purlJam

# Cozy K3P3 Baby Beanie

A snuggly, beginner-friendly baby beanie worked seamlessly in the round from the brim up. It features a stretchy **k3p3 ribbing** ("knit purl every 3") throughout the body and a simple crown that decreases evenly by 10 stitches per round. The bulky yarn means it works up fast — perfect for a quick gift!

**Size:** 6–12 months
**Finished Circumference:** approx. 13 in (33 cm) relaxed; stretches comfortably to fit a 15–17 in (38–43 cm) head
**Finished Height:** approx. 6 in (15 cm)

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## Materials
- **Yarn:** Bulky weight (Category 5), approx. 60–80 yds (55–75 m)
- **Needles:** US 10 / 6 mm 16-inch circular needle, plus US 10 / 6 mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) for the crown
- **Notions:** Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors
- Optional: pompom for the top

## Gauge
12 sts and 16 rounds = 4 in (10 cm) in stockinette stitch in the round.
*Gauge is not critical for a baby hat, but staying close will keep the fit accurate.*

## Abbreviations (US)
- **k** = knit
- **p** = purl
- **k2tog** = knit 2 stitches together (decrease)
- **rnd(s)** = round(s)
- **st(s)** = stitch(es)
- **PM** = place marker

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## Construction Notes
This hat is worked from the bottom (brim) up to the crown in one seamless piece. The k3p3 rib continues all the way up the body. At the crown, you'll decrease by 10 stitches on alternating rounds until 10 stitches remain, then cinch them closed.

**Math check:** Cast on = 60 sts. 60 ÷ 6 = 10 full k3p3 repeats ✓. 60 ÷ 10 = 6 decrease groups ✓.

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## Brim & Body

**Cast on 60 sts.** Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. PM to mark the beginning of the round.

**All rounds:** *k3, p3; repeat from * to end of round.

Repeat this round until the hat measures **4 in (10 cm)** from the cast-on edge.

*Stitch count: 60 sts.*

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## Crown Shaping

The crown decreases by exactly **10 sts** on each decrease round. Switch to DPNs when the stitches become too tight on the circular needle.

**Round 1 (decrease):** *k1, k2tog, p3; repeat from * to end. → **50 sts** (removed 10)
**Round 2:** *k2, p3; repeat from * to end.

**Round 3 (decrease):** *k2tog, p3; repeat from * to end. → **40 sts** (removed 10)
**Round 4:** *k1, p3; repeat from * to end.

**Round 5 (decrease):** *k1, p2tog, p1; repeat from * to end. → **30 sts** (removed 10)
*(p2tog = purl 2 stitches together)*
**Round 6:** *k1, p2; repeat from * to end.

**Round 7 (decrease):** *k1, p2tog; repeat from * to end. → **20 sts** (removed 10)
**Round 8:** *k1, p1; repeat from * to end.

**Round 9 (decrease):** *k2tog; repeat from * to end. → **10 sts** (removed 10)

**Math check:** 60 → 50 → 40 → 30 → 20 → 10. Each decrease round removes exactly 10 sts ✓.

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## Finishing

1. Cut the yarn, leaving an 8 in (20 cm) tail.
2. Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle. Pass the needle through the remaining 10 sts (going through each loop in order), then slip the stitches off the needle.
3. Pull the tail firmly to cinch the crown closed. Pass the tail to the inside of the hat and weave in securely.
4. Weave in the cast-on tail along the brim.
5. **Optional:** Attach a pompom to the top of the crown for a playful finish.

Block lightly if desired. Your cozy baby beanie is ready to wear!

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## At-a-Glance Summary
| Step | Stitch Count |
|------|--------------|
| Cast on | 60 |
| Body (k3p3 rib) | 60 |
| After Rnd 1 | 50 |
| After Rnd 3 | 40 |
| After Rnd 5 | 30 |
| After Rnd 7 | 20 |
| After Rnd 9 | 10 → cinched closed |