Knitting can be a fun relaxing activity. There's no better knitting craft than crocheting a baby hat: you can make one in no time, all you need is a skein of yarn, and new parents love handmade gifts! Whether you're making a hat for your own baby or as a gift for a friend awaiting the birth of a baby, this hat is sure to be loved.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Preparation for Knitting
Step 1. Determine the yarn type
Since you have decided to knit a baby hat, then you are better off choosing yarn for the baby.
- Consider buying more delicate baby floss, but be aware that you don't have to buy baby floss either.
- Know the weight of yarn you will need. Some baby clothes are made from lighter yarns of either “superfine” (1) or “fine” (2).
Step 2. Decide what yarn color you will choose
Remember that not all parents want pink for a baby girl and blue for a baby boy. Consider choosing a neutral or primary color.
Consider choosing multi-colored yarn instead of single-colored yarn. There are also some new yarns that will form patterns as you knit them
Step 3. Choose the right knitting needles
Many baby clothes crochet patterns require 4 mm (size 6) knitting needles.
- Start with a straight needle if you're new to knitting. Circular knitting needles are usually used by people who are experts in knitting.
- Determine what size of knitting needles you will need. The size of the knitting needle determines how much space between the threads in your hat, and the wrong needle can lead to the wrong size. Note that there are measurements in meters and US sizes, so you may need to convert the sizes first.
Part 2 of 2: Knitting a Baby Hat
Step 1. Make the initial stitch
The scratch stitch is a way of starting knitting by making a row of knots on one of your needles. Check out the How to Knit article for a step-by-step guide to making an initial stitch.
- Make the initial 30 knots (or more if this hat is not intended for newborns).
- Hold your needle so that on the left needle lies the knit, point the needle tip away from your body, and the knitting thread that moves from the needle towards the right, under the needle.
Step 2. Make a 12.5 cm wide crochet using a basic stitch
To make this, you may have to make 50 rows of crochet if using delicate baby yarn.
- Hold the needle with the starting knot in your left hand, and move it to the needle in your hand by threading it behind the needle in your left hand.
- Thread the thread counterclockwise around the tip of the right needle.
- Pull the right needle through the thread on the left side, and push the topmost knot out of the left needle.
- Each interweaving of yarn will add one knot on the right needle and reduce one knot on the left. When you have finished knitting a row, transfer the needle to the other hand so you can start knitting from the left needle again.
- Be sure to maintain the direction of movement from left to right during knitting, i.e. in the direction of the previously empty needle.
Step 3. Pinch the ends of the hat
After knitting about 12.5 cm, start to reduce the width of your knitting.
- Move 2 knots to the right needle at a time, instead of moving just 1 at a time.
- Continue reducing the knitting width by moving 2 knots of yarn at a time until there is only one knot left on your needle.
Step 4. Cut the remaining thread
Be sure to leave enough thread to sew the edges of the hat together. Tie the remaining thread in a simple knot before you start sewing.
Step 5. Sew the hats together
Using a large sewing needle or pin, sew the edges of the hat together. Weave the remaining yarn in and out along both edges of the hat. Tie the ends and cut off the rest.
Step 6. Flip your hat inside out
The stitches you make should be on the inside, so they aren't visible.
Step 7. Decide how to give this hat as a gift
Wrap them nicely or put them in other baby items, such as on top of a stack of baby diapers made into cakes.
Tips
- You can easily add more rows of crochet or increase the number of stitches in each row to change the size of the baby's hat.
- Watch videos of other people knitting if you're not sure how to do it, or you think you've made a mistake.
- Knitting with a circular needle is more difficult, but a hat crocheted with a circular needle does not need to be re-stitched (and has no seam marks).
- Reinforce the shape of the baby's hat after knitting to give it a more professional look. You can do this by wetting the hat, and letting it dry in the shape you want.
