Simple Beanie/Slouchy Hat

Sheila Zachariae http://etsy.com/shop/sheilalikestoknit This simple little cotton hat is the perfect accessory for any little one in your life! The ribbed bottom gives some stretch to go over a noggin! Pattern is in a cotton yarn, but any worsted medium weight (4) yarn will work. Great in washable wool for the colder months! Try stripes!

Materials:
*Medium weight (4) cotton yarn. Lion Brand Cotton Ease 50% cotton 50% acrylic. 207 yards/188 mm. Net weight 3.5 oz. in Seaspray *US size 16 (40.5 cm) circular knitting needles, size 6 (4mm) *US size 16 (40.5 cm) circular knitting needles, size 8 (5mm) *Double pointed knitting needles, size 8 (5mm) *Stitch marker *Yarn needle

Size:
*baby (toddler)

**Special technique:

Increasing Evenly Add one to the number of increases required and divide that number into the number of stitches on the needle. Subtract one from the result and the new number is the approximate number of stitches to be worked between each increase. Adjust the number as needed.

Instructions:
Cast on 60 (64) stitches; place a marker to mark the beginning of the round. Ribbing Round 1: (K2, P2) around.

Repeat Round 1 until piece measures 1 1/4 (3 cm) **increasing 20 (24) stitches evenly spaced on last round. 80(88) stitches Change to larger size circular needles. Work in the round until the hat measures approximately 4 (4 1/2)/10 (11.5 cm) from the cast on edge. If you would like the slouchy hat, at this point, keep knitting in the round until piece measure the slouch you desire. After that, continue on with the pattern.

Shaping the top:

Change to double point needles when there are too few stitches to use circular needles. Round 1: *K8(9), K2tog; repeat from * around: 72(80) stitches Round 2: Knit around Round 3: *K7(8), K2tog; repeat from * around: 64(72) stitches Round 4: Knit around. Round 5: *K6(7), K2tog; repeat from * around: 56(64) stitches Round 6: Knit around. Round 7: *K5(6), K2tog; repeat from * around: 48(56) stitches Round 8: Knit around. Round 9: *K4(5), K2tog; repeat from * around: 40(48) stitches Round 10:

Knit around Round 11: *K3(4); K2tog; repeat from * around. Round 12: Knit around Round 13: *K2(3); K2tog; repeat from * around.

Round 14: Knit around Cut yarn leaving an 8 tail for weaving in. Pull tightly to close and secure.

Copyright 2011, Sheila Zachariae, http://etsy.com/shop/sheilalikestoknit. You may not distribute this pattern in any form without the express, written permission of Sheila Zachariae. The items you (the purchaser) personally knit from this pattern are yours. If you chose to sell your creations, please link to above site.