Ruffled Baby Hat

Anne made up a sample sweater for us (an Oat Couture leaflet pattern) and had enough yarn left over to make a little matching hat. She thought this pattern up on the spot and she said I could post it as a freebie - lucky us! This hat features a ruffled edge and a gathered top. Anne embellished with some little ribbon flowers to add a sweet detail to the crown. It is such an adorable, quick pattern, it would be great for any of the babies in your life, as well as charity knitting. So... Here we go!

Finished size: 15.5” circumference
Gauge: 4.5 sts/inch in garter stitch
Materials: 1 ball of Louisa Harding Merletto (98yds/50g, 46% Viscose, 34% Polyamide, 20% Linen) Or other yarn that meets the required gauge
Size US 3 double pointed needles (or needles to get gauge)
A blunt-end yarn needle
Ribbon roses for embellishment (bows, buttons, pom poms, embroidery, whatever you like)

Ruffled Baby Hat - KNIT FLAT version

Cast on 140 stitches Knit 7 rows in garter stitch (knit every row)
Next row: k2tog across the row (70 sts remain)
Knit in garter stitch until hat measures 5.5 inches from the beginning.
Next 2 rows: k2tog across

Break your yarn leaving at least an 8” tail. Thread yarn on a blunt-end needle and draw yarn through all the remaining live stitches. Pull up tight to gather together. Use the rest of the tail to sew the back seam, from the top down to the brim. (for seaming tips, check out knitty.com's article on mattress stitch) Weave in ends to secure.

Embellish with ribbons, roses, or bows as desired.

Ruffled Baby Hat - KNIT AROUND version

Using double pointed needles cast on 138 stitches.
Join for knitting in the round, being careful not to twist.
Knit 7 rounds in garter stitch (in the round, that is knit a row, purl a row)
Next row: k2tog across the row (69 sts remain)
Knit in garter stitch until hat measures 5.5 inches from the beginning.
Next 2 rows: k2tog across

Break your yarn leaving at least a 5” tail. Thread yarn on a blunt-end needle and draw yarn through all the remaining live stitches. Pull up tight to gather together. Weave in ends to secure and embellish as desired.

Enjoy!