Knitch Magazine

Designed by Barbara Rottman

Brief Description

This cap is sized to fit a preemie and will stretch to fit many weights. Use remainder light worsted or DK yarn in a washable fiber.

Materials

• Yarn: 15 grams Marble DK (approximately 50 yards)
• Needles: Set of 4 double point needles, size 3 (or size needed to obtain gauge)
• Notions: Pom Pom Maker & Needle to weave in ends; stitch marker to mark end or round

Gauge

22 stitches equal 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Hat is sized to fit a premature infant weighing less than 5 pounds.

Level of Difficulty

Knitters should know how to cast on, knit using double pointed needles, knit, purl, and decrease.

Finished Size

Hat measures 9” in diameter and 3” from cast on edge to beginning of crown shaping.

Pattern Notes

Hat is knit entirely in 2 x 2 ribbing of Knit 2, Purl 2

Abbreviations

PM - Place Marker

K2tog - Knit two together as 1 stitch (creates a right leaning slant)

K - Knit

P - Purl

dp - double point

Instructions

General Instructions

Cast on 48 stitches. Divide evenly on double point needles. Join, being careful not to twist stitches. Place marker to note beginning of round.

Establish pattern of *k2,p2; repeat from *.

Knit until ribbing measures 1” from cast on edge.

Continue knitting in stockinette stitch until hat measures 3” from cast on edge.

Decrease for crown:

First decrease round: *K6, K2tog; repeat from * (42 stitches)
Second (and all alternate) rounds: knit
Third decrease round: *K5, k2tog; repeat from * (36 stitches)

Continue to decrease in this manner, with 1 fewer stitch between decrease points until there are 24 stitches, then decrease every round until 6 stitches remain. K2tog around (3 stitches remain).

Topknot options:

Option 1: Cut yarn leaving 18” tail. Weave tail through remaining stitches and fasten off.

Option 2: Complete as for option 1. Make a small pompom and attach to top.

Option 3: Arrange the 4 remaining stitches onto a single dp needle. Knit 3-stitch I-cord until it measures about 1 ¾”. Finish off I-cord. Tie cord in loose knot.

Finishing
Weave in any ends.
Launder using mild soap (no detergent) or wool wash.
Donate to your local hospital, guild, etc.

For personal use only. This pattern may not be reproduced for sale or to conduct classes. Items made from this pattern may not be used for commercial purposes. © Barbara Rottman and used with permission.