The Sweetie Pie Hat
When I first designed the Sweetie Pie Hat four years ago, I had plenty of time on my hands to create patterns. With no one tugging at my sleeve while I knit, I had deep reserves of concentration and loads of patience. But now that I have a one and half year old, updating an old beloved pattern with new yarn and simpler instructions is about all I can handle!!
The original Sweetie Pie Hat was striped, because back then, I had no reason to mind switching colors every eight rows (not to mention weaving in all those ends!). I still love that hat and will continue to wear it, but after knitting the Forever Baby Blanket for a friend, the For Better or Worsted from Anzula was calling my name. I decided it was just the right yarn for a fresh take on an old favorite!
Yarn lovers, if you adore the yarn used in this project, you’ll love exploring all of our other yarn collections! Discover over 45 thoughtfully designed yarns in nearly every natural fiber and in every spectacular color you can imagine. Only available here at Purl Soho’s online yarn store, where every skein is created with care and your creativity in mind!
With its crisp and clean stitch definition, For Better or Worsted is the perfect choice for interesting stitch patterns, and it just couldn’t be nicer to work with! Super duper soft and sumptuous, this merino, cashmere and nylon blend is also machine washable. The new Sweetie Pie Hat takes only one skein of For Better or Worsted and will knit up in no time at all, even with a toddler on your lap! Happy Holidays! -Jen
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, and #PurlSohoSweetiePieHat. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- 1 skein of Anzula’s For Better or Worsted (80% superwash merino wool, 10% cashmere, 10% nylon; 200 yards). I used the color Mauve.
- A US 7 (4.5 mm), 16 inch circular needle
- A set of US 7 double pointed needles
Shop our wonderful collection of aran + worsted-weight yarn to find a suitable substitute for this project, and remember that it’s always a good idea to check your gauge before you cast on… Our All About Gauge Tutorial shows you how!
Gauge
22 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette stitch
Sizes
19 (22) inches in circumference, to fit most adult women (men).
Notes
How to make a baby cable: Knit 2 together, leaving stitches on the left needle. Insert right needle between these two stitches and knit the first stitch again, slipping both stitches off the left needle (without knitting the second stitch).
Pattern
Cast on 96 (108) stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Place unique stitch marker and join for working in the round, being careful to not twist the stitches.
Rib Edge
Rounds 1-3: *[K1, p1] 4 times, k2 p2 repeat from * to end of round
Round 4 (Cable Round): *[K1, p1] 4 times, make baby cable (see Pattern Notes above), p2, repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat Rounds 1-4 two more times.
Work Body
Rounds 1-3: *K10, p2, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 4 (Cable Round): *K8, make a baby cable, p2, repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat Rounds 1-4 until hat measures 5¼ (6) inches from cast on edge.
Shape Crown
Round 1 (Decrease Round): *k2tog, k8, p2* repeat from * to end of round. 88 (99) stitches
Round 2: *K9, p2* repeat from * to end of round.
Round 3 (Decrease Round): *K2tog, k7, p2* repeat from * to end of round. 80 (90) stitches
Round 4 (Cable Round): *K6, make a baby cable, p2 repeat from * to end of round.
Round 5 (Decrease Round): *K2tog, k6, p2 repeat from * to end of round. 72 (81) stitches
Round 6: *k7, p2, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 7 (Decrease Round): *K2tog, k5, p2 repeat from * to end of round. 64 (72) stitches
Round 8 (Cable Round): *K4, make a baby cable, p2 repeat from * to end of round.
Round 9 (Decrease Round): *K2tog, k4, p2 repeat from * to end of round. 56 (63) stitches
Round 10: *K5, p2 repeat from * to end of round.
Round 11 (Decrease Round): *K2tog, k3, p2, repeat from * to end of round. 48 (54) stitches
Round 12 (Cable Round): *K2, make a baby cable, p2 repeat from * to end of round.
Round 13 (Decrease Round): *K2tog, k2, p2, repeat from * to end of round. 40 (45) stitches
Round 14: *K3, p2, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 15 (Decrease Round): *K2tog, k1, p2, repeat from * to end of round. 32 (36) stitches
Round 16 (Cable Round): *Make a baby cable, p2 repeat from * to end of round.
