purlJam

# LITTLE BOWLER SUN HAT
*A charming structured sun hat for toddlers with classic bowler-style shaping*

**Size:** 18 months (fits head circumference 47-48cm / 18.5-19")  
**Finished Measurements:** 48cm / 19" circumference, 12cm / 4.75" height, 5cm / 2" brim width

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn:** Approximately 90-100m of worsted weight (aran) cotton or cotton-blend yarn  
*Sample shown in Rowan Cotton Glace (100% cotton, 115m/50g)*

**Needles:** 
- 4.5mm (UK 7 / US 7) circular needle, 40cm length, or DPNs
- 4.5mm (UK 7 / US 7) DPNs or longer circular for magic loop (for crown)

**Notions:**
- Stitch marker
- Tapestry needle
- Optional: ribbon for inner band (grosgrain, 1.5cm wide, 50cm length)

**Tension:** 18 sts × 24 rows = 10cm / 4" in stocking stitch on 4.5mm needles  
*Accurate tension is essential for proper fit*

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## ABBREVIATIONS

- k = knit
- p = purl
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- kfb = knit into front and back of stitch (1 stitch increased)
- k2tog = knit 2 stitches together (1 stitch decreased)
- ssk = slip, slip, knit (slip 2 sts knitwise, insert left needle and knit together)
- pm = place marker
- sm = slip marker
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- w&t = wrap and turn (for short rows: bring yarn forward, slip next st to right needle, take yarn back, return slipped st to left needle, turn work)

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## PATTERN NOTES

- Hat is worked from the top down in the round
- Crown is shaped with regular increases to create a flat top
- Brim uses short rows to create the characteristic bowler dip at the sides
- Cotton or cotton-blend yarn recommended for sun protection and structure
- For a stiffer brim, consider holding yarn double for brim section only

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### CROWN

Using DPNs or magic loop method, **cast on 12 sts**. Divide evenly over needles if using DPNs. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Pm for beginning of round.

**Round 1:** Knit.  
**Round 2:** *Kfb* repeat to end. **(24 sts)**  
**Round 3:** Knit.  
**Round 4:** *K1, kfb* repeat to end. **(36 sts)**  
**Round 5:** Knit.  
**Round 6:** *K2, kfb* repeat to end. **(48 sts)**  
**Round 7:** Knit.  
**Round 8:** *K3, kfb* repeat to end. **(60 sts)**  
**Round 9:** Knit.  
**Round 10:** *K4, kfb* repeat to end. **(72 sts)**  
**Round 11:** Knit.  
**Round 12:** *K5, kfb* repeat to end. **(84 sts)**  
**Round 13:** Knit.  
**Round 14:** *K13, kfb* repeat to end. **(90 sts)**

*Math check: 12 → 24 → 36 → 48 → 60 → 72 → 84 → 90 sts ✓*

**Crown measures approximately 6cm / 2.25" from centre**

### SIDES

Switch to circular needle if desired.

Work even in stocking stitch (knit every round) for **17 rounds** (approximately 7cm / 2.75").

*Total hat height from crown: 13cm / 5" to brim*

### BRIM SHAPING

**Increase Round:** *K9, kfb* repeat to end. **(99 sts)**

*Math check: 90 sts + 9 increases = 99 sts ✓*

**Next Round:** Knit.

The brim will now be worked with short rows to create the bowler shape. The brim will be deeper at front and back, and shallower at the sides.

**Set-up:** K50 (this marks the centre front). Pm for new beginning of round (this is now centre front).

### SHORT ROW SECTION (creates side dips)

**Short Row 1 (RS):** K74, w&t. **(25 sts remain unworked)**  
**Short Row 2 (WS):** P49, w&t. **(25 sts remain unworked on this side)**  
**Short Row 3:** K47, w&t.  
**Short Row 4:** P45, w&t.  
**Short Row 5:** K43, w&t.  
**Short Row 6:** P41, w&t.

**Resume working in the round:**  
**Next Round:** Knit all sts, picking up wraps and knitting them together with wrapped sts as you come to them.  
**Next Round:** Knit.

*This creates shorter sides and longer front/back sections typical of a bowler hat.*

### BRIM EXTENSION

**Round 1:** *K10, kfb* repeat to end. **(108 sts)**  
**Rounds 2-6:** Knit (5 rounds).

*Math check: 99 + 9 increases = 108 sts ✓*

**Round 7:** *K11, kfb* repeat to end. **(117 sts)**  
**Rounds 8-10:** Knit (3 rounds).

*Math check: 108 + 9 increases = 117 sts ✓*

*Brim measures approximately 5cm / 2" from hat body.*

### BRIM EDGE

For a neat, structured edge:

**Rounds 1-2:** *K1, p1* repeat to last st, k1 (rib).  
Cast off loosely in pattern.

*Alternatively, for a rolled edge: Work 3 rounds stocking stitch, then cast off. Edge will roll naturally.*

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## FINISHING

1. **Weave in ends** securely, especially at crown centre.

2. **Block** gently by dampening and shaping over a bowl or balloon approximately 15cm diameter. Allow to dry completely. The cotton will stiffen slightly when dry, helping brim hold its shape.

3. **Optional inner band:** Hand-sew grosgrain ribbon around inside circumference at the join between sides and brim to help hat maintain shape and provide comfortable fit.

4. **Steam brim** (hover iron over brim without touching) to encourage downward angle if needed.

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## DESIGN VARIATIONS

- **Ribbon trim:** Add a ribbon band around the hat where sides meet brim for classic bowler styling
- **Sturdier brim:** Work brim section with yarn held double
- **Chin strap:** Attach ribbon or i-cord ties to keep hat secure on active toddlers
- **Wider brim:** Work additional increase rounds in brim section for more sun coverage

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Reshape and dry flat over a bowl or form to maintain structure. Do not tumble dry.

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*Pattern design © 2024. This pattern is for personal use only.*