the Holly Hat......

 Everyone loves a free pattern.  This hat pattern couldn't have more options or be easier to knit up.  As long as you know how to Knit, Purl and K2TOG, you will be able to knit up a hat.  Enjoy :) :)

The Holly Hat

Easy Hat to Knit for your Newborn to Hubby....lots of sizes, lots of styles.

This pattern has been living in my head for quite a while now and I thought I would get it down in
writing for all to share. The great thing about this pattern is that you can make a bunch of different hats
with the same pattern (with just a few tweaks) and the same size needles.

Sizes
NB(Baby, Toddler, Child, Adult)

Yarn
Any worsted weight yarn anywhere from 1oz to 4oz

Needles
Size US9 16" circs (5.5mm)
One set of US9 dpns (5.5mm)

Gauge
15 ½ sts and 23 rows = 4”

Notions
Tapestry needle, stitch marker, scissors

Hat pattern:
Using circular needle, cast on 48(56, 64, 72, 80) stitches. Join to work in the round, do not twist your
stitches and place your stitch marker here.




For a rolled brim hat, work stockinette stitch (knit every stitch, every row) for 4 1/2(5", 6", 6 1/4", 6 1/2") from cast on row with the edge unrolled. See Rolled Brim Hat below (with Sprite Like Versions' decreases).

rolled brim version with 2 i-cord antenna

rolled brim version with sprite version decreases

For a seed stitch brim hat, work seed stitch (knit the purls and purl the knits) for 1 1/2"(2", 2", 2", 2
1/2") from cast on row. Now work stockinette stitch (knit every stitch, every row) until your piece
measures 4 1/2(5", 6", 6 1/4", 6 1/2").

seed stitch version hat

For a garter stitch brim hat, work garter stitch (knit one row, purl one row) for 1 1/2"(2", 2", 2", 2 1/2")
from cast on row. Now work stockinette stitch (knit every stitch, every row) until your piece measures
4 1/2(5", 6", 6 1/4", 6 1/2").

garter stitch version with earflaps

garter stitch version with earflaps and braids

Single rib brim hat, work single rib stitch (K, P, K, P repeated) for 1 1/2"(2", 2", 2", 2 1/2") from cast
on row. If you wish to fold over your brim for your hat, just double your brim to 3"(4", 4", 4", 5"). Now
work stockinette stitch (knit every stitch, every row) until your piece measures4 1/2(5", 6", 6 1/4", 6 1/2")


For Double rib brim hat, work double rib stitch (K, K, P, P repeated) for 1 1/2"(2", 2", 2", 2 1/2") from
cast on row. If you wish to fold over your brim for your hat, just double your brim to 3"(4", 4", 4", 5").
Now work stockinette stitch (knit every stitch, every row) until your piece measures 4 1/2(5", 6", 6 1/4", 6 1/2")

For the Little Miss version you will start a little different. Cast on 56(64, 72, 80, 88)...which is 8 extra
stitches for each size. Work in garter stitch knitting flat (alternating knit and purl) for 1/2"(2", 2", 2, 2
1/2"). On the next round bind off 8 stitches and join for knitting in the round. Now work stockinette
stitch (knit every stitch, every row) until your piece measures4 1/2(5", 6", 6 1/4", 6 1/2"). After you complete
the decrease rounds attach the flap to the hat and sew on a button through both layers.

little miss version

little miss version

AFTER YOU CHOOSE AND FINISH YOUR BRIM AND DESIRED HEIGHT OF HAT...

Now work your decreases rounds. You will need to switch to your dpns when the piece is too tight on
your circs.

Round 1: K6, k2tog; repeat to end
Round 2 and all even rounds: Knit
Round 3: K5, k2tog; repeat to end
Round 5: K4, k2tog; repeat to end
Round 7: K3, k2tog: repeat to end
Round 9: K2, k2tog; repeat to end
Round 11: K1, k2tog; repeat to end

Break your yarn leaving a tail and using your tapestry needle, thread the tail through the remaining
stitches and remove them from the needles. Pull these stitches tight and poke the tail to the inside of the
hat and tie it off securely and weave in your ends.

sprite version of hat with garter stitch brim, i-cord and pom-pom. 

sprite version of hat with garter stitch brim, earflaps and braids

If you would like to make the sprite-like version of this hat, follow the pattern for the brim of your choice and work up to the decrease portion of the pattern and then work your decreases like this:

First Decrease Row: K6, k2tog; repeat to end
Knit 8 rows.
Second Decrease Row: K5, k2tog; repeat to end
Knit 8 rows.
Third Decrease Row: K4, k2tog; repeat to end
Knit 8 rows.
Fourth Decrease Row: K3, k2tog: repeat to end
Knit 8 rows.
Fifth Decrease Row: K2, k2tog; repeat to end
Knit 8 rows.
Sixth Decrease Row: K1, k2tog; repeat to end
Knit 8 rows.
Seventh Decrease Row: K2tog; repeat to end

Continue Decrease rounds of K2tog til you have 3 or 4 stitches remaining. Work icord for desired
length, bind off.



You can put all kinds of fabulous things at the ends of your hat. A tassel, a ball, a leaf, a heart. There are
lots of fun patterns out there to try :)

Want ear-flaps on your hat for those cold winter days? Easy.

I like to use the seed stitch version of the hat for the brim (but the garter stitch brim works great as
well). Find the middle/back of your hat. From the middle, count forward 6(8, 8, 10, 10) stitches. With
your dpns, pick up in seed stitch (Knit the purls, purl the knits) 10(12, 12, 14, 18) stitches. Turn and
work seed stitch across 6(6, 6, 8, 8) rows. Turn your work and seed stitch across to the last two stitches,
k2tog. Continue the last row until you have 3 sts.

Now you can work a 3 stitch i-cord for your ties OR you can bind off and have no ties, just ear-flaps OR you can bind off and have braids.  Cut long strips of coordinating yarn. I like to hold three strands together and have three sections. Send each 3 strand section through the bound off stitches on the bottom of the ear-flap.  Double them up, giving you (3) 6 strand sections and braid them together. Tie off tightly at the bottom of braid.

I also like to take a contrasting color and do a simple single crochet row around the bottom of hat and
ear-flaps....just gives it a great finishing touch.

garter brim version with earflaps, braids and skully duplicate stitch

Another technique I love for these hats is to add a little flair with duplicate stitch. Below is a chart for
the small Skull that is featured on the above Holly Hat.

 


Holly Hat Pattern by Holly Pitcock
www.hyenacart.com/handmadebymama
Please contact me at holly.pitcock@gmail.com with any questions. Thanks so much!