Round 17 (Decrease Round): *K2tog, p2 repeat from * to end of round. 24 (27) stitches
Round 18: *K1, p2, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 19 (Decrease Round): *K1, p2tog, repeat from * to end of round. 16 (18) stitches
Round 20 (Decrease Round): *K2tog repeat from * to end of round. 8 (9) stitches
Round 21 (Decrease Round: *K2tog repeat from * to end of round. For larger size, end with a k1. 4 (5) stitches
Finish
Using a tapestry needle, thread the end through the remaining stitches and pull tight. Bring the tail to the inside of the hat and weave in loose ends.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our free knitting patterns and knitting tutorials, buy one of our many knitting kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!
So cute! I had to throw away my old favorite winter hat because the moths had gotten to it and it was beyond saving. :O( But now I'm inspired to make a new one! Thanks!
I was wondering if it wouldn't be too difficult to morph this into a beret? Maybe skip the cables in the band, then do the increasing? What do you think?
Thanks.
Hi Sarah-
Why not! It would probably be very cute! If you give it a try please let us know. We'd love to see how it comes out.
Thanks!- Molly
it is just gorgeous! I am always looking for hat patterns to knit for my friends children and I am going to try this in DK as soon as I get my printer hooked up to the computer! Love it and thank you so much for sharing XXX
Was wondering if the yarn you recommend is really soft-not itchy at all. considering making this sweet hat for a friend going through Chemo-again and needs a pick me up. Also wondering about coverage of the head.
Thanks
Hi Wendy-
This yarn is really really not itchy. It's one of the smoothest and softest yarns we have. I think it would be totally appropriate for this situation
Cashmere would also be non-itchy and the 8ply would work in this gauge: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/819-Jade-Sapphire-8-ply-Cashmere
For a non animal based fiber I'd recommend Blue Sky worsted cotton. It is very soft, comes in great colors and is easy to work with: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/721-Blue-Sky-Blue-Sky-Cotton
Please let us know if you have any more questions. Thank you!
– Molly
Molly(a beautifull name-my daughter's as well! 🙂 )
thanks so much for the thoughtful response!
this will make a wonderful surprise
happy holidays!
Wendy
Lovely pattern ~ thanks for sharing. I have completed one hat for my sweetie and am nearly done with a second one for me.
When working on my first hat, I made a change for Round 13:
Round 13 (Decrease Round): *K2tog, k2, P2, instead of K2tog, K4.
Thanks for sharing a wonderful and quick project. Happy New Year!
Hi! Great hat…already made one for myself. I'm now making one for a dear friend who's undergoing chemo and she's a huge University of Texas fan. It's hard buying yarn when you can't see or feel it yourself and I live in a small town with now nearby yarn stores. Can you help me find the right yarn in the UT orange (kind of a burnt orange)? THANK YOU!
Amy
Hi Amy-
We actually had similar question about making a hat for someone going through chemo earlier. If you'd like to check out my previous response please see the answer to “Wendy” 3 comments above.
As for the color. “Pumpkin” in Blue Sky cotton would work great: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/721-Blue-Sky-Blue-Sky-Cotton
“Kashquat” would be the closest in the cashmere but it is a bit bright: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/819-Jade-Sapphire-8-ply-Cashmere
“Canteloupe” would be closest in the For Better or Worsted but it is also a bit bright and light: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/7913-Anzula-For-Better-or-Worsted
You can also call our website at 800-597-PURL if you'd like to talk to someone directly. They will have the yarn in front of them and will be able to give you a more perfect match. You can send them this link for the UT orange color: http://www.utexas.edu/what-starts-here/brand-identity/primary-colors
Thanks for the fun question!
Molly
Hi there,
I just made the Sweetie Pie hat and some matching fingerless mittens. I love it! The fit is perfect. I love how it is snug and covers my ears. Perfect for walking my dog in the cold Michigan winter! Thank you for sharing such a wonderful pattern.
You can see a picture of it here, on my blog. http://houseinhiddenhollow.blogspot.com/2012/02/fos-finished-objects.html
Josie
Thanks for the pattern! Did you use all 200 yards? This seems like a good de-stashing pattern, but I'll be substituting other yarns and want to make sure I'll have enough. Plus I've always wanted to learn cables, and this seems like a good project for that! The cable instructions aren't entirely intuitive to me, although I don't have my needles in front of me to try it out–does anyone know of a good video showing the technique?
