
    I love charity knitting.

    Reply
  116. Antonietta D'Addio says

    April 18, 2016 at 1:50 pm

    I want to make a bunch of these to donate. Do you recommend using circular needles?

    Reply
    • Mimi says

      April 18, 2016 at 7:35 pm

      I have made many hats on circular needles – they come out so nice ! I would !?

      Reply
    • Beverly says

      April 18, 2016 at 7:49 pm

      I have found that these hats are too small to make on circular needles. Some folks have told me the way to make circular needles work on small items like this is to use the “magic loop” method, something I haven’t learned yet!

      Reply
  117. Clair mialkowski says

    February 18, 2016 at 6:07 pm

    Thankyou for sharing x

    Reply
  118. Bunny chick says

    January 14, 2016 at 3:41 am

    Lovely little hat thank you! Any tips on how to make the seam sit flat? mine is a bit lumpy (even though I was careful to stitch though the very edge).

    Reply
    • Mimi says

      January 14, 2016 at 7:44 am

      If you use circular needles , you will have no seam to knit ! There are wonderful videos on the Internet on how to cast on , knit in the round ( as it is called on circular )! And how to join in the round ! It’s not hard at all! If you can knit on straight needles , you can knit on circular ! Give it a try ! I used to use straight needles but once I switched to circular , I won’t go back ! Knit picks.com have wonderful circular needles that are a joy to knit with ! Hope that helps !?

      Reply
    • Beverly says

      January 16, 2016 at 10:35 am

      Circular needles can be a little challenging on this pattern because the hat is so small. One option is to try the “magic loop” method, which I still need to learn myself! Circular needles will, of course, eliminate any seam. But if making a seam, I usually try to do more of a “weaving” seam to make the seam a little less bulky, picking up a stitch on one side then the other. (However that might be what you were already doing).

      Reply
  119. Hilary Hall says

    December 27, 2015 at 4:52 pm

    Is size 6, American size needles or UK thank you

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      December 28, 2015 at 6:55 pm

      It is size 6 American needles

      Reply
  120. merssedes says

    December 24, 2015 at 2:16 pm

    Is there any way you wild be able to make a YouTube video and link it to this page. I’m new to knitting and don’t know how to read patterns. If you could read your pattern and then show what that means that would be great. Also in Aus we ply and it gets a lil confusing when you talk about the size of your wool.

    Reply
  121. crochetgottaloveit says

    December 18, 2015 at 3:34 pm

    HI Beverly,
    I am a brand-new knitter and I love the look of these hats. I have a quick question about needle size am I’m not sure which size to use.

    Do I use size 6.00 mm needles?
    Or do I use US #6 needles?

    Many thanks and many thanks for posting this pattern! 🙂

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      December 22, 2015 at 8:51 pm

      You use US size 6 needles for this pattern (this equals 4mm or UK size 8)

      Reply
      • crochetgottaloveit says

        January 3, 2016 at 11:46 pm

        Hanks, Beverly! I appreciate it very much!

        Reply
  122. Marg says

    November 21, 2015 at 6:23 am

    Just what I have been hunting for. Many thanks. They are for my local neonatal unit.

    Reply
  123. Madree Roberts says

    October 5, 2015 at 12:40 am

    I knit on double pointed needles and find it quicker because there is no seam to sew.

    Reply
  124. cheryl says

    October 3, 2015 at 9:03 pm

    Did u knit these baby hat with a straight size 6 needle or size 6 in circular needles?
    Thank you
    CNC FARMS

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      October 4, 2015 at 10:32 am

      I used straight needles which is why this pattern has a seam up the back. If you knit in the round, it gets too tight at the top of the hat when you are working on only a few stitches. Some people have suggested the Magic Loop method as a solution for that.

      Reply
  125. suzanne corkran says

    September 4, 2015 at 7:41 am

    Love this patter. so easy, so cute. very happy I found this pattern. thank you.

