purlJam

# Baby Bear-Ear Hat

A sweet and simple baby hat with subtle bear ears. Perfect for beginners, this pattern features stretchy ribbing and an easy crown shaping. The small, rounded ears are worked separately and sewn on for an adorable finishing touch.

## Size
Baby (6-12 months)
- **Finished Circumference**: 16" (40.5 cm), unstretched
- **Finished Height**: 6.5" (16.5 cm)

*Note: The k2p2 ribbing provides excellent stretch to fit a range of head sizes.*

## Materials
- **Yarn**: Approximately 100 yards (91 m) worsted weight yarn
  - Suggested: soft, machine-washable yarn suitable for babies
  - Sample shown in neutral brown or gray for classic bear look
- **Needles**: 
  - US 7 (4.5 mm) 16" circular needle (for brim and body)
  - US 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) or longer circular for magic loop (for crown)
  - Or size needed to obtain gauge
- **Notions**:
  - Stitch marker
  - Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving ends
  - Scissors

## Gauge
18 sts × 24 rows = 4" (10 cm) in stockinette stitch in the round

*Take time to check gauge. Adjust needle size if necessary.*

## Abbreviations
- **k** = knit
- **p** = purl
- **k2tog** = knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
- **st(s)** = stitch(es)
- **rnd(s)** = round(s)
- **pm** = place marker
- **sm** = slip marker
- **DPN(s)** = double-pointed needle(s)

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## PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS

### Hat Body

**Cast On and Ribbing**

Using circular needle, cast on 72 sts. *[Math check: 72 ÷ 4 = 18, confirming multiple of 4 for k2p2 ribbing]*

Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Pm for beginning of round.

**Rnds 1-8**: *K2, p2; repeat from * to end of round.

*[This creates approximately 1.5" of ribbing: 8 rnds ÷ 24 rows per 4" × 4" = 1.33"]*

**Main Body**

**Rnds 9-32**: Knit all stitches.

*[This creates approximately 4" of body: 24 rnds ÷ 24 rows per 4" × 4" = 4"]*

*[Total height before crown: 1.5" + 4" = 5.5"]*

### Crown Shaping

Switch to DPNs or magic loop method when stitches become too tight on circular needle.

**Rnd 33**: *K7, k2tog; repeat from * to end. (64 sts remain)
*[Math check: 72 ÷ 9 = 8 repeats; 8 × 8 = 64 sts]*

**Rnd 34**: Knit all stitches.

**Rnd 35**: *K6, k2tog; repeat from * to end. (56 sts remain)
*[Math check: 64 ÷ 8 = 8 repeats; 8 × 7 = 56 sts]*

**Rnd 36**: Knit all stitches.

**Rnd 37**: *K5, k2tog; repeat from * to end. (48 sts remain)
*[Math check: 56 ÷ 7 = 8 repeats; 8 × 6 = 48 sts]*

**Rnd 38**: Knit all stitches.

**Rnd 39**: *K4, k2tog; repeat from * to end. (40 sts remain)
*[Math check: 48 ÷ 6 = 8 repeats; 8 × 5 = 40 sts]*

**Rnd 40**: Knit all stitches.

**Rnd 41**: *K3, k2tog; repeat from * to end. (32 sts remain)
*[Math check: 40 ÷ 5 = 8 repeats; 8 × 4 = 32 sts]*

**Rnd 42**: *K2, k2tog; repeat from * to end. (24 sts remain)
*[Math check: 32 ÷ 4 = 8 repeats; 8 × 3 = 24 sts]*

**Rnd 43**: *K1, k2tog; repeat from * to end. (16 sts remain)
*[Math check: 24 ÷ 3 = 8 repeats; 8 × 2 = 16 sts]*

**Rnd 44**: *K2tog; repeat from * to end. (8 sts remain)
*[Math check: 16 ÷ 2 = 8 repeats; 8 × 1 = 8 sts]*

Cut yarn, leaving a 10" tail. Thread tail through remaining 8 sts, pull tight to close top of hat, and secure on inside.

### Bear Ears (Make 2)

Each ear is worked flat and seamed to create a rounded shape.

Using DPNs or straight needles, cast on 12 sts.

**Row 1 (RS)**: Knit all stitches.
**Row 2 (WS)**: Purl all stitches.
**Rows 3-8**: Repeat Rows 1-2 three more times (6 rows total of stockinette).

*[This creates approximately 1" height: 6 rows ÷ 24 rows per 4" × 4" = 1"]*

**Decrease Rows**:

**Row 9 (RS)**: K1, k2tog, k6, k2tog, k1. (10 sts remain)
*[Math check: 12 - 2 = 10 sts]*

**Row 10 (WS)**: Purl all stitches.

**Row 11 (RS)**: K1, k2tog, k4, k2tog, k1. (8 sts remain)
*[Math check: 10 - 2 = 8 sts]*

**Row 12 (WS)**: Purl all stitches.

**Row 13 (RS)**: K2tog across. (4 sts remain)
*[Math check: 8 ÷ 2 = 4 sts]*

Cut yarn, leaving a 16" tail for seaming. Thread tail through remaining 4 sts and pull tight.

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## FINISHING

### Assembling Ears

1. With the long tail and tapestry needle, fold each ear piece in half with right sides together.
2. Seam along the sides using the tail, creating a rounded "cup" shape.
3. Turn right side out. The ear should be approximately 1.5" tall and slightly cupped.

### Attaching Ears

1. Weave in all ends on hat body except ear tails.
2. Locate ear placement: Position ears on sides of hat, approximately 2" apart (measuring from inner edges), centered about 1.5-2" down from the top of the hat.
3. Using the long tails, sew ears securely to hat, stitching around the base opening of each ear. Make sure to catch the hat fabric firmly so ears are secure.
4. Weave in all remaining ends.

### Blocking (Optional)

Gently steam block or wet block the hat if desired, being careful not to flatten the ears. Reshape ears while damp to maintain their rounded form.

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## NOTES & TIPS

- **Yarn Choice**: Choose a soft, baby-friendly yarn. Avoid yarns with mohair or loose fibers that could be irritating.
- **Ear Placement**: Try the hat on your baby (or a model) before attaching ears to ensure optimal placement. Ears should sit naturally on the sides of the head when hat is worn.
- **Subtle Effect**: These ears are intentionally small and understated. If you prefer more prominent ears, cast on 16 sts instead of 12 and work 2 additional rows before decreasing.
- **Size Adjustment**: For a larger size (12-24 months), cast on 80 sts (still a multiple of 4) and work crown decreases accordingly.
- **Washing**: Follow yarn label instructions. Generally, hand wash and lay flat to dry for best results.

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## DESIGN NOTES

This beginner-friendly pattern combines the warmth of ribbed fabric with a sweet, subtle bear ear detail. The k2p2 ribbing at the brim ensures a snug, comfortable fit, while the simple crown shaping creates a rounded, flattering silhouette. The separate ears allow for customization in placement and can be easily adapted to your preference.

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**Pattern designed for beginner knitters with basic in-the-round experience.**

© 2024 All rights reserved. This pattern is for personal use only.