Just finished the new sweetie pie hat. Great pattern, great hat. Question? Shouldn't round 13 of the crown decrease be k2tog, k2, p2? Instead of k2tog, k4? Thanks, Lesley
Hi Lesley,
Great question! And the answer is… it could be. We found that doing k4, helped transition into the final decrease rounds better as you approach the top of the hat. It was something that was and continues to be debated. I've actually done it both ways. We continue to get this question though, so perhaps k2tog, k2, p2 is a more natural round.
Thank you for asking!
Laura
I love this pattern! Thank you for sharing it! I'm a new knitter & would like to know if I could use this pattern for a child ( a boy in particular)? If yes, do you have any advice for reducing the pattern size?
Thank you!
Hi Rue-
This pattern would probably fit a boy without changing it as it's a snug fitting hat, just make sure to knit the small size.
Thanks for your question!
Molly
Materials say: Circular needles and double pointed needles but don't say when to use which. Help. I'm a beginner.
Hi Mary-
Start on the circular needles. When the decreases make the hat too small to get around the circular needle switch to the double points.
Please let us know if you have any more questions and thank you!
Molly
This was a beautiful, easy beanie pattern to complete!!, thank you so much for making it available!!! It's one I'm going to keep a hold of!
I am also a new knitter and I just made the hat for my daughter in a diff color. It was easy to make and I was initially worried about the baby cables but I saw a video of it and it helped immensely. Thanks for sharing the pattern.
Can you help me figure out how to make it for a 1 year old? Or show me where to get info re: this? Thanks. Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!
Hi Jocelyn-
We don't have plans to write this pattern in a baby size at the moment but you might want to check out our baby patterns here (including many hats!) https://www.purlsoho.com/create/baby-projects-knitting/
Thank you for writing in!
Molly
I made the hat in baby-size just by using sock yarn and size 3 DPNs. I'd guess it would fit a one-year-old, but that's just an estimate. It looks great!
I just finished up this hat for my husband's birthday and I absolutely love how it turned out! He was really happy with it too haha. Is there anywhere to post pictures? As always, the Purl continues to provide beautiful ideas and inspiration. I'm going to get to work of the Snowflake Scarf now:) Happy New Year!
Hi Megan-
We would love to see some pictures! There are lots of way to share them with us:
You could post them to our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Purlsohocom/58035888021
Or share them with on Twitter: https://twitter.com/purlbee
Or if you have your own blog you can leave us a link in the comments.
Thank you!
Molly
I keep coming back to this pattern – so sweet. I'm a beginner knitter and I'm ready to try dpns. I have a yarn I would like to use, but it is only 180 yds. Do you remember if you used all 200 yds of the gorgeous mauve For Better or Worsted?
Hi Laura,
I'm so sorry, I don't remember if I used all of the yarn but I don't have any left in my stash so it is a good bet that I used most of it!
Thanks,
Jen
Thank you , Jen. It's a beautiful pattern and the yarn you chose is so lovely. Great work!
Just finished knitting my hat last night and it came out beautiful! Thanks Jen for sharing this lovely pattern. I just love this site it gives me great inspiration.
Do you think the small size would fit a 5 year old girl?
I ordered some maxima in "wildflowers" and know it will be gorgeous for a little lady. But wonder if maybe I should change to another pattern for a better fit?
I did notice it does not look too loose as i see completed versions.
Thank you for your time, Colleen
Hi Colleen!
I think that the small size would be too big for a 5 year old, especially in Maxima. The Maxima is thicker than the For Better or Worsted that this was knit in so I'm not sure you'd be able to get the same gauge that is necessary for this pattern. That would make it even bigger in the end.
If you find a pattern for a five year old that is basic, you could definitely add the baby cable stitch pattern to the pattern easily!
Thanks,
Jen
I just bought a couple of skeins in cascade sport and blue sky brushed suri, with the intention to knit them together. Do you think this would work for this pattern? I know you'll want me to swatch it (which i will) but just wanted to get your gut reaction to this idea.
Thank you for the wonderful, modern, enjoyable patterns!
Jaime
Hi Jaime-
You are right- I am going to recommend that you knit a swatch! My gut reaction is that those two together might be a bit too thick but the only way to tell for sure is to knit a swatch! Sorry ; )
Molly
Ahoy!
Question for you fabulous humans although it does not pertain to the specific hat pictured here but rather the hat form it's pictured on… Any ideas as to where I could buy a fabric head/hat form like that? No luck with amazon. Thanks for your help!
