The Stay Put Kippah

The Stay Put Kippah: Knitted Head Covering Pattern

What Is Being Made

The Stay Put Kippah is a knitted head covering designed by Joanne Seiff to serve as a practical, secure alternative to traditional clip-based kippot. This pattern addresses the specific need for a kippah that remains in place without fasteners, stays clean through regular washing, and appeals to young wearers. Available in multiple sizes ranging from preschooler through adult, this design is suitable for religious observance, cultural wear, or everyday use.

Design Features and Fit

The kippah's stay-put construction relies on a stiff, firm crown that is engineered to fit securely on the head. The pattern includes adjustable guidance for needle size and stitch count, allowing knitters to customize the fit for any head size. This adaptability ensures that whether you're knitting for a three-year-old or an adult, the finished kippah will remain in place during wear.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Short rows: Used to shape and form the crown of the kippah, creating the three-dimensional structure necessary for a secure fit
• Working back and forth: The crown is constructed using flat knitting rather than in-the-round methods
• Circular knitting: The edging is worked in the round for a finished appearance
• Stitch pickup: Stitches are picked up and knit to attach the edging to the completed crown

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

• Knit stitch: Foundation stitch for the main fabric
• Purl stitch: Used in combination with knit stitches
• Knit two together (K2tog): A decrease stitch used for shaping
• Pick up and knit: Technique for creating the transition between crown and edging

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This pattern calls for DK weight mercerized cotton yarn, which provides several advantages: the mercerized finish creates a smooth, lustrous surface; cotton fiber offers breathability and easy care for a frequently-worn item; and the DK weight provides appropriate drape and structure. The pattern specifies using a double strand of yarn for the crown to achieve the necessary stiffness and firmness.

Needles and Tools

• Size 3 (3.25mm) straight needles: Used for working the crown back and forth
• Size 3 (3.25mm) circular needles: Used for working the edging in the round
• Single strand: The edging is worked using only one strand of yarn, creating a lighter, more flexible finish compared to the double-stranded crown

Skill Level and Knitting Experience

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this pattern is accessible to knitters with foundational skills but requires comfort with several techniques. Once you master the pattern sequence, subsequent kippot can be completed relatively quickly, making this an efficient project for creating multiple sizes or gifts.

Pattern Characteristics

The Stay Put Kippah combines functional engineering with enjoyable knitting. The pattern is designed to be engaging to work, with the interplay between double-stranded and single-stranded sections adding textural interest. The use of short rows—a technique that may be new to some intermediate knitters—is clearly explained within the pattern instructions, supporting skill development while creating the essential shaping that ensures the kippah stays securely in place.