Super Simple Super Soft Merino Baby Hat

Although I know how to knit, I tend to be all talk and no action. I’m great at buying yarn and casting on, but I’m also quite good at abandoning my projects before they’re done. But with everyone at the Purl Bee creating such amazing projects with our new Super Soft Merino (like these great hats and this awesome cowl), I was beginning to feel a little left out!

I knew I wanted to get in on the Super Soft Merino action, but I certainly didn’t want another partnerless mitten or half-finished sweater. With winter here and a new baby to keep warm, I decided I could probably manage a simple baby hat, as long as it was really easy. This pattern fits the bill!

The Super Simple Super Soft Merino Baby Hat is truly the easiest hat you will ever knit. The yarn’s chunky weight makes it quick, and its vivid range of colors makes it fun. It also happens to make the softest, fluffiest pom poms so I added one to the top! I had such a good time making mine that I ended up knitting two versions in as many nights. I was so proud of myself! The short version just covers the ears, while the tall version can be worn cuffed up and trim or unfolded and a little floppy. -Molly
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!

Designed by Purl Soho designer, Molly Schnick. Click here to see even more of Molly’s work!
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoSuperSimpleSuperSoftMerinoBabyHat, and #PurlSohoSuperSoftMerino. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials

To make two hats in opposite colorways, you’ll need…
- 2 skeins of Super Soft Merino, 100% merino wool yarn. Each skein of this bulky weight yarn is 87 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 174 yards required. We used Oyster Gray and Super Pink.
- A small pom pom maker
- A US 11 (8 mm), 16-inch circular needle
NOTE: One skein is enough to make one hat in one color.
Gauge
16 stitches = 4 inches in 1 X 1 rib, unstretched
Sizes
Short (Long)
- Finished Circumference: Up to 16 inches circumference, stretched
- Finished Height: 6½ (8¼) inches tall, to fit babies up to 1 year

Pattern
With the Main Color, loosely cast on 44 stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Place a marker and join for working in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches.
Round 1: *K1, p1, repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat Round 1 until hat measures 6½ (8¼) inches from cast on edge.
Cut the yarn leaving an 8-inch tail. Thread the tail through the remaining stitches. Pull the tail firmly and bring it to the inside of the hat. Tie a knot on the inside to secure it closed.
With the Contrast Color, make an approximately 1⅝-inch pom pom. Need help? Check out our Pom Pom Tutorial here!
Now bring the pom pom tails to the inside of the hat, tie a knot and weave in the ends.
Weave in the rest of your ends and you’re done!
LEARN ABOUT SUPER SOFT MERINO + ALL OUR BEAUTIFUL YARNS
The best reason to use Super Soft Merino for this project is because it is the dreamiest, cuddliest, toastiest yarn you can imagine! A single ply of 100% merino wool, Super Soft Merino has a nice, loose spin that shows off the softness of its fiber and keeps it nice and lightweight. Its gauge ranges from a chunky/bulky-weight to super bulky-weight (2.75-3.25 stitches per inch), making it a great choice for quick (and beautiful!) hand-knit gifts. And more… Super Soft Merino comes in over 30 amazing colors, too!
More Free Knitting Patterns
- Be sure to explore our vast collection of (mostly free!) Super Soft Merino knitting patterns and cast on!
More Chunky/Bulky + Super Bulky-Weight Yarns
- Shop our entire collection of chunky/bulky weight yarns
- Shop our entire collection of super bulky-weight yarns
- If you want to use a different yarn, be sure to take the time to get the correct gauge. Need help? Check our All About Gauge Tutorial!
More Yarns With Similar Fibers
- Shop merino wool
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!
What a treat to see this beautiful baby wearing these adorable hats. I think I can even manage this project once I stop smiling over the pictures.
the hate is cute, the baby ADORABLE, but where did you find that supercool sweater?
Did you do any decreasing? Very cute btw!
I love knitting in the round on circular needles, and have a sweet baby niece who would look adorable in one of these easy-to-make hats. Thanks for the project!
There is something missing in the patern… After knitting for6 1/2 inches what isthe decrease … ??
Thanks
Hi Isa-
There are no decreases! You just pull the stitches together after threading the tail through them.
Please let us know if you have any more questions!
Molly
Hi Cheryl-
No decreases- it really is as easy as pie!
Thanks!