This is a classic but its trendy too! Really cute!
My head is closer to 21 inches. Would you recommend I make the larger size, or just use bigger needles perhaps for the smaller size?? I love the pattern but the small would not fit me.
Hi Molly,
The larger size is for a 22' circumference, it will stretch to that size so I think it may work for a 21" circumference as well.
Thanks!
Jen
I've made this changing
round 1-3 to: *(P1,K1) 3 times, P2 K2 P2 repeat from * to end of round
Round 4 (cable) (P1,K1) 3 times, P2, make baby cable, P2.
Ends up the same but the cable is more centered.
I would appreciate if you could explain me in little more detail how to do the baby cable?
I am confused
sukeshi
Hi Sukeshi,
Can you explain what trouble you are having? I found this video that may be helpful?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hT5wUaoo1KE
Jen
Thank you Jen .
Sukeshi
Thank you so much for the great pattern. I had a wonderful time making this hat!
Love this pattern. So easy fast and looks like it took a whole lot more effort than it did!
I just made this hat and really love it. I have left over yarn, could I make a head band out of it, just to cover ears and part of the head? If so, what pattern should I use?
Hello Alissa! I bet you could knit a fun headband! We don’t have any patterns on our blog for headbands, but I would suggest you check out Ravelry and make sure to look for patterns that call for Worsted weight yarn.
I hope this helps a bit! Enjoy your lovely hat! -Alyson
Hi,
I’d love to make this hat in a toddler size by using a different yarn (cashmere) and increasing the gauge rather than modifying the pattern. I’m having trouble calculating the gauge that I need. In the pattern above 96 stitches at a gauge of 5.5 results in a 19″ hat but 96/5.5=17.5 not 19. What am I missing? If I knit this hat in a 6-ply cashmere using a gauge of 6 stitches per inch and cast on 96 stitches, would that make it toddler size? Thanks!
Hello Tamar!
You’re right! The 19″ measurement refers to the head size, while the actual hat’s finished circumference will be 17.5″ so that its a little smaller than the head size for a snug fit! In pattern lingo, this is called the “ease” of the pattern. Hats usually have negative ease so that it stays on your head!
The gauge you recommended with the cast on of 96 stitches would yield a hat similar to the same size as the sample in the project. I would measure your toddler’s head, subtract 1.5-2 inches, then multiply by 6 stitches per inch.
I hope this makes sense, please let us know if you need more tips! -Alyson
Thanks for the pattern. Just finished making hat, it is so beautiful. With a little adjustment I made it on 2 needles , no luck using circular. I’m now using the pattern to make a scarf.
Wonderful, Carol! Enjoy! -Alyson
On the “Knit Picky Patterns” web site it asks for US #6/4mm needles and in the downloaded pattern it asks for US#7 needles. Which is the right size?
Hi, Marie!
Thank you so much for writing in! To get the same gauge as our pattern I recommend using a US#7. However, if you find that your gauge is off, you may consider trying a different sized needle to get the gauge of the pattern (5 1/2 stitches = 1 inch in stockinette stitch). Again, thank you for your question. If you have futher questions please let us know!
Happy knitting,
Kumeko
This was my first time knitting cables and I love love love the hat! I want to incorporate baby cables into other patterns and have the following question: If I use a pattern for a stockinette stitch hat and cast on the number of stitches required for the pattern but subsititute baby cables for some of the stockinette stitches , will the circumference of my hat change? thanks!
Hi Tamar,
So glad to hear that the hat came out well! The only thing to note when subbing in cables is that they will pull in the circumference of the hat slightly. For a hat this will probably work well unless the hat pattern is already tight. Also, cables do eat up a fair bit more yardage that a standard stockinette hat so you will want more yardage than the pattern that you are modifying calls for.
Best of luck and happy knitting!
Cassy
I have some gorgeous Madtosh Chunky – could I use it for this hat? I’m making chemo caps for our local American Cancer Society and think it would be perfect.
Hi there!
Thanks for writing in! What you are doing is so great and commendable! Unfortunately I don’t think it would work to substitute Madelinetosh Chunky for Anzula For Better or Worsted, but I think you could use the Chunky with the Thank You Hat pattern and add in a cable. In fact, using the 84 stitch cast on for the Thank You hat, you can follow the stitch pattern exactly. The only difference is that you’ll have seven repeats instead of eight. Best of luck!
