Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Kids' Banana Beanie

Kids' Banana Beanie

The baby is 6 months old now, so I figured it was high time he made his debut. And what better way to do it than sporting a chunky weight baby hat that can be sized all the way up to 12 years (he's wearing the 9 month size, though - I just couldn't bring myself to knit something he would outgrow immediately)? Anyway, there's not really much else to say about this piece, except for the fact that it's a quick and easy knit, and that its subtle pattern is oh-so-cute.

Sizes: 6 months (9 months; 12 months; up to 3 years; up to 12 years) (to be clearer on sizes: the 6 month will fit up to a 16" head, the 9 month a 17" head, the 12 month an 18" head, the 3 year a 19" head, and the 12 year up to a 21" head)

Yarn: Berroco Vintage Chunky (50% Acrylic, 40% Wool, 10% Nylon; 130 yards [120 meters]/100 grams); #6122 Banana - 1 skein, plus roughly 10 yards of contrasting color, if desired for pompom

A better shot of the pattern,
And the pom pom.
Needles: 16" circular needle in size US 10, one set of double pointed needles (dpns), also in size US 10

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker

Gauge: 14 stitches = 4 inches on size 10 needles

So let's get started! First, as a side note, I knit this entire hat with my size 10 needles. However, you could cast on and knit the first five-ish rows with a size 9, if you desired, for a bit of extra snugness at the bottom of the hat. And now that the note is out of the way - using the 16" circular needle of your desired gauge, cast on 52 (56; 60; 64; 68) stitches, place marker, and join in round. Then we'll knit one set-up row, like so:

Set-up Row: * k3, p1; rep from *

And once that's done, let's move straight to our main pattern, which goes as follows:

Row 1: * k1, p1 *

Rows 2 & 4: * k1, slip 1 with yarn in back, k1, p1 *

Row 3: * k3, p1 *

Knit rows 1 - 4 until hat measures roughly 5.5" (6"; 6.5"; 7"; 7.5") and you've just finished row 2 or 4 of the pattern. Now it's time to move on to our deceases, which will be the same for each hat until you reach row 5. Also, you'll want to switch to your dpns the row before you reach 48 stitches.

Decrease Row 1: * k3, p1 *

Decrease Row 2: * k1, k2tog, p1 * (39 stitches [42 stitches; 45 stitches; 48 stitches; 51 stitches])

Decrease Row 3: * k2tog, p1 * (26 stitches [28 stitches; 30 stitches; 32 stitches; 34 stitches])

Decrease Row 4: * k2tog * (13 stitches [14 stitches; 15 stitches; 16 stitches; 17 stitches])

Decrease Row 5: k1, * k2tog * (* k2tog *; k1, * k2tog *; * k2tog *; k1, * k2tog *) (7 stitches [7 stitches; 8 stitches; 8 stitches; 9 stitches])

Clip tail, thread through final stitches, and pull tight. Thread to inside of hat and knot. Tuck in ends. If desired, make pompom and attach to top of hat.





68 comments:

  1. What a cute hat! And an even cuter model!!

    Linda in VA

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    1. Thanks Linda! And no matter what I knit, I'm not sure I could top the cuteness of the model :)

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    2. Super cute beanie ...
      Going to be a grandmom soon.
      Shall definitely knit this super cool beanie for my grand child.
      Thanks

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    3. In one of your replies I read that this pattern can be knit ...back n forth n seamed together...it would be very helpful if you could share the pattern details.
      Thankyou

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    4. Hi! Just look below - the whole thing is written out :) And please let me know if you have any other questions.

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  2. Thanks for the beanie pattern, but it gets outshined
    by that cute little munchkin!!
    Cheers, Anita.

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    1. Anita - I could try to deny it, but of course I'd be wrong :) The baby is definitely a cutie!

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  3. What a cute pattern -- I made a little roll-brim hat for my great niece when she was born; and upon meeting her for the first time at Thanksgiving, her parents told me it is the only hat that really fits her and stays on. They use it all the time. So, of course, I'm thinking of giving her another one (your pattern in their college colors) for Christmas. Thanks so much for sharing it, and I love the name of your site as I'm always in the same situation!

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    1. I can only hope that this hat is as successful :) And yes, I am the queen of the one-skein bargain bin at my local yarn store. Such good deals!!!!

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  4. I'm thinking of making this in different sizes for my grandnephews. Is it possible to make this just using circular needles; that is, not switching to DPNs? Thanks for the pattern!

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    1. Hello! You can always use the Magic Loop method if you want to avoid dpns; there's a video of it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdSpc0EZpnk

      Alternatively, I can adapt this pattern to be knit back and forth and then seamed. Just let me know if you'd like me to do that for you! :)

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    2. Straight needles pattern would be fabulous pretty please!! :)

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    3. See below :) I think everything is in order but if ribs don't line up or anything just let me know!