Molly
Hi Ramona-
The jacket is from Makie: http://www.makieclothier.com/catalog.php?cat=clothing
Thanks!
Molly
Is the Oyster Gray available in the NYC store??
It doesn't appear to be listed on the website.
Thanks in advance!
Hi Kim-
Unfortunately it's sold out at the store as well. We are expecting a shipment in early January. If you'd like to be informed when it comes in please drop us a line at customerservice AT purlsoho DOT com
Thank you!
Molly
What a great pattern! Quick question, is there enough yarn in the one skein to do the hat and the pom pom in the same color?
Thank You!~Dona
Hi Dona-
Yes one skein is enough for an entire hat (of either length) and pom pom.
Thanks!
Molly
Hi! Do you pull out the needle before you thread it or thread while needle is on? Thanks!
Hi Amy-
You thread the needle through the stitches one by one as you take them off the needle.
Thank you for your question!
Molly
Hello! It says to follow pattern until it measures 6 1/2 (8 1/4) inches from cast on edge…what does the 8 1/4 mean? Thanks!
Hi Sam-
The numbers inside of the parenthesis are for the larger size. If you'd like to knit the shorter version you'll knit until it measures 6 1/2-inches or if you want the longer hat you will knit until it measures 8 1/4-inches.
Thank you for your question!
Molly
This was a perfect project. I haven't had time to get back to my creative pursuits since my son was born. This was just what I needed. I was able to make this adorable hat for our trip North in about a day. Thanks for such a lovely project!
I knitted this, but perhaps the yarn was too thick and it will not close at the top like a drawstring, there is still a gap, no matter how tight I pull the yarn. Any suggestions for decrease? Thank you!
Hi Risa-
There will be a small gap, a little open circle, but it gets covered up by the pom pom.
Thanks!
Molly
Hi there,
Gorgeous little hat! What cast on method do you use for this particular project? Thanks 🙂
Mel
Hi Mel-
I used a long tail cast on.
Thanks for your question!
Molly
I LOVE this little hat! I made one in 2 hours with the left over yarn to match the bulky baby blanket i just finished!
you rock Molly! HAPPY MAKING IN THE NEW YEAR!
Hi – this is adorable – both your model and the hat! I'm a super-novice, so this may be a silly question… If I want to make a larger hat for my almost three year old, any chance you know if one skein would still be enough? I've never knit in the round before, but this is worth trying!
Hi Stacie-
One skien will still be enough! I just made one for myself and I just barely went into a second skein (and I'm a lot bigger than a 3 year old.)
This will be a perfect first knitting in the round project!
Thanks for your question.
Molly
I love this hat and would like to make it for my son, he's 10 so how many stitches should I cast on?
Thanks!
Kelly
Will super pink available in the near future online?
Hi Sze Sze-
Yes, the pink is on order. If you'd like to be emailed when it comes in please email us at customerservice AT purlsoho DOT com.
Thank you!
Molly
Hi Kelly-
I would try casting on 54 stitches for a child size.
Thank you for your question!
Molly
You said you made one for yourself—how many stitches did you cast on?
Thank you!
Hi Erika-
I cast on 66 stitches.
Thanks for the question!
Molly
is the gauge really 4.5 st=1 in? The math seems wonky.
Hi monica-
You're right! I have changed the gauge in the pattern above. Thanks so much for pointing it out and sorry for the confusion!
Molly
What a cute, simple hat! I'm not great at knitting (I'm more of a crocheter), but I'd love to tackle one of these. A friend of mine is going through a difficult pregnancy and her baby girl is likely going to only be around 4 or 5 pound when she leaves the NICU. I want to make her a couple of these hats, but I'm not sure how to adjust the pattern accordingly. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Hi Halley-
You just need to cast on fewer stitches and knit the hat shorter. Perhaps try casting on 38 stitches? The hat is pretty stretchy and flexible so it doesn't have to be exact.
Thank you for your question!
Molly
This is such a cute hat! I don't know any babies (or pregnant women), so I think I'd like to try this for myself, even if winter is (hopefully) on its way out! I saw that you cast on 66 stitches to make yours, but I have a big head and wonder if there's an easy way to determine how many stitches to cast on based on the size (in cm/in) of my head. Also, do you know how the length would change?
(For reference: I just knit my first hat, the Super Soft Merino Hats for Everyone, using the women's size — 54 stitches cast on. As is, it's a tad snugger and a couple inches shorter than I'd like. Since that hat's cuff is K3, P3, I figured it would have a different amount of stretch from this K1, P1 hat.)
