This baby hat has all the elements I love in a preemie cap: extra soft yarn, ribbing to allow for multiple sizing, interesting stitch pattern (but not so much so that you mess it up while watching baseball), and a cute topper.Gauge: 26sts by 38rows to 4in (10cm), slightly stretched
Dimensions: approx 10-12in (25-30cm) diameter, slightly stretched, by 4in (10cm), cuffed
Materials:
1 skein (partial) Plymouth Dreambaby DK Prints (50% Microfiber Acrylic, 50% Nylon) Color 203 [183yd to 50g]
US 5 (3.75mm) double-pointed needles
Stitch marker
Darning needle
Instructions:
Cast on 80 stitches.
Join, being careful not to twist, and place marker.
Work in K2; P2 ribbing for 20 rounds. (cuff)
Angle pattern (body)
Rounds 1-3: (P1; K2; P1) repeat to end of round
Rounds 4-6: (P2; K2) repeat to end of round
Rounds 7-9: (K1; P2; K1) repeat to end of round
Rounds 10-12: (K2; P2) repeat to end of round
Rounds 13-15: (K1; P2; K1) repeat to end of round
Rounds 16-18: (P2; K2) repeat to end of round
Rounds 19-21: (P1; K2; P1) repeat to end of round
Rounds 22-24: (K2; P2) repeat to end of round
Crown shaping:
Round 1: (K2tog; P2; K2; P2) ten times (70 sts rem)
Round 2: (K1; P2; K2; P2) repeat to end of round
Round 3: (K1; P2; K2tog; P2) ten times (60 sts rem)
Round 4: (K1; P2; K1; P2) repeat to end of round
Round 5: (K1; P2tog; K1; P2) ten times (50 sts rem)
Round 6: (K1; P1; K1; P2) repeat to end of round
Round 7: (K1; P1; K1; P2tog) ten times (40 sts rem)
Round 8: (K1; P1) repeat to end of round
Round 9: (K3; K2tog) eight times (32 sts rem)
Round 10 and all following even rounds: K all sts
Round 11: (K2; K2tog) eight times (24 sts rem)
Round 13: (K1; K2tog) eight times (16 sts rem)
Round 15: K2tog eight times (8 sts rem)
Round 17: K2tog four times (4 sts rem)
I-cord topper:
Using remaining 4 sts, work I-cording for 2.5in (5.25cm).
Bind off sts.
Weave in ends.
Tie I-cord into a simple knot, with base of knot close to top of hat. This gives a topper somewhat reminiscent of the tied off umbilical cord, I think.