    Reply
  126. Madree Roberts says

    August 18, 2015 at 11:10 am

    I have just completed 30 newborn hats to give to Save The Children as I had done some years ago, but have learned that Save the Children want ONLY cash donations. Does anyone know to whom I might donate these hats

    Reply
    • Mimi says

      August 18, 2015 at 5:30 pm

      Your local church ( my Catholic one) always has church Fall festive that raises money to help the church and charity center for meals ministeries and are always welcoming knitted items for their craft tables . We have in our area a charity group called Caring Hands and they need baby hats to give to help the needy! You might want to look into that! Hope that helps ! God bless

      Reply
      • Madree Roberts says

        August 19, 2015 at 11:16 am

        Thank you

        Reply
  127. Jess K. says

    June 8, 2015 at 1:11 pm

    Hi! I may be starting a crochet/knitting group to make baby hats for the hospital(s) in my area. Would it be ok for me to make a handful of copies of this pattern for my group to use?

    Reply
  128. Priss says

    April 6, 2015 at 3:20 am

    I enjoyed this pattern, it’s pretty mindless and you don’t have to think as much when doing it.
    I use 4 size 6dpns and divided them amongst 3 needles. 16 in each needle, and instead of purling in just keep knitting after the ribbing part.

    Reply
  129. Barbara says

    January 23, 2015 at 1:09 am

    I used your pattern with circular needle and magic loop knitting. Knitted this way there is no side seam to sew up. Loving the hats.

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      January 24, 2015 at 10:32 am

      I’ve been experimenting with some small circular needles for this pattern too, but I have not yet learned the magic loop knitting. I will have to investigate that further!

      Reply
      • Barbara says

        January 26, 2015 at 12:09 am

        I learned magic loop knitting from You Tube videos.

        Reply
  130. Robyn Harrower says

    January 22, 2015 at 5:12 pm

    Hi, I have printed the pattern for the newborn hats. I used to knit for the tiny babies in the major hospitals in Sydney. I done this for over 20 years. I intend donating these hats to my local hospital. They are always so grateful to receive anything. My grandson had a purple hat with a big pom pom when he was born. Thank you for the patterns.

    Reply
  131. Barbara says

    January 22, 2015 at 9:19 am

    I have been knitting baby hats for my local hospital ever since I lost a grandson, 12 yrs ago. Also my 2 granddaughters were both preemies. The preemies have a hard time holding their temperatures up, and they really need baby hats to be able to survive. I love your pattern and have made 6 of them in the last 2 days. I will continue to use your pattern for the babies. Thank you so very much for this pattern. God Bless you.

    Reply
  132. Carol says

    November 23, 2014 at 11:45 am

    Made over a hundred now for local hospital in Lancaster in Lancashire England thanks for the pattern

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      November 23, 2014 at 1:55 pm

      How wonderful! Thanks so much for taking the time to share 🙂

      Reply
  133. Elizabeth Heoburn says

    November 16, 2014 at 6:26 pm

    many thanks for sharing this pattern. I intend making these for the hospital where my grand daughters were born. Your pattern will now be worn by little babies “across the pond” in Glasgow, Scotland .

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      November 16, 2014 at 8:06 pm

      Oh that warms my heart to think of little ones over in Scotland wearing these cute little hats too. Thanks so much for your comment!

      Reply
  134. Tina says

    September 29, 2014 at 8:57 am

    I’m fairly new to knitting and made this toque for a friends newborn. A friend of hers would like me to knit one for her 2 year old son. Could you please let me know how many stitches you would use and what size needles? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      September 29, 2014 at 8:57 pm

      There’s a comment up above where I gave a little more thorough explanation of the math on this same type of question, but you will probably want to cast on between 70 and 80 stitches (make sure you cast on an even number), and you will probably want to knit a few more rows too before starting the decrease rows (maybe knit to about 6″ before decreasing).

      Reply
      • Tina says

        September 30, 2014 at 6:33 am

        Thank you so very much. I hadn’t read thru all of the previous comments..sorry about that.

        Reply
  135. Linnet says

    September 26, 2014 at 10:39 pm

    Thank you for your pattern! Casting on 48 stitches is the best sized pattern I’ve seen so far. Hospitals in my area are asking for purple hats to hand out in November to spread awareness of the period of crying babies can go through.