Thank you!
Hi,
I live in London (UK) and Im a big fan of the simplicity and beauty of your thinking. Unfortunately I dont have access to your fantastic wool so thistime I used something similar. Can you please clarify what's the correct gauge for this pattern? I've used 3 stiches per 1″ but the hat is quite wide at the end. Thanks,
e.
Hi Eva-
The gauge is actually 4 stitches per inch! So sorry about that. It has been changed in the pattern above.
Best-
Molly
Hi Claire-
I think 66 stitches should be fine even for a big head- it's pretty forgiving. You can just try it on as your knitting to figure out the length. I made mine 10-inches tall.
Thank you!
Molly
Thanks, Molly. I actually realized shortly after posting my question that I had one more. With 66 (or, in my case, 68 — it may end up being too big, but I did some research and found a chart that suggested I should do between 66 and 70, and I was desperate to start knitting!) stitches cast on, can you still avoid decreasing and just end the hat by threading the tail through? I saw above a comment about the pom-pom covering any holes, but that was when the hat used many fewer stitches. Thanks!
Hi Claire-
You still should be fine. The hat I made for myself actually doesn't have a pom pom on it (I couldn't decide on a color!) and you don't notice the hole at all. I don't think a few more stitches wil make a difference- it's remarkably forgiving!
Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
Can I attach an i cord so the kid doesn't pull off? How would I do that?
Hi Noemi-
Sure! You could do an attached i-cord. We have a tutorial here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/attached-i-cord-tutorial/
Thanks for your question!
Molly
Hi Molly,
I can't find the right size circular needles at my local store. Am I able to make this on normal needles? If so, would I need to decrease the stitches?
Thanks.
Hi Emily-
You could use double pointed needles but not straight needles for this project.
We sell the correct circular needles here: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/8-Skacel-Addi-Turbo-Circular-Needles
Thank you for your question!
Molly
Hi Molly,
Getting ready for knee surgery and wanted a few simple projects to keep me sane. Now that I'm caring for 6-month-old twin girls, I'm going to make these hats — yes there are cool nights even here on Kaua`i — then some friendship bracelets and later in the healing process make your bandana bibs!
Thanks for the simple projects.
"Auntie" Eileen
Hi Eileen-
So nice to hear from you! Sorry to hear that you're having surgery!
How cool that you're looking after twins now- they are certainly lucky to have you!
Please let me know if you have any questions about the projects!
Molly
I notice there is no reducing stitches ? Is that fine for a hat ?
Hi Jo-
Yes! That is the whole point of this particular hat… it's SUPER easy!
Thanks for writing in!
Molly
Hey Molly!
I need a new easy peasy project. I've made 9 hats (various sizes) since my surgery 10 days ago!
Aloha,
Eileen
Hi Eileen-
Any of our "beginners knits" project would be super easy peasy! You can see all of them here. http://purlbee.squarespace.com/beginners-knits/
I hope your knee is on the mend!
XO
Molly
I love this! Is there a way to adapt this to a #8, 16 inch circular needle using worsted cotton? This is my first time knitting in the round and I am unsure how many stitches to cast on for a newborn. Thanks so much!
Hi Nicola-
Sure, you could adapt this idea to a different sized yarn. You will need to do a swatch, in the round, in the ribbed pattern to see how many stitches you are getting per inch.
A newborn hat is usually 14-inches around so once you figure out how many stitches you're getting per inch multiply that number by 14.
Feel free to get back in touch once you've figured out your gauge if you need any more help.
Thanks for your question!
Molly
Hi Molly,
Thank you so much for your response. I really appreciate and need the help! I knitted a swatch and got 4.3 stitches per inch…..so that would be 60 stitches for a 14 inch hat. I think that 60 inches will be shorter than the length of my needles (16 inches) though? Does this mean that I will need shorter needles? Thank you!
HI Nicola-
The 16-inch needles will work fine because 1X1 rib is very stretchy.
Good luck with the project!
Molly
I am at the end of the hat but I guess I'm a little confused about how to actually finish. Am I just cutting the 8 in tail, pulling the needles out completely and then thread the tail through the stitches that are left after pulling the needles out?? Then just pulling tight?
First hat I'm making so just a little confused! Thanks
Hi Kristy-
Yes, you just thread the tail through the live stitches, pull it tight, and then tie a knot to secure it on the inside of the hat. There will be a little hole where the top comes together but it will get covered up by the pom pom.
