Update: I know have an expanded version of this pattern for sale in my Etsy shop! For a mere $3, you get two more sizes (Child and Lady), and instructions on both the Cloud embroidery and the Butterflies. If you have any questions, just ask! Otherwise, proceed:
Remember the knitting pattern I’ve been writing? The one for the beautiful blanket that I’ve been diligently working on for months? Well, the blanket is done, the pattern needs proof-reading and photographs are forthcoming, so in the meantime, I decided to try my hand at a simpler pattern. (Because heaven forbid I should start with a simple pattern in the first place.)
This pattern is so simple, in fact, that even if you’ve never knit a hat before, you could try your hand at this one – not least because you know exactly where to bring your questions. (If you do try it, please let me know how it goes! I would love to see photos.)
Cherry Branch Hat
This is one of the most basic hats you will ever knit, but because it’s so simple, the pattern is incredibly versatile. I love to embellish these hats with all manner of embroidery, buttons, and felt details (I’ve already knit half a dozen), but I’m sure you’ll find your own way to fancy these up.
Another big advantage to this hat is the rolled brim: you’ll notice that the sizes are pretty broad, and that’s because the rolled brim allows the hat to grow with your child. The toddler size is a little loose on my 7 month old and a little snug on my (almost) 3 year old, so rest assured that you’ll get a lot of mileage out of a single hat.
One final note: this hat is not machine washable. The yarn specified is wool, and if you use wool felt for the details, you will definitely not want to put it in the washing machine. If that’s a problem for you, there are several superwash wool and wool/cotton blends available that would work just as well for this pattern (try Cascade or Mission Falls for some great superwash options).
Materials
Stitch Nation Bamboo Ewe (55% Bamboo/45% Wool), 1 skein Sprout
US 8 circular needles (16” length), or size needed to obtain gauge
US 8 double-pointed needles (set of 4), or size needed to obtain gauge
Scrap yarn, embroidery thread and a small amount of wool felt, in desired colors
Tapestry needle
Embroidery needle
Stitch marker
Gauge
16 sts and 21 rows = 4”
Size
Instructions are written for Baby (Toddler).
Circumference: 16 (17½)”
Height: 7 ½ (8 ½)”
Abbreviations
CO = cast on
k2tog = knit two stitches together
Pattern
CO 60 (70) stitches. Taking care not to twist the stitches, join into a round and place marker at the beginning of the round.
Knit in the round until hat measures 4.5″ (5.5″ for large).
Begin decreasing as follows, switching to double-pointed needles when the stitches are too tight to knit comfortably.
First decrease round: *k8, k2tog* Repeat to end.
Round 2: Knit.
Round 3: *k7, k2tog* Repeat to end.
Round 4: Knit.
Round 5: *k6, k2tog* Repeat to end.
Round 6: Knit.
Round 7: *k5, k2tog* Repeat to end.
Round 8: Knit.
Round 9: *k4, k2tog* Repeat to end.
Round 10: Knit.
Round 11: *k3, k2tog* Repeat to end.
Round 12: *k2, k2tog* Repeat to end.
Round 13: *k1, k2tog* Repeat to end.
Final round: *ktog* Repeat to end. You now have 6 (7) stitches remaining on your needle. Cut yarn, leaving 6″ tail; pull it through remaining stitches and weave in ends.
Using a small amount of scrap yarn, embroider the branch in the outline stitch. Because you’re paying homage to nature here, I find it looks much more realistic to free hand the branch design (as opposed to drawing it on the hat beforehand).
Cut flowers out of felt (with these, I find it helpful to either draw a pattern onto scrap paper, then pin it into place on the felt and cut around it, or use a quilter’s pencil to draw a template directly onto the felt).With your embroidery thread, use the daisy stitch to attach flowers to the hat. Knot thread and weave ends into the underside of the embroidery.
28/04/2011 at 1:42 pm Permalink
I’ll definitely be trying this. Thanks!
29/04/2011 at 6:27 pm Permalink
Thanks for posting this! I’ll be sure to try it out sometime this summer!
15/05/2011 at 12:19 pm Permalink
I am a great fan of yours. I did the little hat with the tie on top and made several…(6) for the summer in cotton yarn..since my granddaughter tends to loose them. She is only 16 months..so is forgiven..her parents however should not be..but since I love to knit I just make more from your site.
This little nature hat is right up my alley too as I am a nature lover
So thanks for all the patterns…keep them coming
Sheila
16/05/2011 at 1:10 pm Permalink
Thank you! I’m so glad that you like the pattern: I hope it works out perfectly (and I’d love to see photos when you’re finished!).
And lost hats, especially when handknit, are tragic. My daughter tends to lose only handknit hats, and typically, only the ones that I really like. Oh, well.
21/06/2011 at 1:27 pm Permalink
so enjoyed basic hat, i;m on my 7th one, all have different things, flowers pompoms, little sunflower buttons in different colors, 2 or 3 each side 1 or 2 in front (depends on size) i’m making a crazy one now with 12 cast ons, and cast right off,and have them in every direction and different lenghths. thwn curl them? some have brooches (for the girls) the boys have little trains ,cars, bulldozers buttons
18/08/2011 at 3:32 am Permalink
This is the perfect hat; thanks so much for the pattern!
20/09/2011 at 6:20 pm Permalink
Hi,
Just to clarify the baby size. Do I knit in stockinette 4 and 1/2 inches measuring while uncurling the brim or measuring with the brim rolled. Thanks,
Rachel
21/09/2011 at 7:28 pm Permalink
Rachel,
I uncurl it and measure from the cast on edge (not the bottom of the roll). I hope that helps!