purlJam

# TODDLER BUNNY HAT

A cozy ribbed beanie with adorable bunny ears, perfect for keeping little ones warm. This beginner-friendly pattern is worked in the round from the brim up, with simple ears attached at the end.

## MATERIALS
- **Yarn**: Approximately 120 yards worsted weight yarn (main color)
  - Optional: Small amount (10-15 yards) of contrasting color for inner ears
- **Needles**: 
  - US 8 (5 mm) 16" circular needle
  - US 8 (5 mm) double-pointed needles (set of 4 or 5)
- **Notions**: 
  - Stitch marker
  - Tapestry needle
  - Scissors
  - Pins (for positioning ears)

## GAUGE
18 stitches × 24 rounds = 4" in stockinette stitch in the round
*Gauge is slightly less critical due to ribbed fabric, but will affect finished size*

## FINISHED SIZE
- **Circumference**: 18" (stretched to fit 19-20" head)
- **Height**: 7.5" from brim to crown
- **Fits**: Toddler (ages 1-3 years approximately)

## ABBREVIATIONS
- k: knit
- p: purl
- k2tog: knit 2 stitches together (decrease)
- ssk: slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- rnd(s): round(s)
- PM: place marker
- SM: slip marker

## NOTES
- Hat is worked in the round from the bottom up
- The k2p2 ribbing provides excellent stretch for a comfortable fit
- Ears are worked flat and sewn on after hat is complete
- For safety, ensure ears are securely attached for toddler wear
- When working decreases, pattern will transition from ribbing to stockinette

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### BRIM
Cast on 84 sts. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. PM to mark beginning of round.
*[Math check: 84 sts ÷ 4 = 21 repeats of k2p2]*

**Rnds 1-9**: *K2, p2; repeat from * to end of round.
*[Total: 9 rounds of ribbing = approximately 1.5"]*

### BODY
**Rnds 10-30**: Continue in k2p2 ribbing as established.
*[21 rounds × 24 row gauge = 3.5" additional height]*
*[Total height so far: 1.5" + 3.5" = 5" before crown shaping]*

### CROWN SHAPING
**Rnd 31** (Decrease Round 1): *K2, p2tog; repeat from * to end. (63 sts remain)
*[Math check: 84 - 21 = 63 sts]*

**Rnd 32**: *K2, p1; repeat from * to end.

**Rnd 33** (Decrease Round 2): *K2tog, p1; repeat from * to end. (42 sts remain)
*[Math check: 63 - 21 = 42 sts]*

**Rnd 34**: Knit all sts.

**Rnd 35** (Decrease Round 3): *K2tog; repeat from * to end. (21 sts remain)
*[Math check: 42 ÷ 2 = 21 sts]*
*Switch to DPNs when stitches become too tight on circular needle*

**Rnd 36**: Knit all sts.

**Rnd 37** (Decrease Round 4): *K2tog; repeat from * to last st, k1. (11 sts remain)
*[Math check: 21 ÷ 2 = 10.5, so (10 k2tog) + 1 = 11 sts]*

**Rnd 38** (Decrease Round 5): *K2tog; repeat from * to last st, k1. (6 sts remain)
*[Math check: 11 ÷ 2 = 5.5, so (5 k2tog) + 1 = 6 sts]*

Cut yarn leaving an 8" tail. Thread tail through remaining 6 sts, pull tight to close, and weave in end on inside of hat.

### BUNNY EARS (Make 2)

**OUTER EAR (Make 2)**
Using main color, cast on 12 sts, leaving a long tail for sewing.

**Row 1 (RS)**: Knit all sts.
**Row 2 (WS)**: Purl all sts.

**Rows 3-16**: Continue in stockinette stitch (knit RS rows, purl WS rows).
*[14 rows total = approximately 2.3"]*

**Row 17** (RS, Decrease Row): K1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. (10 sts remain)
*[Math check: 12 - 2 = 10 sts]*

**Row 18**: Purl all sts.

**Row 19**: K1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. (8 sts remain)
*[Math check: 10 - 2 = 8 sts]*

**Row 20**: Purl all sts.

**Row 21**: K1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. (6 sts remain)
*[Math check: 8 - 2 = 6 sts]*

**Row 22**: Purl all sts.

**Row 23**: K1, ssk, k2tog, k1. (4 sts remain)
*[Math check: 6 - 2 = 4 sts]*

**Row 24**: P2tog twice. (2 sts remain)
*[Math check: 4 - 2 = 2 sts]*

**Row 25**: K2tog. (1 st remains)

Cut yarn and pull through last stitch.

**INNER EAR (Make 2) - Optional**
Using contrasting color, cast on 10 sts, leaving a long tail for sewing.

**Row 1 (RS)**: Knit all sts.
**Row 2 (WS)**: Purl all sts.

**Rows 3-12**: Continue in stockinette stitch.
*[12 rows total = approximately 2"]*

**Row 13** (RS, Decrease Row): K1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. (8 sts remain)
*[Math check: 10 - 2 = 8 sts]*

**Row 14**: Purl all sts.

**Row 15**: K1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. (6 sts remain)
*[Math check: 8 - 2 = 6 sts]*

**Row 16**: Purl all sts.

**Row 17**: K1, ssk, k2tog, k1. (4 sts remain)
*[Math check: 6 - 2 = 4 sts]*

**Row 18**: P2tog twice. (2 sts remain)
*[Math check: 4 - 2 = 2 sts]*

**Row 19**: K2tog. (1 st remains)

Cut yarn and pull through last stitch.

### FINISHING

1. **Weave in ends** on the hat body.

2. **Assemble ears**: 
   - If making two-tone ears, center the inner ear on the outer ear (wrong side of inner ear to right side of outer ear)
   - Pin in place and sew around the edges using matching thread or yarn
   - Pinch the bottom of each ear to create a slight pleat for dimension and sew a few stitches to hold the pleat

3. **Attach ears to hat**:
   - Try hat on child or measure to find optimal ear placement (typically 2-2.5" apart at center, positioned 1-1.5" back from the forehead edge)
   - Pin ears in place to check positioning before sewing
   - Using the long cast-on tail, sew ears securely to hat, stitching through the base multiple times for durability
   - Weave in all remaining ends

4. **Block lightly** if desired by dampening and shaping on a balloon or ball.

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## CUSTOMIZATION IDEAS
- **Color variations**: Make solid color, use variegated yarn, or create striped ears
- **Ear styles**: Make ears floppier by working more rows before decreasing, or perkier by adding a bit of stuffing
- **Embellishments**: Add a small pompom tail to the back, or embroider a sweet face
- **Size adjustments**: For a smaller/larger hat, cast on 80/88 sts (must be divisible by 4)

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## YARN SUGGESTIONS
Any worsted weight yarn will work well. Consider:
- Machine-washable acrylic or acrylic blends for easy care
- Soft merino or merino blends for warmth
- Cotton blends for spring/fall wear

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*Pattern tested for accuracy. Please check your gauge and verify stitch counts as you work.*

**© 2024 - This pattern is for personal use. Items made from this pattern may be sold in small quantities with credit to the designer.**