Easy Free Pattern for a Child's Knitted Hat

If you're a beginning knitter who's ready to try something beyond a scarf or rectangle, consider knitting this easy children's hat. These free directions explain all you need to know to create a child's knitted hat with ribbed cuff in basic garter stitch. This hat fits a head measuring 20-22" around and is knit from solid colored yarn with a variegated stripe to add interest.

Supplies
Red Heart Super Saver Yarn in Hot Red and Sunshine Print
U.S. 6 (4 mm) knitting needles
Darning Needle
Crochet hook

Starting the Knitted Hat

Loosely cast on 76 stitches. Loosely knit one row. Starting with the next row, you will create a ribbed cuff for the hat. Knit two stitches and purl two stitches, repeating this all the way across the row. Repeat, knitting two and purling two, for 15 rows.

Knitting the Body of the Hat

The body of the hat is knitted in garter stitch. Simply knit the entire row. Repeat for 5 rows until you have 2 inches knitted from the bottom, 1 1/2 inches for the cuff and 1/2 inch for the body. Switch to the variegated yarn, tying the two yarns together and knitting the ends of the ties into the body of the hat. Knit 18 rows with the variegated yarn, then switch back to the solid yarn for 10 rows. The hat should measure 5 1/2 inches now.

Shaping the Top of the Hat

The top is shaped by alternating rows of decreasing and rows of plain knitting. Knit 7 stitches, then knit 2 stitches together, and repeat across the row. Knit a row. Next knit 6 stitches, then knit 2 stitches together, and repeat across the row. Knit a row. Knit 5 stitches, knit 2 together, and repeat across the row. Knit a row. Knit 4 stitches, knit 2 together, and repeat across the row. Knit a row. Knit 3 stitches, knit 2 together, and repeat across the row. Knit 2, knit two together, and repeat across the row. Finally, knit 2 together across the entire row.

Finishing the Hat

Cut the yarn, leaving a 24 inch tail. Using the crochet hook to help, pull the remaining stitches off the needle one by one, pulling the yarn through each stitch as it comes off the needle. Pull the yarn tight to gather the top of the hat. Use the darning needle and the length of yarn to stitch the open side of the hat closed. Knot in place and steam gently with a press cloth and warm iron to set the stitches. Your knitted cap is complete.