      So let's get started! First, as a side note, I knit this entire hat with my size 10 needles. However, you could cast on and knit the first five-ish rows with a size 9, if you desired, for a bit of extra snugness at the bottom of the hat. And now that the note is out of the way - using the straight needles of your desired gauge, cast on 53 (57; 61; 65; 69) stitches. Then we'll knit one set-up row, like so:

      Set-up Row (right side): p1, * k3, p1; rep from *

      And once that's done, let's move straight to our main pattern, which goes as follows:

      Row 1 (wrong side): k1, * p1, k1 *

      Rows 2 & 4: p1, * k1, slip 1 with yarn in back, k1, p1 *

      Row 3: k1, * p3, k1 *

      Knit rows 1 - 4 until hat measures roughly 5.5" (6"; 6.5"; 7"; 7.5") and you've just finished row 2 or 4 of the pattern. Now it's time to move on to our deceases, which will be the same for each hat until you reach row 5.

      Decrease Row 1 (wrong side): k1, * p3, k1 *

      Decrease Row 2: p1, * k1, k2tog, p1 * (40 stitches [43 stitches; 46 stitches; 49 stitches; 52 stitches])

      Decrease Row 3: k1, * p2tog, k1 * (27 stitches [29 stitches; 31 stitches; 33 stitches; 35 stitches])

      Decrease Row 4: p1, k1, * k2tog * until you have 1 stitch left, end p1 (15 stitches [16 stitches; 17 stitches; 18 stitches; 19 stitches])

      Decrease Row 5: k1, p1, * p2tog * until you have 1 stitch left, end k1 (k1, * p2tog * until you have 1 stitch left, end k1; k1, p1, * p2tog * until you have 1 stitch left, end k1; k1, * p2tog * until you have 1 stitch left, end k1; k1, p1, * p2tog * until you have 1 stitch left, end k1) (9 stitches [9 stitches; 10 stitches; 10 stitches; 11 stitches])

      Transfer final stitches to scrap of yarn to hold; seam from bottom of hat, threading seaming thread through final stitches when you reach them. Pull tight, thread to inside of hat and knot. Tuck in ends. If desired, make pompom and attach to top of hat.

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  5. Oh SO pretty! And thank you soooooo much for publishing the straight needle pattern! And what a GORGEOUS baby! GrammaJeannie

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    1. Thank you! :) And, like I said, I think everything is in order with the back-and-forth pattern, but of course I didn't knit it that way so I may have missed something. Let me know if you have any issues!

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  6. Forget the pattern.....I would rather admire that adorable lil one!!! he is so cute, and of course he's what makes the hat!!! I would like to thank his mommy for sharing so many of her patterns with all of us.....they are great. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

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    1. Thank you! I must admit, I'm very partial to the little guy :) And Merry Christmas to you as well!

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  7. Love your pattern. I have 1 question, do you actually decrease any stitches in the 1st decrease row?

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    1. Nope! I suppose I should have just instructed to quit knitting after a different row, but I was thinking more about easy-to-measure lengths than anything else :)

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    2. Thanks for your quick reply!

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  8. Love this pattern and want to make for my 20 month old granddaughter. Instead of a bulky yarn, would like to use a soft worsted weight yarn using straight needles. Can you tell me what size needles to use. Many Thanks.

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    1. I'd be happy to help! I know you said worsted, but can you be any more specific about your gauge? :)

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    2. I am using Plymouth Encore Yarn. Gauge on yarn is US 8 needles - 5 sts.=1 " and 20 sts. = 4". Is that the info you are asking - sorry I am a novice.

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    3. Yup, that's exactly what I mean! And I'm going to have to change the decrease of this hat for the different gauge (as written, it would just look weird), so give me a day or two to modify this pattern for you! I'll post the modifications as a response to your comment, so you'll definitely see it. :)

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    4. Gretchen - wow! I appreciate your help! Thank you so much!

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    5. Hello again! So, standard disclaimers apply: I haven't knit this decrease, and it can be difficult to picture when you're not actually doing it. Nevertheless, I think it's correct. Let me know if anything seems wonky. Also, the sizes are a bit different with the worsted weight yarn - the three year hat might turn out a bit big for your granddaughter - you may simply want to knit the 3 year size on size 7 needles instead of 8. Hope it turns out well, and please let me know if you have any issues!

