How to Knit a Hat
You'll want to know how to knit a hat if you're going to be involved in charity knitting. You can learn how to knit a hat for newborn babies (even premature ones that only weigh pound!), small children and adults - and there are lots of choices of places to donate them.
How to knit a hat for a 'preemie' baby.
With #5 (American) needles, and any color of baby-weight yarn, cast on 60 stitches and then knit one stitch, purl one stitch (this is called a k1, p1 rib stitch) for 1 inch. Then knit one row plain, one row purl (this is called 'stockinette' stitch) until the hat is 4" long in total.
Next: (This is the beginning of the cast off): k.2, k2 tog, repeat to end of row
Next row: purl
Next row: * k.1, k2 tog to end of row
Next row: purl*
Continue * *until there are 7-10 stitches left on the needle.
Pull yarn through remaining stitches and sew seam.
Add pompom or decorations as you like. Have fun and make each one different, if you're making several!
How to knit a hat for a child
With #5 (American) needles, and any color of sport-weight yarn, cast on 60 stitches and then knit one stitch, purl one stitch (this is called a k1, p1 rib stitch) for 6 inches in total.
Next: (This is the beginning of the cast off): k.2, k2 tog, repeat to end of row
Next row: purl
Next row: * k.1, k2 tog to end of row
Next row: purl*
Continue * *until there are 7-10 stitches left on the needle.
Pull yarn through remaining stitches and sew seam.
This makes a 'stretchy' one-size-fits-all hat that will fit most children.
How to knit a hat for an adult
With #6 (American) needles, and any color of worsted-weight yarn (try several colors, and do stripes if you like!), cast on 72 st, and do the rib stitch (described above) for 2".
Then: knit one row, purl one row until the hat is 9" long in total.
Next: (This is the beginning of the cast off): k.2, k2 tog, repeat to end of row
Next row: purl
Next row: * k.1, k2 tog to end of row
Next row: purl*
Continue * *until there are 7-10 stitches left on the needle.
Pull yarn through remaining stitches and sew seam.
Now you have learned how to knit a hat that is suitable for a preemie baby, a small child or any teen or adult.