Thank you!
Molly
Oh, how sweet (I wish there was a pattern for that baby-sooo cute, it melted my heart). Do you by chance know how I could make a Teen/adult size hat? Thanks 🙂
HI Lily-
Thank you!
Both Page and I made adult versions of this hat by casting on 66 stitches.
Best-
Molly
Just FYI:
I just made this hat- meant for a child with a 20.5″ head circumference- and I casted on 60 stitches. I found that it came out too large for even me, and I’m an adult with a 21.5″ circumference head.
I think I may just prefer a snugger fit, and this hat in this yarn stretches by a lot very easily.
If I make it again for my child or even myself I would try casting on closer to 50 stitches.
Just hope this can be helpful for someone
@Natalie
Thank you for these comments! I’m about to make this hat for an adult with a 21.5 “ head. Did you ever end up doing it with the 50 stitch cast on?
Oh, sorry. Guess I should read the other comments before I go making one of my own!
Thank you! Lily 😀
Hi Molly
The hat is gorgeous, quick question for you – when you knitted one for yourself what length did you make it? If you did the longer version, at what length was the fold up?
Thank you!
Lyndsay
Adorable hat! I would love this for an adult. Any recommendations?
Hi LC-
Two of us here at the Purl Bee have made this hat for an adult by casting on 66 stitches and knitting in pattern until it was the desired length.
Good luck!
Molly
Hi, I so love this hat that I am wondering if you could advise how to make one for an adult…?
Thank you!
Hi Katie-
Please see my response to Claire in the previous comments for instructions on an adult hat. Thank you!
Molly
Sooo sweet. Any chance you could tell me how to knit this on straight needles? That would be wonderful.
Thx.
Hi Theodora-
We don’t recommend knitting this pattern straight but our Hat and Handwarmers Kit for Beginners contains a pattern for a very cute hat that is knit on straight needles. https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/9273-Purl-Soho-Hat-and-Hand-Warmers-for-Beginners
Thanks for your question!
Molly
hi there! I’m thinking about making this hat for adults. can you tell me how many skeins i would need for 1 adult size hat with the pom pom? thanks!
Hi SC-
You will need two skeins.
Thanks for your question!
Molly
Dear Molly,
Thank you for this lovely pattern. I started an adult version on straight needles (I didn’t have rounds in this size). It is looking and feeling so yummy and squishy! Then I read your comment above about doing it on straight needles. Can it be done? When you made your adult one with a 10 inch length, did yours have the folded over brim. I want that in mine, as making that the same colour as the pom-pom, so I was checking regarding the length. Also do you think that because I am on straight needles, that I may need to decrease to form the crown, or still carry on and sew it up? Thanks in advance. Lovely lovely wool and patterns.
Separately, do you carry Jane Ellison’s new baby pattern book? I wanted to recommend it to a friend in NYC, and am looking for a local place which stocks it. Thanks.
Kind regards
LET
Embsay, Skipton, UK
Hi LET-
The problem with knitting this on straight needles is that you’re going to have a very bulky seam when you sew it all together but if that doesn’t bother you then it should be OK and you don’t have to add any shaping to the top.
My adult hat is longer than 10-inches, it’s more like 12 because I like to fold up the brim. But you can just knit to your desired length.
In answer to your other question, we do not carry that book. Sorry!
Please let me know if you have any more questions!
Best-
Molly
Thank you kindly for your response Molly. I borrowed a friends rounds, and will undo it and start again. 🙂 Let me know if you can stock Jane’s book, and I will send a customer your way. Lovely site and shop.
Hi,
I love this!! I couldn’t work out what size needles I need for this though…16inch length circular, but what mm? Does it matter? Currently in the process of your gorgeous fluted cowl as a Xmas pressie.
Am in the uk too…do you ship to the uk? I’m using alpaca/silk mix wool as I was unable to find any super soft merino.
Hi Naomi-
This pattern calls for a US size 11 needle with a 16 inch length (this info is listed under the “materials” headline of the pattern). A US #11 is a UK 8mm.
And yes, we do ship all over the world, including to the UK! Our shipping information can be found here: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/shop/shipping
Thank you!
