It's Time: Learn how to Knit a Hat
Everything you need to know about how to knit a hat
Ever wondered how to knit a hat you won't be afraid to show in public? Every knitter should know how to knit a simple hat. It's such a fun, simple process that there's really no excuse for NOT knowing -- and if you like charity knitting, there are few projects that will meet with a better reception.
Whether you want to know how to knit a baby hat or a chemo cap, the process is basically the same -- and surprisingly simple. All you need are a few basic knitting skills, a simple pattern, and either double pointed or circular knitting needles, and you're ready to learn.
Step one: Cast on the required number of stitches according to your pattern (remember to check the gauge first, especially for hats!).
Step two: Join your hat in the round. That just means that you're going to be knitting in a big circle. The bulk of your yarn determines whether you should use circular needles or double pointed. In general, bulky yarn takes up a lot of space, so you'll need the circulars. It is also possible to knit your hat on straight needles, but you'll have to stitch the sides together at the end, so knitting in the round saves work in the long run.
Step three: Follow your pattern and knit as usual. If you want the brim of your hat to lie flat, you'll want to knit the first few rows in ribbing (K1, P1). If you do it in stockinette (all knits), it will roll up, which can be really cute, too.
Step four: The most intimidating part of learning how to knit a hat for beginners is the decreasing. That's what makes your hat get smaller toward the top of your head. Actually, though, it's pretty easy as long as the number of stitches you cast on divides into ten. For every group of ten, knit 8, then knit two together for one round, then knit straight across without decreasing for one round.
Keep going this way, but remember to decrease the number of stitches knit on each round. For example, your second decrease round would knit 7, knit 2 together.
Step five: Finish it off! When you can't follow the decrease pattern anymore, cut your yarn with about a foot extra and thread a craft or tapestry needle. Pull it through the remaining stitches and slip them off the needles. Then pull the yarn through the hole in the top of the hat and pull it tight (from inside), closing off your hat!
And that's it -- you're done! You learned how to knit a hat.