-Adam
Hi,
Can this pattern be knit on straight needles?
Hi Rupa,
Thanks for writing in and for your question! This pattern is written to be knit in the round. You can use circular needles or double pointed needles but I am afraid that straight needles will not work for this pattern as written. We do have a tutorial for how to knit in the round on double pointed needles that can be found here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2008/07/25/double-pointed-needles/
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Thanks for the pattern. I love the top and the way the decreases look. Who knew one could get a cable look without a cable needle? My granddaughter really likes it!
A question about this pattern. Row 4, k1, p1, baby cable, p2. Does the baby cable go with the k1, p1 or the p2?
Hi Connie,
Thanks for writing in! The baby cable should be worked over the K2 from the previous round, between the P1 and P2.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
Hi,
My head has a circumference of 21 inches. Should I then rather use the men’s size?
Hello Alicia,
Thank you for reaching out! I would knit up the women’s size as the hat will comfortably stretch to fit 21″.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Will the men’s size stretch to 23 inches? My head is 23 inches.
Hi Shelley,
Thanks for reaching out! This hat should comfortably stretch 1-3 inches, so the Women’s size should stretch from 19 to about 22, and the Men’s size should stretch from 22 to about 25!
Warmly,
Gianna
This is a beautiful hat, but I’m having a lot of trouble with the pattern. I’ve done a few shawls before, so not a complete newbie, but it’s my first time with baby cables and it’s a real nightmare. I’m halfway through the hat and there are zero cables in sight! What on earth am I doing wrong?…Is it supposed to be a double cable, as in this video? https://youtu.be/P83moycEx4s
Hi Ivanka,
Thanks for reaching out! This hat uses a mock cable, which you can see demonstrated in our Mock Cable Rib tutorial.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Thank you so much for the video tutorial , it is very helpful. I just started knitting the hat – for charity -, I hope to manage to create such beautiful hat. Thanks for the free pattern .
Cheers,
diana
I’m looking to try a hat with a ponytail hole for my daughter. I’m wondering if it is as simple as stopping & binding off a couple rounds short.
Thoughts on this using this pattern or if another pattern would work better?
Hi Kim,
Thanks for writing in! Yes, for a pony tail hat, you will simply bind off all the stitches part way through the decreases, once you decide that the opening at the top of the hat is the right size. This would be a great hat to try out for a pony tail hat!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
What is this a multiple of? I’d like to cast on 72 instead or close to that number TIA
Hi Jennifer,
Thanks for reaching out! This hat can be worked on any multiple of 12 stitches, so 72 stitches should work perfectly!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Thank you for the great explanation by which I successfully knit my first cap with a pattern. I’m very pleased since I’m not a skilled knitter.
I just knitted this up last night and it’s so adorable but there’s an error in the pattern! Wish I had gone with my gut instead of the pattern as written, but oh well. Row 13 should be k2tog, k2, p2 — not k2tog, k4. I thought there must be a reason but nope! Just a typo 🙂
Hi Amber,
Thanks for reaching out! Oh my! Thank you so much for bringing this error to our attention, you are correct row 13 should read: *K2tog, k2, p2, repeat from * to end of round. 40 (45) stitches!
Warmly,
Gianna
How many stitches do you recommend casting on for a baby? And how should decreases be adjusted?
Hi Ruth,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately we don’t have instructions to make this hat in a baby size, but thank you for expressing your interest! I will be sure to pass this along to the rest of the team!
Warmly,
Gianna
I love this pattern, is Good Wool a good yarn substitute?
Hi Lola,
Thanks for writing in! This hat was designed for a worsted weight yarn, so Good Wool is not a great substitute since it’s a lot thinner. You could probably hold it double to reach the gauge though! Or you can check out our other worsted weight yarns for a closer substitute.
All the best,
Lili
Hello!!!
I❤️this pattern!
I’m familiar with the fancy twist stitch from another hat pattern. Could you help me with the downsizing to a baby hat for this pattern? It would be beautiful in pink or blue!!! We have 3 baby boy nephews needing a cap!
Hi Penny,
Thanks for writing in! This hat works over a multiple of 12 stitches, so I’d recommend casting on 72 stitches to start. Then you can follow the pattern as written!
All the best,
Lili