Molly
Hi! Based on your gauge of 4 sts = 1″ and a CO of 44 sts, I’m taking that your hat is 11″ in circumference. You note that it is sized to stretch to 16″. I’m making this for a baby with a 16″ head circumference. I don’t want the hat to look like it’s stretched to the max. What circumference should I aim for allowing for a reasonable stretch so I know how many sts I will need? Thanks very much for your help. P.S. I’m using a 5mm needle and worsted weight yarn so trying to figure this out.
Hi llmagnes-
This pattern works with any even number of stitches so if you want it to be a bit looser I might cast on an extra 4 stitches. But keep in mind that since this is done in 1 X 1 rib it is extremely stretchy. I can’t remember the exact circumference of my daughter’s head in these photos but she was a very average sized 6 month old at the time and the hat certainly wasn’t stretched to the max. But, as I said this hat is extremely adaptable so go ahead and cast on 4, 6 or 8 more stitches and see how you like it. It’s also so quick that it’s no big deal to rip it out if you don’t like where it’s headed.
Thanks so much for getting in touch and good luck with the project!
Best-
Molly
Hi Molly —
Thank you for the warm, quickly knit hat pattern. Can you please tell me about the cozy-looking crossover garment your baby is wearing in this photo? The brand name if it was purchased, and where you bought it would be most appreciated — or the pattern if you made it.
Thanks so much,
Judy
Hi Judy-
This beautiful little jacket came from Makie, an absolutely beautiful little store in Soho: https://www.makieclothier.com/catalog.php?cat=clothing
Thanks for your question!
Molly
Another question, Molly — I’ve read that Malabrigo worsted pills a lot. This Super Soft Merino seems similar to Malabrigo in its loosely spun, 1 ply softness. Do you think it also will pill a lot when made into a (baby) sweater?
Thank you,
Judy
Hi again Molly,
Re. my previous question about pilling, a baby cocoon is what I’d like to knit with this Super Soft Merino, and wonder whether you or anyone at Purl Soho has had experience with its pilling.
Thanks again,
Judy
Hi Judy-
Yes this yarn does pill, as do all natural fibers. But you can keep it looking fresh by, handwashing it occasionally, putting it away when it’s not in use, and using a D Fuzz It: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/960-Collins-D-Fuzz-Its
Please let us know if you have any more questions!
Best-
Molly
Hi there,
So there’s no decreasing?
Thanks!
Hi Lauren,
Thank you for the question! You are correct there is no decreasing in the pattern. It is simply gathered at the top with your yarn tail!
Happy Knitting!
Jake
I used some of the yarn, which was left from the double seed stitch blanket. Both are baby-size and just adorable. Love, love this cap pattern. Thank you!
Hi,
As I don’t know how to use circular needles yet, I would like to know if you can do this pattern with double pointed needles? I would so love to try this pattern. Thanks for providing it.
Thanks
Eva
Hi Eva-
Sure, you can use double points. But a circular needle is much quicker and easier if you have any interest in learning how to use one. If you can knit with double points a circular should be a breeze!
Thank you for getting in touch!
Molly
I am knitting these hats for charity. I am so thankful to have found a pattern that does not use double pointed needles. Before I was knitting hats on straight needles and then seaming the sides together. I love knitting these in the round, no seaming and no DPNs! Great pattern! Thanks!
Dear Molly,
Thank you so much for this wonderful pattern! I love it, and have already made 6 for several friends’ new babies.
I would love to make one for a child, but I’m not sure how many stitches I should cast on? Shall I cast on 55 stitches on the 16 inch circular needles, and make it 9-10 inches tall??
Thanking you,
Vivienne
Hi Vivienne-
That sounds like it could work, but you need to cast on an even number. I might cast on a few more.. perhaps 60 stitches?
Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
You did not include the decrease rounds in this pattern.
Hi PJ Plate,
There are no decrease rounds for this hat! The shaping comes from pulling the live stitches tight at the top of the hat.
Thanks for your question and good luck with your hat!
Whitney
After I have casted on, how do I join for working in the round. Thanks
Hi Amy-
To join in the round, make sure all of your stitches are facing the same direction, so they aren’t twisted, and insert your needle into the very first stitch you cast on and knit it. This will join the two ends into a circle. If you are a more visual person I would recommend looking on you tube for a video. Here is one I found that seems informative: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlNn2ph4HDc
Thanks for getting in touch and good luck with your project!
Best-
Molly
Loved the pattern but just a bit confused. Doesn’t the top have be having reducing stitches for the shape of the crown? Please help.
