How to Knit a Hat

Getting Started

You'll find all sorts of instructions on how to knit a hat, many using round needles or other frightening things. But in fact, there is a very simple way to knit a hat. All you need are size 8 and 9 knitting needles and a skein of your very favorite yarn.

Begin by casting 87 stitches onto the size 8 needles (this pattern makes an average sized hat -- like the size you would find in any store. Do a basic rib stitch (K1 P1 on even sides and P1 K1 on odd sides) until the work measures one inch from the beginning. Switch to the size 9 needles and knit another row (you'll be using one size 8 and one size 9 for this row only).

Reducing the Hat Size

So far, so good: you probably know what you're doing so far. Now it's time to start really learning how to knit a hat... reducing. Hats get smaller as they go toward the top -- if they don't, they're tubes.

Let's start out easy: alternate knit and purl rows, using the size 9 needles, for six inches. Now it's time to get smaller.

Don't panic; it's actually very easy. Just alternate the following two rows until you only have seven stitches left on your needle:

Row 1: Knit 3, Knit 3 together (yes, all 3 at once). Repeat to the end of the row.

Row 2: Purl all stitches

Honestly, that's it -- that's how to knit a hat.

Finish It Off

Cut about a foot and a half of yarn and thread a large sewing needle. Remove the knitting needle from the last seven stitches and thread the sewing needle through those stitches; pull them tight. Fold the right sides of the hat together and sew the edges together. When you reach the bottom, tie a knot, trim the yarn, and turn the hat the right way out.

Believe it or not, it's just that easy. And now you know how to knit a hat!