Knitted Baby First Hat

The Knitted Baby First Hat is a sweet and adorable keepsake that's sure to become a treasured family heirloom. Soft, chunky yarn and a simple yet charming design make this hat a perfect gift for new parents, or a special way to commemorate the arrival of a little one. With its tiny size and snuggly fit, it's the perfect way to keep baby's head warm and cozy on their first chilly days.

Knitting Needle Size4 or 3.5 mm, 5 or 3.75 mm

Yarn Weight(3) Light/DK (21-24 stitches to 4 inches)

Gauge1 stitches, 2 rows, 3 inches. stockinette stitch

Finished Size: 17”(19”) circumference.

Materials:

• RED HEART® Baby TLC™ ( Art. E258 available in solid color 5 oz (141 g), 258 yd (328 m) and multicolor 4 oz (113 g), 242 yd (222 m) balls): 1 ball of 5960 Strawberry Orange
• Knitting Needles: 3.5mm [US 4] and 3.75mm [US 5]
• Yarn needle

GAUGE: 18 sts = 4”; 24 rows = 4” in Stockinette Stitch. CHECK YOUR GAUGE. Use any size needles to obtain the gauge.

Abbreviations:
K = knit
mm = millimeter
P = purl
st(s) = stitch(es)
tog = together

Special Stitches
SSK = slip next two stitches knitwise to right needle, insert point of left needle through front of stitches, knit these stitches together through the back loop.

Note: Directions are for size 6-9 month; changes for 12-18 month are in parentheses.

HAT
Ribbing
With smaller needles, cast on 77(85) sts.
Row 1 (Right side): (K2, P2) across to last stitch, K1.
Row 2: P1, (K2, P2) across.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 for Ribbing until piece measures approximately 2½ (3)” from cast on edge, ending by working Row 2.

Body
Change to larger size needles.
Row 1 (Right side): Knit across.
Row 2: Purl across.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 for pattern until piece measures approximately 4½ (5½)” from cast on edge, ending by working Row 2.

Crown Shaping
Row 1: K1, *K2tog, K15(17), SSK; repeat from * across: 69(77) sts.
Row 2: Purl across.
Row 3: K1, *K2tog, K13(15), SSK; repeat from * across: 61(69) sts.
Row 4: Purl across.
Row 5: K1, *K2tog, K11(13), SSK; repeat from * across: 53(61) sts.
Row 6: Purl across.
Row 7: K1, *K2tog, K9(11), SSK; repeat from * across: 45(53) sts.
Row 8: Purl across.
Row 9: K1, *K2tog, K7(9), SSK; repeat from * across: 37(45) sts.
Row 10: Purl across.
Row 11: K1, *K2tog, K5(7), SSK; repeat from * across: 29(37) sts.
Row 12: Purl across.
Row 13: K1, *K2tog, K3(5), SSK; repeat from * across: 21(29) sts.
Row 14: Purl across.
Row 15: K1, *K2tog, K1(3), SSK; repeat from * across: 13(21) sts.
Row 16: Purl across.

Size 12-18 Months Only
Row 17: K1, *K2tog, K1, SSK; repeat from * across: 13 sts.
Row 18: Purl across.

FINISHING
Cut yarn, leaving a 12” end. Thread yarn needle with end and weave through remaining stitches. Draw up firm; fasten securely. With right sides together and matching stitches, sew seam. Make one medium size pom pom and attach securely to Crown of Hat.