Hi Anahita-
There are no decrease rounds for this hat! The shaping comes from pulling the live stitches tight at the top of the hat.
Thanks for your question and good luck with your hat!
Molly
What cast on do you recommend for this baby hat?
Hello Gwen!
We usually use Long Tail Cast on unless otherwise specified. This provides a stretchy, more finished looking edge to all projects! Best of luck with the hats! -Alyson
Thanks so much, Alyson. I have one more question. Can you delete the pompom or is the hole at the top of the hat too big when you tie it off without it?
Hi Gwen-
You can eliminate the pom pom at the top if you like. The hole is about 1/2 inch but not too noticeable since it’s at the very top of the hat.
Thanks for your questions!
Molly
Hello,
I just completed my first baby hat, it is really cute, and am working on another. Both will be gifts. Regarding instructions for care, washing, I see the yarn label says “hand wash” but I was wondering if it would be fine to machine wash in a bag on delicate cycle, or would you recommend hand-washing only? I would like to add instructions for care with the hat.
Thank you.
Cynthia
Hi Cynthia-
For this particular project and yarn we really recommend hand washing only. Any natural fiber that is really fluffy like this has a tendency to felt when it’s washed in the machine.
Thank you for getting in touch and please let us know if you have any more questions!
Molly
The Ravelry page for this pattern says “Bulky” yarn, but the yarn you suggest is “Super Bulky”. Which is it?
Hello, Tonya!
Thank you so much writing in! For this pattern we used our Super Soft Merino which is considered a “bulky” yarn. The terms “bulky” and “super bulky” can sometimes house a range of weights so the most important thing is that you are able to get the correct gauge for the pattern. So, you’ll want to be sure the yarn you choose for this pattern gets you 4 stitches over one inch in a 1×1 rib (since that is the gauge for this pattern). If you have further questions, please feel free to respond! Happy knitting!
Best,
Kumeko
To finish the hat do you bind off the round needles? It’s confusing in the instructions.
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for writing in! In the case of this hat, you will not binding off at all. When the hat reaches the desired length, you will cut your yarn leaving an 8-inch tail and then, using a darning needle, thread that yarn through the live stitches, removing them from the circular knitting needle as you.
I hope that this is helpful!
-Cassy
Hi. You mention ‘thread thru sts that are left’. Well I’ve searched & searched & can’t find anywhere on here where/when to start decreasing so I’m really lost! Would appreciate it if you could steer me in the right direction…thanx. Sincerely, Kathy 🙂
Hello Kathy,
Thanks for writing us. There are no decreases in this pattern. You simply cut the yarn 8″ from your last stitch and thread the tail with a tapestry needle. Slip all of the stitches on the needle on to the yarn and pull tight. You will then weave in the yarn at the inside of the hat and add a cute little pom pom if you’d like. I hope this clears everything up.
Best,
Adam
If I’m doing the hat on size 10 because of my guage how many should I cast on for adult?
Hi Dina-
If you’re getting the same gauge as in the pattern you can just cast on what is recommended, which I believe is 66 stitches, regardless of needle size. Needle size is always just a recommendation the important thing is that you are getting the same amount of stitches per inch.
Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
Thank you Molly! That’s what I figured! What is the length recommendation for adult hat straight (not cuffed). I want to make it perfect for a friend!
Running through remaining stitches 3 times and weaving in would be better than a knot on a baby’s sensitive scalp 🙂
Hi Samantha,
Thanks for your question! Adapting this pattern for an adult hat is quite easy. The Friendly Fair Isle Hat is a pattern made in this yarn and starts with a 1×1 rib. You can refer to this pattern for a general cast on number. Also, you could do the math by multiplying the stitches per inch stretch (2.75 st/in) by the desired stretched circumference (say, 22.5″), which would equal approximately 62 stitches for the cast on. Best of luck! Happy knitting!
-Adam
Hi! I was wondering about the decrease section? Do you thread all the 44 stitches?
Thanks!
Also, if I’m using a charisma bulky yarn, should I use two strands to get the right thickness ?
Hi Laurie-
I’m not familiar with that yarn so I’d recommend doing a gauge swatch to figure out if it will work. Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
Hi Laurie-
Yes indeed, that is what you do.
Please let us know if you have any more questions.
Molly
What cast on method is used??
Hi Sara-
I used a basic long tail cast on, just make sure to cast on loosely.
Thanks for your question!