    Reply
  136. Dorothy May Bell says

    September 4, 2014 at 9:58 pm

    just what i was looking for thank you i knit for hospitals

    Reply
  137. Jan says

    August 9, 2014 at 9:14 am

    Beverly, This may be a repeat but wasn’t sure if my “post comment” went through. Was glad I checked for a newborn cap knit pattern on internet. Our local hospital is going to be opening a maternity unit. I thought it would be nice to donate some caps as a opening gift donation. They’ll look a lot cuter than the tube ones they used years ago.

    Reply
  138. Jan says

    August 9, 2014 at 9:07 am

    Beverly,
    Our local hospital is starting a maternity unit. I had thought it would be nice to knit some newborn caps as an opening gift. At the end odf checking my e-mails I decided to check the internet for a pattern. At first I was just going to check back on the site later but noticed the one for you that specified for hospital newborn caps. Glad I decided to check. My printer is not working so I copied it by hand. Am looking forward to making them. Will let you know how they turn out and how they are accepted.
    In Christian Love
    A fellow kniter, Jan

    Reply
  139. Barbara S West says

    August 4, 2014 at 1:10 pm

    I Knit new born baby hats and donate them to hospitals as my husband and I travel around this country. I use a pattern not seen here, Knit 2, Purl 2 until decreasing. I also have a crochet pattern I would be glad to share. (Hospitals I have dealt with ask that we not use pom poms.)

    Reply
  140. Mimi says

    July 25, 2014 at 10:06 am

    I made this hat on US size 6 straight needles using worsted weight yarn casting on EXACTLY 48 stitches and the hat came out way too small! It even looks too narrow to be used as a premie!
    I evenly counted the number of stitches BEFORE I even started to knit because I always like to make sure that I’m doing a project right !
    I was going to make this for my church’s group called caring hands! I was very disappointed since the actual pattern itself was beautiful. If I did do this correctly , then it needs to be adjusted .

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      July 26, 2014 at 10:06 am

      Sorry your first try at this pattern didn’t go so well! This is probably a matter of gauge with you getting more stitches to the inch. I will copy and paste in here my reply to a comment above about how to adjust for gauge:

      “Knit a small swatch and see how many stitches per inch you are getting. Let’s say you are getting 6 stitches per inch. You would multiply 6 times 10.5 inches (the width of the hat) which gives you 63. Round that up to an even number (64) and that is how many stitches you would cast on. You want an even number of stitches so your decrease rows at the top of the hat are easier.

      So to sum that up:
      1. Knit yourself a sample swatch
      2. Find out how many stitches you have per inch
      3. Multiply that by 10.5
      4. Round that up to an even number.
      That number is how many stitches you will cast on.”

      Reply
      • Mimi says

        July 26, 2014 at 11:08 am

        Thank – you Beverly so much for responding back ! I did do a swatch and I was doing 6 stitches per inch . You were right my stitching was very tight and I definitely am going to do that hat pattern again – since it’s so beautiful and easy to do !
        I have a few questions . When it says in the directions , ” Piece will measure 4″ inches from the begining will my piece still be measuring 4″ even though my stitches will be more?
        Do you happen to know what yarn brand was used for the blue hat with specks of light brown in it ?
        Thank – You so much for your patience and time !!

        Reply
        • Beverly says

          July 27, 2014 at 6:24 pm

          Glad a sample swatch helped you with the guage issue. Here’s the answers to your additional questions: (I’m always happy to answer questions 🙂

          1. Yes, you will still want to knit until it is 4″ from the beginning. To knit until you have a certain measurement gives you the control of how many rows you need to knit to get to the correct length.

          2. The blue yarn with the flecks of colors in it was a yarn I bought at Hobby Lobby that I believe they don’t carry anymore. I think it was called “Little Britches” or something like that. The last time I looked I couldn’t find it. Sometimes though they end up replacing a discontinued item with something similar. It’s always frustrating when manufacturers stop making something you like!

