This hat - knit in the round with occasional purl ridges and a flat top - reminded me of a layer cake... which I last had at a birthday party... and preemies are babies who are born too soon... which means they get an "early birthday"... and thus the name of this hat was "born": the Too Early Birthday hat.It's a simple but eye-catching design, just the thing to make for wee babes needing some love.
Size: 10in circumference by 3.5in height (25cm by 9cm)
Gauge: 18sts and 30rows per 4in (10cm) in stockinette stitch in the round
Materials:
1 (partial) skein worsted weight yarn (sample is knit in Peaches N Creme 100% cotton)
US7 (4.5mm) needles - whatever you use for knitting in the round
Stitch marker
Yarn needle
Instructions:
Cast on 42 stitches.
Join for knitting in the round, being careful not to twist, and place marker.
Rounds 1-5: K all sts.
Round 6: P all sts.
Repeat rounds 1-6 three MORE times (4 times total)
Begin crown shaping:
Round 1: (K5; K2tog) six times (36 sts rem)
Round 2: K all sts.
Round 3: (K4; K2tog) six times (30 sts rem)
Round 4: K all sts
Round 5: (K1; K2tog) 10 times (20 sts rem)
Round 6: P all sts
Round 7: K2tog 10 times (10 sts rem)
Cut yarn, leaving long tail, and thread through remaining stitches.
Slip stitches from needles and pull tail tight to cinch hole shut.
Sew ends invisibly to inside.