Molly
was wondering if there are decreases at the top of the hat or do you pull the 44 stitches together?
Hi Denise,
Thanks for writing in to us! There are no decreases at the top of this hat — just cinch it and weave in the ends!
Best of luck,
Adam
Is the total finished 8 1/4 inches in length for the hat if it’s uncuffed and the smaller measurement when it’s cuffed?
also, how do you finish the hat? I’m unclear on how to do that. this is my first hat project.
Hi Aimee,
Thanks for writing in! The total finished height for the hat that is listed is the uncuffed height! The two heights listed are for the two different sizes. The 6 ½ size we recommend if you would not like to cuff the hat and the 8 ¼ we recommend if you would like to cuff the hat.
To finish the hat you will cut the yarn leaving an 8-inch tail. Thread the tail through the remaining stitches. Pull the tail firmly and bring it to the inside of the hat. Tie a knot on the inside to secure it closed. Then you can either weave in your ends of follow the directions above for making and attaching the pom pom.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Am I missing something? I don’t see any decreases for the top of the hat?
Hi Mary,
There are none! The hat is that easy. Have fun!
-Adam
Is this pattern missing the decrease?
Hi Amanda,
Thanks for writing in! The decreases on this hat are not missing but the pattern is written with out them. Once you finish knitting to 6 ½ (8 ¼) inches, you will cut your yarn and pull it through all of the stitches, cinching up the top of the hat!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hello! I have a few partial skeins of super soft merino around. Do you know approx. how many yards this hat takes?
Thanks!
Hello Katie,
Thank you for your question! Two skeins are enough yarn to make two hats in reverse colorways. (One skein is enough to make one hat in one color. ) Each skein of Super Soft Merino is approximately 87 yards (79 meters). I hope this answers your question and let me know if you have any further questions.
Happy knitting,
Marilla
Thanks, Marilla!
Are there no decreases to the top?
Hi Karen,
That is correct there are no decreases you just knit till you get to the appropriate measurement, you will then take the tail and pull it through the stitches closing the opening.
Enjoy,
Melissa
Also, I was curious why the recommended needle size isn’t smaller than US #11, as I am used to see ribbed patterns ask for smaller needles.
Any comments (perhaps from experience) on how the ribbing would come out with this yarn on slightly smaller needles?
Thanks!
Hi Natalie,
Thanks for reaching out! Although you are correct that ribbing is often worked on a smaller needle than is recommended for the yarn, especially when only part of a garment is worked in ribbing, it’s not a hard and fast rule. We liked the look of Super Soft Merino on US 11s for our ribbed hat, but you are welcome to try it on a smaller needle if you wish! The ribbing will look tighter and pull in more closely. It will also result in a smaller hat, so you may wish to add two or four stitches to the cast on to compensate.
Best of luck and happy knitting!
Julianna
Thanks Julianna,
I’d be interested to see how it looks on a smaller needle. Where do you recommend I start? I will make a swatch first- what would you say would be the smallest needle recommended to make this pattern with this yarn?
(I already have a 10- would that be too small? I don’t have any of the needle sizes between 10 and 11- so I would have to purchase those.)
Hi Natalie,
Since everyone’s gauge is a bit different, it’s hard to say without trying a swatch! For me personally, I think a 9 would be verging on too small of a needle with Super Soft Merino, as I am a tight knitter and the fabric would turn out quite stiff, but if you are a looser knitter it might be fine. I would suggest trying the 10 and seeing how you like it!
Best,
Julianna
Hello,
Could anyone tell me what K1p1 means?
I am looking forward to your answer.
Yours Birgit
Hi Birgit –
Thanks for reaching out! K1p1 is shorthand for knit 1, purl 1 – the simple ribbing that gives the hat its name!
Happy Knitting!
Cassandra
Is one skein enough for two hats without pom-poms?
Are two skeins (each different color) enough if I wanted to make identical hats, the bodies the same color and the pom-poms the same color?
(Sorry if this was answered already in the comments!
Hi Natalie,
Thanks for reaching out again. 2 skeins is enough yarn to make two hats in reverse colorways but not two identical, one skein is enough to make one hat in one color.
All the best,
Gianna
There are no decrease rows??
Hi Byrne and Cary,
Thanks for reaching out! Yes, that is correct! This hat doesn’t have any decrease rounds! You simply knit in stitch pattern until you reach 6 ½ or 8 ¼ inches (depending on the size you are making) and then cut the yarn leaving an 8-inch tail and thread the tail through the remaining stitches, pulling the tail firmly. This gives the hat the cute gathered top, perfect for adding in a pom pom!
