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
Materials
- 2 skeins of Super Soft Merino, 100% merino. I used Oyster Gray and Super Pink. This is enough yarn to make two hats in reverse colorways. (One skein is enough to make one hat in one color. )
- A small pom pom maker
- A US #11, 16-inch circular needle
Gauge
4 stitches = 1 inch in 1 X 1 rib (unstretched)
Sizes
16 inches in circumference (stretched) and 6 1/2 (8 ¼) inches tall to fit babies up to 1 year
Pattern
With the Main Color, loosely cast on 44 stitches.
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 6 ½ (8 ¼) 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 the pom pom maker’s larger size pom pom (1 5/8-inches). 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!
PRINT
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
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