          Reply
  141. Brandy says

    July 2, 2014 at 10:08 am

    I made this hat for my own son while I was pregnant with him. I used the bernat satin white and it turned out so beautiful!! I like to use the smallest loom to loom hats for newborn babies in the hospital, as I can make many more of them with the loom in the amt of time it takes to loom up this hat, but for those special gifts for friends, I will always use this pattern. It’s very special!! 🙂 thanks for sharing!!

    Reply
  142. Jasmine says

    September 30, 2013 at 12:25 am

    This is a great pattern! Do you know how many more stitches to cast on for a size bigger? Like maybe for around 6 months? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      October 3, 2013 at 12:13 pm

      To make this hat a little bigger, you are probably going to want to add an inch or two to the size of the final finished hat. My gauge with this pattern was 4.5 stitches per inch. So to add a couple more inches, you would want to cast on about 8 or 10 more stitches (because you need an even number). The decreases at the top would still work in the same way (knitting 2 together across the row).

      Reply
  143. nicole says

    September 19, 2013 at 10:40 am

    your hats are adorable love your site nice work.love the uncomplicated pattern.

    Reply
  144. Samantha says

    July 20, 2013 at 4:33 pm

    Hey! How would I make this for an adult?

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      July 21, 2013 at 8:21 pm

      To make this hat for an adult you will have to do a little math. You will need to know the circumference of an adult head and how many stitches per inch you are knitting (do a small sample swatch with the yarn you want to use to figure that out). Now let’s say for instance that the head circumference is 22 inches and you are getting 3 stitches per inch. You would multiply those numbers to get the number of stitches to cast on (in this example you would cast on 66 stitches). You could follow the pattern from there, doing the decrease rows at the end in the same type of way. I have never tried making this for an adult, but that would be the method you would use to give it a try. Just make sure you cast on an even number of stitches. Hope that helps!

      Reply
  145. Robyn Harrower says

    May 10, 2013 at 8:28 pm

    Hi,
    Thank you so much for the beanie patterns. My new grandson arrives in 9 weeks and winter is just a few weeks away in Australia. I also have twins due around the same time. I have knitted beanies for premmie babies for many years until I was diagnosed with early stages of MS. I desperately wanted to do a shawl for the new baby ( 4 years work) and he will need beanies as well. Thanks again for sharing your pattern as my pattern book was borrowed and not returned. Regards Robyn

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      May 11, 2013 at 1:50 pm

      So glad you found the pattern helpful. Enjoy the new grandbabies 🙂

      Reply
  146. Beverley Dunsmore says

    April 10, 2013 at 11:32 am

    I just knitted this pattern in pure white and i love it. I used size 4.5mm neddles and it is rather but very streatchy.thank you so much for sharingthis patter

    Reply
  147. Lesley Mills says

    March 10, 2013 at 4:55 am

    Yes we have just started a Knitting and prayer group at our church to make gifts for people in need. Shawls, baby clothes etc so this will be included. Thank you once again

    Reply
  148. Lesley Mills says

    March 9, 2013 at 6:41 pm

    I have just made this hat and I am so pleased with it. I was given some pale blue shiny wool (no idea what type it is) but thought I would just try this out as it seemed a nice simple pattern to try. I used 3.75mm needles and it has turned out great. Small but fairly stretchy. Thank you I will be making this again.

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      March 9, 2013 at 10:15 pm

      So glad your hat turned out and that you found that pattern helpful.

      Reply
  149. Marylyn says

    March 4, 2013 at 2:58 pm

    Thanks so much for this pattern – it’s just what I was hoping to find! I am getting ready to knit one (or more) of these hats for my newest grandchild (due in April). I’d like to use DK yarn instead of worsted. How should I adjust the pattern to use DK yarn so the hat is the right size?

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      March 6, 2013 at 8:37 pm

      Marilyn –
      You will want to knit yourself a sample swatch with the DK yarn to see how many stitches you are getting per inch. These hats are about 10.5″ wide (when laying flat before the final seam is sewn). This means you’ll have to find out how many stitches you have per inch and then multiply it by 10.5 to get the total number of stitches to cast on, remembering that you want to cast on an even number of stitches.

