Toddler Felt Hat

The following pattern will make a hat that has about a 17" circumference, depending on how much you felt it.

If you like, you can download Microsoft Word version of this pattern (1.2 MB) formatted for printing.

Materials: 1-4oz. skein of Steadfast Fibers Wonderful Wool or any other worsted
weight yarn.

Needles: US# 8 16” round and set of four US #8 double pointed or size to meet
gauge

Gauge: 4 stitches per inch

Cast on 90 st on 16” round needles.

Place marker and join, making sure there are no twists in the row.

Knit around until the piece measures 7” or desired length.

Next row: *knit 8 st then knit two stitches together * and repeat the section between the stars until you have finished the row.

Knit the next row around.

Next row: *knit 7 st then knit two together* repeat around. Knit the next row. *Knit 6 st, knit two together* around.

Knit next row.

You get the idea.

Continue reducing rows of K5, K2 tog, K4, K2 tog, K3, K2 tog, with each reducing row divided by a row of regular knitting. Change to double pointed needles when necessary. Then:

Continue reducing every row with no row in between until you have knit two together all the way around. Break the yarn, draw the end through the remaining stitches and tie it off. Weave in the ends and you’re ready to felt!

Felting

Get the hat soaking wet and place in a dyer set on high with either soaking wet old towels (no fresh linty ones) or soaking wet blue jeans. Heat and mechanical action felt wool. Let the cycle run for about 15 minutes, then open and check on progress. When the hat is the size you want (but still damp) remove from the dryer, otherwise, keep the dryer going and check every 3-5 minutes (less time the closer the hat gets to size).

Hat should still be damp! Do not allow the hat to actually get dry. Roll brim of hat upwards to shape, then set on flat surface to dry undisturbed. After about a _ day, check on dryness. Turn hat over (brim in the air) to dry the inside.

Curly cues are in two of Nicky Epstein’s books, Knitted Embellishments and Knitting on the Edge.