Simple Infant Hat (Knit) - DK / Light Worsted

A soft, quick-to-knit infant hat worked in the round with a tidy 2x2 rib and gradual crown decreases. Sized for Newborn (0-3m), 3-6m and 6-12m. Includes optional pompom and notes for finishing and sizing adjustments.

Sizes (finished circumference)

• Newborn (0-3 months): about 12.5 in / 32 cm
• 3-6 months: about 14 in / 36 cm
• 6-12 months: about 16 in / 41 cm

Materials

• Yarn: DK / Light Worsted (Category 3). Smooth, washable wool or acrylic recommended. Approximate yarn required: Newborn 40 yds / 37 m; 3-6m 50 yds / 46 m; 6-12m 60 yds / 55 m.
• Needles: Circular needle and DPNs (or magic loop) in sizes below:
• Knitting needles: US 6 / UK (old) 8 / 4.0 mm — 16in / 40 cm circular for working in the round; set of double-pointed needles same size for crown decreases.
• Optional crochet hook for finishing or pompom tail: US G/6 / UK 8 / 4.0 mm.
• Notions: stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, optional pompom maker.

Gauge

20 sts = 4 in / 10 cm in Stockinette stitch (in the round) on 4.0 mm / US 6 needles. IMPORTANT: Check your gauge and adjust needle size to match.

Abbreviations (US)

• k = knit
• p = purl
• k2tog = knit 2 together (right-leaning decrease)
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rnd = round
• CO = cast on

Cast-on & Set-up

Using long-tail cast-on (or preferred stretchy CO), cast on 64 (72, 80) sts. Join carefully to work in the round, placing a marker for the beginning of the round. Join without twisting.

Ribbed Brim

Work 2x2 rib (k2, p2) for 1 in / 2.5 cm for newborn; 1.25 in / 3 cm for 3-6m; 1.5 in / 4 cm for 6-12m.

Body

After rib, change to Stockinette in the round (knit every rnd) and work even until the hat measures 4.0 in / 10 cm (newborn), 4.5 in / 11.5 cm (3-6m), 5.0 in / 12.5 cm (6-12m) from cast-on edge, ending at the beginning of a rnd. Adjust length if you prefer a slouchier or shorter fit.

Crown Decreases

The cast-on counts are multiples of 8 so you can follow the decrease sequence below. You will decrease on alternating rounds (decrease rnd, plain knit rnd) until approximately 8-10 sts remain, then finish by threading the tail through the remaining sts.

Decrease sequence (work these rounds in order):

1. Rnd 1: *k6, k2tog* repeat to end. (Reduces by 1 st every 8-st repeat)
2. Rnd 2: Knit
3. Rnd 3: *k5, k2tog* repeat to end.
4. Rnd 4: Knit
5. Rnd 5: *k4, k2tog* repeat to end.
6. Rnd 6: Knit
7. Rnd 7: *k3, k2tog* repeat to end.
8. Rnd 8: Knit
9. Rnd 9: *k2, k2tog* repeat to end.
10. Rnd 10: Knit
11. Rnd 11: *k1, k2tog* repeat to end.
12. Rnd 12: Knit
13. Rnd 13: *k2tog* repeat to end. (When small number of stitches remain, switch to DPNs to finish.)

After final decrease round, you should have 8 sts (or a small handful). Cut yarn leaving a 8-12 in / 20-30 cm tail. Thread tail through tapestry needle and pull through remaining sts. Pull tight to close crown, weave tail to inside and secure. Weave in all ends.

Notes on Decreases and Fit

• If your hat circumference seems too large or small, adjust needle size by one step (smaller needle to reduce fabric size, larger to increase). Re-measure gauge and recalculate cast-on if you want an exact fit.
• You can stop decreases earlier for a slouchier crown: when you have reduced to half the starting sts, bind off loosely or switch to a small-i-cord finish.

Optional Pompom

Make a small pompom (approx 1.5-2 in / 4-5 cm finished) and sew securely to crown, or use a faux fur pompom that snaps on. If using a pompom, sew through the interior stitches and tie securely with the tail, then tuck and weave the tails into the hat.

Alternative: Simple Crochet Baby Beanie (single skein, DK)

If you prefer crochet, use a 4.0 mm (US G/6 / UK8) hook. Chain 4, join to form ring, work 12 dc into ring (12). Rnd 2: 2 dc in each st around (24). Rnd 3: *1 dc in next st, 2 dc in next* repeat around (36). Rnd 4: *1 dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next* repeat around (48). Continue increasing rounds until the circle measures desired crown diameter (approx 4.5 in / 11.5 cm for infants), then work even in dc until desired length (as knitting pattern). Finish with a round of sc in back loops to create a gentle brim if desired.

Finishing & Care

• Weave in ends with a blunt tapestry needle. Block gently if desired according to yarn care instructions.
• Care: follow yarn label. For superwash or acrylic DK, machine wash cool and tumble low or lay flat to dry. For non-superwash wool, hand wash and dry flat.

Customization

• Striping: change colors every 6-8 rnds; carry yarn up the inside or weave in tails.
• Earflaps: add earflaps after rib by working short rows or picking up stitches at sides and decreasing to shape.
• Size adjustments: each additional 4 sts changes circumference by ~0.8 in / 2 cm at this gauge.

Troubleshooting

• Cup-shaped top: you may have worked too many decreases early; ensure decreases are spaced and alternate with plain rnds as directed.
• Hat too tight/loose: check gauge and swap needle size.

Enjoy your knit! For more free patterns and help visit purljam. Support: team@verde.uk. Follow & tag us: #purljam

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