Care Wear Patterns: Knit

Child's Hat

Materials:

• 1 skein knitting worsted yarn (Lion Brand Wool-Ease) (will make more than one hat)
• 1 skein worsted yarn to make braids (in black, red, brown, or blond)
• Double pointed knitting needles, #5 and #6
• Hat can also be made using two needles

Gauge:

• 5 stitches to 1" on #6 needles.

Directions:

• With smaller needles, cast on 80 (90) sts.
• Join, being careful not to twist stitches.
• Work 6 rows in garter stitch.
• Change to larger needles and work 5½" (6") in stocking stitch (or pattern of choice); if using two needles, end with a purl row.
• Next row: *K6 (K7), K2tog* repeat between * * to end of row.
• Row 2 and all EVEN rows: Knit (purl if using two needles).
• Row 3: *K5 (K6), K2tog* repeat between * * to end of row.
• Row 5: *K4 (K5), K2tog* repeat between * * to end of row.
• Continue in this manner, having one stitch less in each repeat, until 10 (20) stitches remain.
• Next row: K2tog across row.
• Cut yarn, pull yarn through remaining stitches and fasten off.
• Make pom-pom if desired.
• For a variation instead of a pom pom, continue to K2tog each row until you have 4 stitches left and then knit an I-cord for about 8 rows, fasten off, tie it into a knot or make a top-knot.
• If using two needles, sew up back seam.

To Make Braid: (Remember to make 2!)

• Cut 15 strands of yarn per braid approximately 18" to 20" in length.
• Tie with separate strand of yarn in middle; fold in half.
• Divide the resulting 30 strands of yarn into 3 groups of 10 and braid.
• Using the yarn which you tied the middle, attach a braid on each side of hat.
• Rather than cut thread, pull it through the braid (that way the braid can be removed and reattached if it's not in the right place!).
• You may want to attach a bow or rose to hide where the braid was attached.

This is a pattern that Heather R. sent to me in response to Johns Hopkins 's request for hats with braids. Thank you to Heather for sending her pattern and directions for braids!