      For instance, let’s say you are getting 6 stitches per inch with the DK yarn. You’ll want to multiply that by 10.5 which would give you 63 stitches. You would then round that up to 64 to have an even number and cast on that number of stitches. From there you should be able to follow the pattern along with a few minor adjustments.

      Reply
      • Marylyn says

        March 6, 2013 at 9:20 pm

        Wonderful! Thanks so much for the help – I’ll get started right away on my hats with confidence they will turn out just right using the DK yarn!

        Reply
  150. Sabrina says

    February 9, 2013 at 2:02 pm

    Thank-you for posting this pattern. I’m so happy with my hat…now I just have to wait to try it on my baby girl when she arrives! Do you have a similar pattern for baby Booties?

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      February 10, 2013 at 7:34 pm

      It’s been many years since I knitted booties but I know I have some patterns somewhere! I’ll look them up again 🙂

      Reply
  151. Lisa says

    January 25, 2013 at 11:23 am

    im expecting my second baby and was gutted when i couldnt keep the first hat my son wore as it was hospital property so am looking up on how to make my own to take with me. im not an experienced knitter at all, only knitted squares or rectangles, if there any way i can learn to make these as i dont understand your instructions. thanks

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      January 27, 2013 at 8:15 pm

      That’s a bummer that your hospital doesn’t let you keep the hats 🙁 This pattern is pretty easy for beginners. The basics that you need to know for this pattern are how to cast on (put stitches on your needle so you can get started), know how to purl (so you can do the ribbing which is knit one stitch, and then purl one stitch and keep doing that all the way across a row), and you need to know how to decrease (make fewer stitches on your needle) by knitting two stitches together at a time. If you can do those things, you can knit these hats. Perhaps you could watch some YouTube videos to help you learn “How to do Ribbing” and “How to Decrease” and then start making your hats!

      Reply
  152. Skywise says

    January 22, 2013 at 12:38 pm

    Thanks for this pattern. One of my friends is due to have her baby in 3 weeks and, although she loves hand knits, she doesn;t want anything “fussy”. This little hat is perfect for her and knits up so quickly – I’m making loads in all different colours to match the cardigans I’ve already made. Thanks for sharing this 🙂

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      January 22, 2013 at 8:25 pm

      I love how fast these knit up too. Like you said, you can knit up a bunch in lots of colors!

      Reply
  153. RACHAEL GOSLAN says

    January 2, 2013 at 8:02 am

    Thanks so much for sharing, Im fairly new to knitting and find it so hard to find patterns that are simple to follow. Thanks again x

    Reply
  154. Chris says

    December 26, 2012 at 5:55 pm

    I love these hats! hey are easy to do,and will even stretch a little to fit a variety of newborn heads.

    Reply
  155. Trish says

    September 25, 2012 at 9:18 am

    Thank you for this! I had been searching the net and having the same problem you describe – nothing was quite what I wanted. THIS is what I wanted. I’m teaching my daughter how to knit hats for the hospital and this is nice and simple for her 🙂

    Reply
  156. Rachel says

    June 13, 2012 at 4:54 pm

    my mom use to work at country needleworks!!! its where i learned to sew, knit and do needle point!!!! still one of my favorite places to go!!!!

    Reply
  157. Tolsa Greenberg says

    April 4, 2012 at 6:07 pm

    I make a similar pattern that I found on the Save the Children webpage. It uses a size 8 and size 6 needle, the band is 1 1/2 inches and the shaping starts after 3 inches of stocking stitch knitting. It can be made with a sport or worsted yarn and I always used a bernat yarn. I want to make them for a friend's new twin grandchildren coming soon. I will try your pattern soon to donate to the local hospital preemie unit.
    Tolsa Greenberg

    Reply
  158. Bev says

    February 21, 2012 at 9:55 pm

    Jennifer – so glad the hat for your neice turned out 🙂

    To adjust for a larger size, I would measure around your older child's head to get the total circumference. (let's say it's 18″) If you are getting 4.5 stitches per inch like my gauge is, you would then multiply 4.5 x 18. This comes out to about 80 stitches for an 18″ circumference hat. However you might want the hat to be a little smaller than an 18″ circumference to allow for some stretchiness so it is tight enough fitting. You might also have to add an extra inch or so before you start the decrease rows. The decrease rows could be done the same way, knitting two together across the rows alternating with a purl row.

