Lion BabySoft or Bernat Softee-Baby sport weight yarn (Softee-Baby comes out slightly larger)

US #5 dpn's—it is helpful to have a  5th  needle, but it can be done on 4

Should fit a 2-8-month old baby. Will fit a 16" circumference head, and is  approx. 7" tall. For a slightly larger size, use a larger gauge needle. This hat does not have a turned up cuff. If you want that, then do ribbing for 2 to 3 inches.

 

C/O 80 sts.

Work K1, P1 ribbing for 10 rounds. Change to pattern. On first round of pattern, increase by 4 stitches, evenly spaced. (=84 sts)

Continuing with Round 2, work in pattern for approx. 5 ½ inches, (6 pattern sequences) ending on Round #8.

Pattern: (multiple of 12)

1. K 1 round

2. K 2 *P 8, K 4* around, end K 2

3. Repeat Rnd 2

4. Repeat Rnd 2

5. K 1 round

6. P 4, *K 4, P 8* around, end P 4

7. Repeat Rnd 6

8. Repeat Rnd 6

 

Crown: Begin decreases.

1. K 4,* K 2 tog. twice, K 8*, repeat around, ending K 4.

2. K 2 tog, *P 6, K 2 tog twice* repeat around, ending K 2 tog.

3. K 1, *P6, K 2* around, ending K 1.

4. Repeat round 3.

5. K 1, *K 2 tog, K 2* around, ending K 1

6. K 2 tog around

7. K 1 round even

8. K 2 tog around, ending K 1

9. K 1 round. Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail.

With tapestry needle draw tail through remaining sts twice, pulling the hole together. Fasten securely on the inside.

 

Put a pom-pom on top if you like.

 

For a larger size, C/O 88 sts, rib for 12 rounds,  increasing to 96 sts after ribbing. Work in a similar manner, doing 7 or 8 pattern sequences.