I love hats. Some people keep socks on their needles as a quick-win, carry-around-with-them-everywhere project, but I prefer hats. They’re quick and easy, and around here, everyone needs them. I like lightweight hats for spring and fall, heavier hats for the dead of winter, even headbands for when my hair is up.
My nephew’s birthday is in November, which is right at the beginning of winter here, and a hat seemed like the perfect thing to make. And who doesn’t love stripes on toddlers?
So here’s a basic hat pattern with sideways pinstripes. I made the toddler size, but it’s written for larger sizes too.
I used Loops and Threads Impeccable yarn in Clear Blue (Color A, or main color) and Navy Blue (Color B, or stripes). I chose this yarn because a) it’s warm, b) it’s machine washable, c) I loved the colors, and d) it was a great way to bust some of my stash.
About Poms
If you like pom poms, by all means add one! I generally don’t use poms, and I wasn’t intending to use one on this hat. But halfway through the hat, I thought, “You know, this would look super cute with a pom.” So I made one. I make a pom every 2-5 years, so I don’t have one of those brilliant little pom makers. And let me say, it did not turn out spectacularly. Looking at it, I very much reverted back to my no-pom mentality. (You can see my first attempt in some of the pictures—I ended up using it as a prop in the flatlays.) I gave it a haircut and liked the way it looked trimmed down, but it started having issues as I sewed it onto the hat, so I nixed the idea completely. All that to say: if you like poms, use them. If you don’t, or if you can’t make one that looks decent, don’t worry about it—the hat’s still cute without.
Pattern
Pattern notes: The smaller sizes use only part of a skein of each color; the larger sizes would use closer to a full skein of Color A (Clear Blue).
Needle: US size 8 (5mm), 16” circular; US size 8 (5mm), set of 4 double-pointed needles, or size needed to obtain gauge.
Yarns used: Loops and Threads Impeccable (worsted (4); 100% acrylic; 277 yards/127.5 grams), 1 skein of Clear Blue (Color A) and 1 skein of Navy Blue (Color B).
Yardage: 150-277 yards.
Gauge: 4 stitches and 6 rows = 1 inch (2.5 cm).
Other Notions: 1 stitch marker, yarn needle for finishing.
Final Measurements: This pattern is written in sizes Toddler (Child, Adult, Large Adult). Hat circumferences are 18 (20, 22, 24) inches or 45.7 (50.8, 55.9, 61) cm.
Stitch Abbreviations:
k = knit
p = purl
k2tog = knit two together
Pattern:
Using Color A and circular needles, cast on 72 (80, 88, 96) stitches. Join into a round, being careful not to twist your stitches. Place marker at the beginning of the round.
First 6 (6, 6, 9) rounds: k1, p1, repeat to end.
Round 7 (7, 7, 10): still using Color A, knit to end.
Round 8 (8, 8, 11): switch to Color B, knit to end.
Continue knitting in the following stripe pattern for the next 22 (22, 27, 30) rounds: 3 rounds of Color A, 1 round of Color B, repeat.
Continue the stripe pattern as you decrease:
Round 1: k7 (8, 9, 10), k2tog, repeat to end.
Round 2: knit.
Round 3: k6 (7, 8, 9), k2tog, repeat to end.
Round 4: knit.
Round 5: k5 (6, 7, 8), k2tog, repeat to end.
Round 6: knit.
Round 7 (all sizes EXCEPT Toddler): k–(5, 6, 7), k2tog, repeat to end.
Round 8 (all sizes EXCEPT Toddler): knit.
Round 9 (Large Adult ONLY): k6, k2tog, repeat to end.
Round 10 (Large Adult ONLY): knit.
Round 11 (all sizes): k4 (4, 5, 5), k2tog, repeat to end.
Round 12: k3 (3, 4, 4), k2tog, repeat to end.
Round 13: k2 (2, 3, 3), k2tog, repeat to end.
Round 14: k1 (1, 2, 2), k2tog, repeat to end.
Round 15 (Toddler and Child sizes): k2tog, repeat to end.
Round 16 (Adult and Large Adult sizes): k1, k2tog, repeat to end.
Round 17 (Adult and Large Adult sizes): k2tog, repeat to end.
Cut yarn about 6 inches from last stitch, thread through remaining stitches. Sew all ends under. Block.
What colors will you make your pinstripes? Will you add a pom? Tell me your plan in the comments!
I see a lot of patterns like this that say you need circular needles and double pointed needles but then don’t say anything about when (or how!) to switch to the double pointed needles. I’ve never used double pointed needles before and I need more help. Where do I find it?!?
Hi Barb, thanks for your question! I generally don’t write in the pattern when to switch because it’ll change depending on what size hat you’re knitting. My rule of thumb is to switch from circular needles to double pointed needles (dpn) when the stitches are starting to stretch too tight on the circular needles. (And it’s up to your personal preference on what feels like “too tight.”) When you get to the point that the stitches feel too tight, count how many stitches are left on your circular needles. Divide that number by 3. Starting at the beginning of the next round, knit 1/3 of the total stitches onto one dpn (following the decrease instructions as written in the pattern). Knit the next 1/3 onto another dpn, and the last 1/3 onto a third needle. You should have all of your stitches off the circular needles. Now, using your fourth needle, knit the stitches on the first dpn. Now that you’ve emptied that first needle, use it to knit the stitches from the second needle, and so on. I have a tutorial on double pointed needles that might help. Let me know if there’s anything more I can help you with!
Eliza
I am looking for a mans beanie knitted on flat needles thus requiring a seam at the back and using 8ply wool, with a no turnup brim. Please can you help
Any of my hat patterns can be knit flat and seamed up the back, just use straight needles instead of circular and follow the instructions as written. You can also sign up for my mailing list–when you sign up you get a copy of my most versatile hat pattern delivered to your email. That pattern works with any needle, any gauge, and any yarn to make any size. Hope that helps!
Eliza