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September 28, 2006
Newborn Hat Pattern
If you're like nona, your day-to-day life is over flowing. Which is why I think a little charity knitting would do us good. There are lots of programs looking for donated hand knits. For example, the Auxiliary for a local hospital likes to send each new baby home with a hand knit hat -- I like to think of it as a "Welcome to the World" hat. With 500 babies born each month, the hospital is in constant need of hats. I've written a free pattern for my LYS to give to interested knitters and thought I'd share it with you. Perhaps your local hospital has a similar program.
Welcome to the World Newborn Hat
This simple hat is perfect for welcoming a newborn baby into the world. If knitting a hat to donate to your local hospital, most programs ask for non-wool yarn in blue or pink.
To Fit
Newborn Baby
Finished Size
Circumference: 11.25 inches; Height: 5.5 inches
Gauge
This pattern is written for two gauges:
- 20 stitches in 4 inches if using worsted weight yarn
- 22 stitches in 4 inches if using DK yarn
Yarn & Needles
When choosing your yarn, remember that most programs ask for non-wool yarn and prefer blue and pink.
- Worsted Weight -- any yarn with a gauge of 18 – 20 stitches in 4 inches. Approximately 55 yards required. Use US 6 double pointed needles (or size required to get a gauge of 20 stitches in 4 inches).
- DK Weight -- any yarn with a gauge of 22 – 24 stitches in 4 inches. Approximately 60 yards required. Use US 5 double pointed needles (or size required to get a gauge of 22 stitches in 4 inches).
Abbreviations
k2tog -- knit two stitches together
Directions
Please Note: When two numbers are given, the first number is for worsted weight yarn and the second number in []’s is for DK weight yarn.
Cast on 56 [64] stitches onto 3 needles as follows: 16 [16] stitches onto needle one, 16 [24] stitches onto needle two, and 24 [24] stitches onto needle three.
Join into the round, being careful not to twist.
Round 1: *k2, p2* to end of round.
Work in 2x2 ribbing by repeating Round 1 until hat measures 1.5 inches from cast on edge.
Switch to stockinette stitch (knit all rounds) and continue until hat measures 4.5 inches from cast on edge.
Crown Shaping
Decrease top of hat as follows:
Break off yarn. Using blunt needle, thread yarn through stitches and pull to tighten. Weave in all ends.Round 1: *k6, k2tog* repeat to end of round => 49 [56] stitches remaining
Round 2: *k5, k2tog* repeat to end of round => 42 [48] stitches remaining
Round 3: knit
Round 4: *k4, k2tog* repeat to end of round => 35 [40] stitches remaining
Round 5: *k3, k2tog* repeat to end of round => 28 [32] stitches remaining
Round 6: knit
Round 7: *k2, k2tog* repeat to end of round => 21 [24] stitches remaining
Round 8: *k1, k2tog* repeat to end of round => 14 [26] stitches remaining
Round 9: *k2tog* repeat to end of round => 7 [8] stitches remaining
September 28, 2006 in Serial Patterns | Permalink
Comments
Stitches from The Heart.org does the same. They are a charity and send baby hats and blankets to hospitals all over the U.S.
I think it's great!
Posted by: bananaknits | Sep 28, 2006 4:51:48 PM
The Preemie Project (http://thepreemieproject.com) always needs hats (and booties and blankets and lots of other stuff, too).
Posted by: Debbie | Sep 28, 2006 9:41:51 PM
Do you have this pattern so that I can download it instead of having to print out four pages? Or a printer friendly version? Thanks for your time.
Posted by: SherryCole | Sep 30, 2006 12:49:39 AM
i've never knit baby hats butthere was a thing at my old school to teach girls to knit and then we made squares for baby blankets. when we had complete ones we donated them to project linus.
Posted by: callie | Oct 2, 2006 8:21:54 AM
Thanks so much for posting this!
Posted by: Lori | Oct 3, 2006 7:27:00 AM
Hi,
Great hat for newborns. I'm looking for a pattern to make (sew) hats using double-knit fabric. Also a crochet hat pattern... using single crochet. (Don't like the double-crochet look).
Thank you,
Tricialee
Posted by: tricialee | Oct 3, 2008 2:45:11 PM
Ignore those bots. "Too hot" my naughty needles indeed! lol
I was so grateful to find your pattern XOX. I love how it's so raw Ex. knit this for 1.5", that for 4.5", and decrease from 6...I can remember that and ya don't have to keep count :-D. Thank you for making it simple. I may not knit quickly, but I do knit everywhere, so it helps to have a go-friendly pattern. My cousin will have so many little hats in assorted colors. One could even add intarsia and pompoms. Love it!
Thanks Very Much,
Karen
Posted by: Karen | May 14, 2009 11:22:14 PM
Thank you for posting this pattern! It is exactly what I was looking for for our local hospital. Thank you for giving back!
Posted by: Nicole B | Nov 11, 2010 9:22:27 AM
Thank you so much! xxx Making one today for a baby gift!
Kathleen
Posted by: Katheen | Feb 19, 2011 4:59:57 AM
I'm making one right now, but the average newborn has a head circumference of 14" So how will this fit?
Thanks though!!
Posted by: Heather M | Jul 16, 2011 5:01:52 PM
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