Step 1
Directions are for a baby, toddler size is in parenthesis. Finished circumference: 16 (17¾”) [41 (45) cm] NOTES Hat is worked in the round, change to double-pointed needles when there are not enough stitches to easily work on circular needles. SPECIAL STITCHES K2tog = Knit 2 stitches together. Insert the right needle into two stitches at the same time and knit. This will result in a decrease of one stitch. This decrease will slant to the right. M1 = Make 1 (Increase). Lift strand between needles to left-hand needle and knit strand through the back loop, twisting it to prevent a hole.
Step 2
HAT With Right Side facing and using circular needles, work across second Earflap as follows: K2, p2, k2, p2, k2. Cast on 38 (42) sts (front of hat), then work across the Right Side of first Earflap as follows: K2, p2, k2, p2, k2. Cast on 14 (18) sts (back of hat)—72 (80) sts. Join being careful not to twist sts and place marker for beginning of round. Next Rounds: Work in K2, P2 Ribbing for 1½” [4 cm]. Next Rounds: Knit every round until hat measures 2½, 3” [6 (8) cm] from cast on edge. SHAPE CROWN As stitch count decreases, change to doublepointed needles. Round 1: (decrease) *K2tog, k16 (18)*; repeat from * to * around 4 times—68 (76) sts. Round 2: Knit. Round 3: (decrease) *K2tog, k15 (17)*; repeat from * to * around 4 times—64 (72) sts. Cutie Pointed Round 4: Knit. Round 5: (decrease) *K2tog, k14 (16)*; repeat from * to * around 4 times—60 (68) sts. Round 6: Knit. Round 7: (decrease) *K2tog, k13 (15)*; repeat from * to * around 4 times—56 (64) sts. Round 8: Knit. Round 9: (decrease) *K2tog, k12 (14)*; repeat from * to * around 4 times—52 (60) sts. Round 10: Knit. Round 11: (decrease) *K2tog, k11 (13)*; repeat from * to * around 4 times—48 (56) sts. Round 12: Knit. Continue working in this manner, working one less knit stitch between each decrease round until there are 4 sts left on needles. Cut yarn leaving an 18” [46 cm] tail. Thread end of tail through yarn needle and pull through remaining 4 sts twice, draw up firmly; fasten securely
Step 3
TIES (Make 2) Cut 6 - 36” [91 cm] long stands of yarn. Thread 3 strands of yarn through the bottom of each Earflap, even up ends. Tightly braid the 6 stands together, starting at bottom of Earflap. When braid measures 9” [25 cm] long, knot ends leaving a 1” [2.5 cm] tassel, trim ends even.
Step 4
FINISHING Using yarn needle, weave in ends. Thanks to <a href="http://track.flexlinks.com/a.ashx?foid=1082937.2151935&fot=9999&foc=1">Red Heart</a> for the permission to share this pattern.