    So increase the number of stitches you cast on (probably to something between 70 to 80 stitches). Make sure you cast on an even number of stitches. Then add an inch or so to the length (maybe to 6″ inches from the beginning), then do the decrease rows the same way.

    That's my best guess 🙂 It will take a little trial and error but that is how you would begin the process. Hope that helps!

    Reply
  159. Jennifer says

    February 20, 2012 at 3:21 am

    Just made one of your hats for my niece who is due to arrive on Tuesday! It turned out so adorable – thanks! My question is, can you tell me how to adjust the pattern to make it fit an 18 month old? I really wanted to make one for my daughter too. Thank you!!

    Reply
  160. hanan says

    February 3, 2012 at 5:06 pm

    thanks very much, it looked adorable. everybody love it.

    Reply
  161. hanan says

    February 3, 2012 at 5:06 pm

    thanks very much, it looked adorable. everybody love it.

    Reply
  162. Bev says

    January 16, 2012 at 10:36 pm

    No, you do not necessarily have to top it with a pom pom. It just adds a little something extra. I'm sure a little flower would look cute too 🙂 That's whats fun about making things yourself. You can be creative and add your own special touches.

    Reply
  163. Anonymous says

    January 16, 2012 at 3:05 pm

    Do you have to top it with a Pom Pom? I was thinking about garnishing it with a flower.

    Reply
  164. Kathryn says

    January 14, 2012 at 7:24 pm

    Hi Bev -i've been reading here for a while, but somehow had never seen this post. I've been doing hats for preemies for a while now. They are tiny but knit up quick. I use double points and knit in the round, but i recently learned how to use 2 same-sized circular needles to knit in the round. This way you don't have to worry about the whole hat fitting on a circular needles. Enjoy your site, as always. 🙂

    Reply
    • Alice says

      May 6, 2016 at 10:47 pm

      Kathryn, how did you need to change the pattern for the circular needles?

      Thanks!
      Alice

      Reply
  165. Anonymous says

    December 31, 2011 at 10:55 am

    THANK YOU I have been searching for months for a pattern that would be easy for beginning knitters. We have an organization in Kentucky called Frontier Nurses that works in rural areas of Eastern Kentucky. They were asking for donations of handmade baby hats. This would be a great first project for some 4-H'ers who are beginning to knit and it would benefit a good cause.

    Reply
  166. Anonymous says

    December 28, 2011 at 11:37 am

    This hat is wonderful. I came across this pattern as my daughter is in labor with another little love(her 2nd baby my 3rd grandbaby) So I am knitting it as she is in labor now. 😀

    Reply
  167. Anonymous says

    December 8, 2011 at 5:57 pm

    Thanks for sharing this pattern. My second grandson is due Christmas Eve, and I was looking for a simple cap for him to wear. I'm new to knitting, so this is just what I was looking for. I'm already on my second one! Debbie

    Reply
  168. Jill says

    November 26, 2011 at 6:29 pm

    Thanks so much for sharing this pattern! One of my second grade students will be a big sister any day now, so I knitted this super cute hat today for the baby so I'm ready! 🙂Marvelous Multiagers!

    Reply
  169. Bev says

    November 16, 2011 at 10:51 pm

    I'm sorry to say that I don't have a crochet pattern for this newborn hat. I used to crochet a little bit but it was never as easy for me as knitting was and I finally gave up and just stuck with knitting.

    However you could crochet a small sample swatch to figure out how many stitches were in an inch. You would then multiply that by 10.5 to find how many single crochets you would need in a row to make a 10.5″ wide hat. To make the decrease rows at the top you could maybe single crochet in every other stitch across a row.

