Tassel Hat

Tassel Hat by Staci Perry

What is Being Made

The Tassel Hat is a knitted infant hat pattern designed by Staci Perry and available through Very Pink Knits. This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for creating a fitted knit hat suitable for newborns and young babies, with three size options to accommodate different ages and head circumferences. The finished hat sizes range from 14 inches to 18 inches, making it appropriate for preemies through 18-month-old infants.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques that make it suitable for knitters with some experience. The pattern uses in-the-round knitting, a circular construction method that eliminates the need for seaming. Knitters will work with either a 16-inch circular needle or a set of double-pointed needles, both of which are standard tools for creating seamless cylindrical garments like hats.

The pattern incorporates color work through the use of stripes, allowing knitters to incorporate up to three different yarn colors into a single hat. This technique adds visual interest while making excellent use of leftover yarn scraps. The stripe pattern is flexible, allowing customization based on available yarn quantities.

The cuff construction uses ribbed knitting, a textured stitch pattern that creates elasticity and helps the hat stay securely on an infant's head. Video tutorials are included with the pattern to guide knitters through the initial setup and stripe-work sections.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) – the fundamental stitch that forms the primary fabric of the hat
• Purl (P) – used in combination with knit stitches to create the K2, P2 ribbed cuff
• Ribbing (K2, P2) – a textured combination stitch worked for 6 to 8 rounds at the cuff to create stretch and structure

Materials and Specifications

The Tassel Hat pattern calls for worsted-weight yarn in three colors, with a total yardage requirement of 55 to 110 yards (or 25 to 50 grams). This modest yardage requirement makes the pattern ideal for using leftover yarn from other projects.

Needles required include US Size 7 circular needles in a 16-inch length, or alternatively, US Size 7 double-pointed needles. The pattern specifies a gauge of 5 stitches per inch, which is typical for worsted-weight yarn and helps ensure the finished hat will fit properly.

Additional materials needed include a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends after completion.

Pattern Overview

The pattern begins with casting on 72, 80, or 88 stitches depending on the desired size. After joining to work in-the-round, knitters work the cuff section using K2, P2 ribbing for 6 to 8 rounds, followed by 5 rounds of stockinette stitch (knit every round). The stripe section follows, where knitters switch between the main color and two contrasting colors to create a striped design. The pattern provides flexibility in stripe placement, allowing knitters to work stripes in whatever sequence works best with their available yarn.