I hope this clears things up!
Warmly,
Gianna
Can this be done on straight needles please
Hi Kathleen,
Thanks for reaching out! Since this hat doesn’t have any decreases you can certainly knit it on straight needles, seem up the side and then gather the top at the end!
Warmly,
Gianna
I’d like some suggestions of what color to pair with Denim Gray.
It’s going to a baby boy, so maybe no pink…even thought ballet pink could look pretty nice!
Thanks!
Hi Natalie,
Thanks for writing in! With Gray Denim I would recommend using High Tide, Artemisia Green or Sapphire Blue! I think Ballet Pink would look cute with Gray Denim as well, but may look a bit more feminine!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hi!
When measuring the height, should it be 6 ½ (8 ¼) inches from cast on edge unstretched or when stretched to 16″?
Unstretched I am getting a 11″ circumference. Stretching, of course, makes the hat shorter….
Hi Natalie,
Thanks for reaching out! That is a great question! I believe that the 16″ circumference is measured stretched and the 6 ½ (8 ¼) inches from cast on edge in measured unstretched!
Warmly,
Gianna
Gotcha! Thanks Gianna.
Has anyone done this pattern in larger for an adult and if so, could they share the pattern?
Hi Amanda,
Thanks for reaching out! You can simply adjust the pattern for an adult size! If your gauge is consistent with the pattern then you can easily adjust the cast on based on the circumference of your head! Just be sure to keep in mind that the rib stitch is very stretchy so you will want the circumference of the hat to be a bit smaller than the circumference of your head and you will also want to cast on an even number of stitches.
I hope this helps and please feel free to reach out with any more questions!
Warmly,
Gianna
After making one hat, I came to a realization- perhaps when making the pom pom with the contrast color, it would be better to secure the pom pom using the same color used for the hat!
I realized this as I was weaving in the ends on the inside of the hat. Even though it is hidden on the inside, better to be more invisible in my opinion.
What do you think?
Hi Natalie,
I think that would be a great idea! Using the color of the hat would be great to secure the pom pom to insure that even though you are weaving in the end on the inside that no contrasting color pops through!
Warmly,
Gianna
Can this pattern be made with a smaller need, says size 7, and #3 yarn?
Hi Toni,
Thanks for reaching out! You can absolutely make this hat with a different weight yarn. All you’d need to do is cast on more stitches to make sure that it comes out in the correct size.
To figure out your cast-on number, you will want to first knit a gauge swatch in pattern. Once you know how many stitches you are getting per inch, you can multiply that number by the finished circumference of the hat and cast on the nearest even number of stitches. Then you can follow the pattern as written!
All the best,
Lili
Awesome. Thanks for explaining it so simply to me.
Hello! I just made this for a baby and loved it! I am now trying to make one for my 10 year old daughter but have never adapted a pattern. I saw some of the previous comments about adapting it for adults, but how would I figure out exactly how many stitches to cast on to make it the right size? Also, how do I know how many skeins I will need? Is a hat that would be approximately 50-56 stitches cast on need more than one skein for the hat and one skein for the pompom?
Hi Kristin,
Thanks for reaching out! To figure out your cast-on number for a larger size, you can multiply the number of stitches per inch (4 stitches, according to the gauge of the pattern) by the circumference that you would like and cast on the nearest even number. Then you can follow the pattern as written! Based on the yardage for other adult-sized hats that were designed in Super Soft Merino, you may need two skeins for the body of the hat (plus a third for the pom pom). Hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
Hi, Lili-
Thanks for the info! I am confused because the original pattern calls for 44 stitches but the circumference ends up being 16″, not 11, which would be 4X11 inches to get the 44. My daughter needs her hat to be roughly 22″ stretched. Please advise on number of stitches and quantity of yarn. Thanks so much for your help!
Hi Kristin,
You’re right! The finished circumference of this hat is 11 inches. However, 1 x 1 ribbing is incredibly stretchy, which is why we mention that the hat has a finished circumference of “up to 16 inches circumference, stretched.” It’s 11 inches unstretched, and anywhere between 11 and 16 inches stretched. For a 22-inch, stretched circumference, you’ll want to aim for about a 17-inch circumference, unstretched, which is the number you’ll want to use in your calculation!
All the best,
Lili