    That's about the best crochet advice a knitter like me can come up with 🙂

    Reply
  170. Anonymous says

    November 15, 2011 at 4:22 pm

    Just wondering if you have a crochet pattern for these 2 hats.

    Reply
  171. Bev says

    September 20, 2011 at 7:08 am

    Hi April,

    Switching to a different size needle is where the gauge in the original directions becomes important. My gauge was 4.5 stitches per inch and I cast on 48 stitches. This means my piece was about 10.5″ wide. (48 divided by 4.5). So your goal with different sized needles would be to still knit a hat that is about 10.5″ wide.

    Knit a small swatch with your size needles and yarn and see how many stitches per inch you are getting. Let's say you are using smaller needles and are getting 6 stitches per inch. You would multiply 6 times 10.5 inches which gives you 63. Round that up to an even number (64) and that is how many stitches you would cast on. You want an even number of stitches so your decrease rows at the top of the hat are easier.

    So to sum that up:
    1. Knit yourself a sample swatch
    2. Find out how many stitches you have per inch
    3. Multiply that by 10.5
    4. Round that up to an even number.
    That number is how many stitches you will cast on.

    Isn't math fun? 🙂 Hope that helps!

    Reply
  172. Anonymous says

    September 19, 2011 at 7:32 pm

    Bev,
    I don't know if I have size 6 needles. I think I have size 3 or bigger. How would that make the pattern or hat turn out differently?

    Thanks,
    April

    Reply
  173. Anonymous says

    August 30, 2011 at 7:04 am

    Thank you so much!! I live in the UK, so I'll have to see if I can order one online. I'm working on my second hat today and plan on doing another one (they are such a great starter project!). Also, I *love* your website! Thanks for the tips!

    Reply
  174. Bev says

    August 30, 2011 at 7:00 am

    I always use a pom pom maker gadget so that my pom poms turn out a little better looking. You should be able to find one at craft stores like Hobby Lobby or Michaels (or there is link up in my post above too). Make sure you wind the yarn around enough times to create a fairly bushy pom pom. Once you take it off the pom pom maker, you can trim it a little bit more too so there aren't pieces sticking out. I try not to be too obessive about that part because you can trim forever trying to get a perfectly round pom pom 🙂

    Hope that helps a little bit. Even though you can also make pom poms by just winding yarn around a piece of cardboard, I think my pom poms turned out better once I started using the store bought pom pom makers (and especially because these hats need a pretty small pom pom).

    Reply
  175. Anonymous says

    August 29, 2011 at 4:23 pm

    Hello! I just made my first hat (well, my first knit project ever)for my soon to be born son and the hat looks great (such an easy pattern to follow!!), but the pom-pom is a bit rough (all my fault!). 🙂 Any tips on how to make one??

    Reply
    • Mariana Offik says

      February 24, 2017 at 11:18 am

      For these baby hats you only really need a small pom pom. I found using a kitchen fork makes the perfect size! It’s easy and you don’t have to buy any additional tools. Here is a like that walks you through the steps.

      http://www.instructables.com/id/Create-Yarn-Pom-Poms-Using-a-Fork/

      Good luck!

      Reply
      • Beverly says

        February 28, 2017 at 3:47 pm

        I’ve used a fork to make a bow, but now I will have to try using a fork to make a pom pom too!

        Reply
  176. Anonymous says

    August 2, 2011 at 10:35 am

    Bev, thank you for responding and explaining. I look forward to making one one day soon! I really enjoy your blogs.

    Thank you!

    Reply
  177. Bev says

    August 1, 2011 at 9:27 pm

    The finished size of the knitted newborn hats are pretty tiny. I have never used a loom to make hats, but I would wonder if there is a small enough loom to create a newborn hat. If there is a very small loom, then I think it would work. If the loom is too large you would end up with a hat that was too wide for a newborn head. Newborn hats are only about 5″ across when laying flat (about a 10″ circumference).

    Reply
  178. Anonymous says

    August 1, 2011 at 7:01 am

    Hi Bev,

    I noticed you didn't mention using a loom to make newborn hats. Is it possible to knit one without using a loom?

