Baby Top-Knot Hat
A rolled-brim tube that narrows and gets tied in a knot at the top. No crown shaping, no seams.
- Yarn
- DK (3) soft cotton or superwash merino.
- Needles
- US 6 (4 mm) 12 in (30 cm) circular or DPNs
- Sizes
- Preemie, newborn, 3–6 months, 6–12 months (hat chart). Example: newborn, 13.5 in (34 cm) finished, 5 in (12.5 cm) tall.
- Example gauge
- 22 sts and 30 rnds = 4 in (10 cm) in stockinette
- Yarn needed
- About 90 yd (80 m) DK for newborn (the knot adds about 20 yd to the hat chart figure).
Do the math
The examples use the gauge above. Put your own swatch into the gauge calculator first, then use your numbers in each formula.
| Step | Formula | Example | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cast on | finished hat circumference × sts per in, rounded to even | 13.5 × 5.5 = 74.25 → 74 sts | Cast-On Calculator |
| Body height | chart height + 1 in (the brim rolls) | 5 + 1 = 6 in | Size Charts |
Materials
- DK (3) yarn (see yarn needed)
- US 6 (4 mm) 12 in (30 cm) circular or DPNs
- Marker
- Tapestry needle
Gauge swatch
Stockinette swatch.
Instructions
Body
Cast on (example: 74 sts). Join. Knit every round until the body height (the edge will roll up on its own).
Narrow
Next rnd: *K2tog; rep from * to end. (example: 37 sts)
Knit 3 in (7.5 cm) more.
Next rnd: *K2tog; rep from * to last st, k1 if odd. (example: 19 sts)
Knit 1 in (2.5 cm).
Finishing
- Draw yarn through remaining sts and fasten off securely.
- Tie the narrow tube in a single overhand knot.
Designer’s notes
- Size up to 6–12 months: 16.5 × 5.5 = 90.75 → 90 sts; body 7.5 in.
- Make a stripe every 6 rounds for a hospital-hat look.
Counter set-up
Counter 1: rounds.
Open the row & stitch counter for several counters, or use the quick one below.
Tools for this pattern
- Gauge CalculatorEnter your swatch counts to get stitches and rows per 4 in (10 cm).
- Cast-On CalculatorEnter your width and gauge; it rounds to the stitch multiple for you.
- Size ChartsLook up the finished measurements for the size you are making.
- Yarn Quantity CalculatorPick the project, size and yarn weight to get total yardage and skeins to buy.
- Row & Stitch CounterSet up the counters listed below; the screen stays awake while you work.