    Reply
  179. Bev says

    May 23, 2011 at 8:07 pm

    Good suggestion – Gauge has now been included in the pattern. I had included it in a comment but it is now part of the pattern too 🙂

    Reply
  180. Anonymous says

    May 23, 2011 at 12:18 pm

    I use dp needles to make decreases at the top.
    Suggestion: I would include the gauge in the pattern.

    Reply
  181. Joanne says

    April 24, 2011 at 8:18 am

    Thanks Bev. They seems to have turned out right for me and are a great way to use up all my little ends of wool. Thanks for the pattern. Joanne

    Reply
  182. Bev says

    April 23, 2011 at 4:09 pm

    Hi Joanne – Yes, my size 6 needles are American. The conversion to metric would be 4mm (or UK/Canadian size 8). My gauge on the finished piece is 4.5 stitches per inch, or 2 stitches per centimeter.

    Reply
  183. Joanne says

    April 23, 2011 at 12:21 pm

    Are these American size 6 needles? And would that match up to 4mm needles?

    Reply
  184. Bev says

    April 17, 2011 at 3:25 pm

    Hi Artikaur – I'm assuming if you want to use circular needles you might be hoping to make one continuous piece with no seam. This might work, however, I think when you get to the decreases at the top, it might be hard with such a few stitches on the circular needle. Perhaps you could not do as many decrease rows (just knit them straight instead) and simply gather more stitches at the end. I think that would probably work. Hope that helps!

    Reply
    • Linda says

      October 8, 2013 at 3:34 pm

      One learns by mistakes. I thought I would outsmart the straight needle method and knit the infant baby hat on a small circular needle but when I got to the decreasing part I was stuck. I had to switch to four needles to finish. Two needles is better.

      Reply
      • jacinta says

        September 17, 2016 at 7:01 am

        If u use circular u can knit in the round and join using decreasing method by splitting even amount of stitches to both needles I will find a link for u its very easy once learnt

        Reply
      • Donna Snodgrass says

        April 2, 2017 at 2:27 pm

        The problem at the top of the hat is easily solved with two circulars, which is how I knit the entire hat. Either that or transfer stitches a long circular (40-42″) and use the magic loop method. I find it much easier than 4 dp’s.

        Reply
  185. artikaur says

    April 16, 2011 at 12:17 am

    Could I use the same pattern, but with size 5 (12 inch long) circular needles, instead of size 6 straight needles?

    Reply
    • Marjorie Chambers says

      March 2, 2017 at 3:19 pm

      You will have trouble decreasing toward the end. I find using four double point needles Wouk best. You can decrease at each juncture equally and not have a seam up the back to worry about.

      Reply
  186. Kate says

    April 5, 2011 at 4:12 pm

    These hats are adorable! I've been looking for a simple newborn hat pattern like this one for such a long time; all the other patterns I found were too fancy, with animal ears or flowers or bows. Not that those aren't cute, too, but this pattern is classic. I'm going to start knitting right away! Thank you!

    Reply
  187. Emilee says

    March 26, 2011 at 4:45 pm

    Hi Bev,
    I've been following you for a while now and I love your blog! I too feel like why should you pay good money for things when if it's worth it to make it at home! I love your blog so much that I have featured you twice the second time was today with this pattern I gave it a try and as a novice knitter I found it easy to follow but also looked soooo good! Thank you for posting this pattern and I hope you post more knitting soon! If you would like to have a look at my hat come over and visit me!
    http://mommamadeit.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  188. PJ says

    March 6, 2011 at 9:36 pm

    Hey Beverly! Those little hats are precious! I cracked up at the term “vintage hats” from 1986-87! Boy that makes me feel OLD! To me, vintage is 50's and 60's! LOL! They are adorable!

    God Bless!
    PJ

    Reply
    • Arlene says

      March 3, 2015 at 3:01 pm

      “Vintage” to me is 30’s 40’s (or earlier!) Love the pattern.

      Reply
  189. Marlene says

    March 3, 2011 at 10:52 am

    These are so BEAUTIFUL!

    Reply

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