      Sizes: 6 months (12 months; up to 3 years; adult) (to be clearer on sizes: the 6 month will fit up to a 16" head, the 12 month an 18" head, the 3 year a 20" head, and the adult up to a 23" head). For interim sizes, I recommend gauging down one needles size from the larger hat size, and omitting about ½” of length

      Needles: Straight needles in size US 8 (plus a set in size US 7, if desired)

      Gauge: 20 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette on size 8 needles

      So let's get started! First, as a side note, I knit this entire hat with the same size needles. However, you could cast on and knit the first five-ish rows with a size 7, if you desired, for a bit of extra snugness at the bottom of the hat. And now that the note is out of the way - using the straight needles of either size 7 or 8, cast on 73 (85; 97; 109) stitches. Then we'll knit one set-up row, like so:

      Set-up Row (right side): p1, * k3, p1; rep from *

      And once that's done, let's move straight to our main pattern, which goes as follows:

      Row 1 (wrong side): k1, * p1, k1 *

      Rows 2 & 4: p1, * k1, slip 1 with yarn in back, k1, p1 *

      Row 3: k1, * p3, k1 *

      Knit rows 1 - 4 until hat measures roughly 5" (5.5"; 6.5"; 7.5") and you've just finished row 4 of the pattern. Now it's time to move on to our deceases,

      Decrease Row 1 (wrong side): k1, * p3, k1, (p1, k1) 4 times *

      Decrease Row 2: p1, * (k1, slip 1 wyib, k1, p1) twice, k1, k2tog, p1 * (67 stitches [78 stitches; 89 stitches; 100 stitches])

      Decrease Row 3: k1, * p2tog, k1, (p3, k1) twice * (61 stitches [71 stitches; 81 stitches; 91 stitches])

      Decrease Row 4: p1, * (k1, slip 1 wyib, k1, p1) twice, p2tog * (55 stitches [64 stitches; 73 stitches; 82 stitches])

      Decrease Row 5: k1, * k1, p3, k1, (p1, k1) twice *

      Decrease Row 6: p1, * k1, slip 1 wyib, k1, p1, k1, k2tog, p2 * (49 stitches [57 stitches; 65 stitches; 73 stitches])

      Decrease Row 7: k1, * k1, p2tog, k1, p3, k1 * (43 stitches [50 stitches; 57 stitches; 64 stitches])

      Decrease Row 8: p1, * k1, slip 1 wyib, k1, p1, p2tog, p1 * (37 stitches [43 stitches; 49 stitches; 55 stitches])

      Decrease Row 9: k1, * k2tog, p3, k1 * (31 stitches [36 stitches; 41 stitches; 46 stitches])

      Decrease Row 10: p1, * k1, k2tog, p2 * (25 stitches [29 stitches; 33 stitches; 37 stitches])

      Decrease Row 11: k1, * k1, p2tog, k1 * (19 stitches [22 stitches; 25 stitches; 28 stitches])

      Decrease Row 12: p1, * k2tog, p1 * (13 stitches [15 stitches; 17 stitches; 19 stitches])

      Decrease Row 13: k1, * p2tog * (7 stitches [8 stitches; 9 stitches; 10 stitches])

      Transfer final stitches to scrap of yarn to hold; seam from bottom of hat, threading seaming thread through final stitches when you reach them. Pull tight, thread to inside of hat and knot. Tuck in ends. If desired, make pompom and attach to top of hat.

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    6. Gretchen - I am overwhelmed by your kindness. Thank you so much for working this pattern out for me! I will let you know how it goes! And instead of being known as anonymous - I am Judi from Massachusetts!

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    7. Well hello then Judi! And again, let me know if you have any questions (or if I messed anything up). :)

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  9. I love this hat! I've made two of them now! :) (they are for the children's hospital.)

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    1. I'm happy to hear it. :) What a great cause!

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    2. I have a unlimited supply of yarn :-) the lady I get the yarn from takes hats she and her friends make to a knitting conference every February and then gets more from there and then drops them off at a few different hospital for kids and babies. Next year I'm planning on sending 100 hats I've made with her. So here is my question, some of the hats are for preemie babies that need to be kept warm, what would be the best way for me to make some of your hat patterns in a smaller size for the preemies?

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    3. Hi Alice!

      For the most part, it depends on the hat. This one, for instance, I would probably just make in a smaller gauge yarn, since a big ol' chunky hat on an eensy weensy baby makes less sense. For another, I might modify the pattern. I would have to look up preemie hat measurements (unless you've got some in mind), but just ask me about any specific hat pattern and I'll help you adapt either the gauge or the pattern itself! :)

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    4. Ok thank you. I don't know which ones I want to do just yet (got a few other projects to finish first) as soon as I know which ones I'll ask about making them in a smaller size.

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    5. I'm happy to help whenever you're ready! :)

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  10. This has to be one of the cutest kids out there. I want to knit this for an adult. If I'm reading correctly, the pattern is worked over 4 stitches correct? I'll be using smaller yarn and needles. Your help is always appreciated.

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    1. Hi Debbie!

      Yes, the pattern is worked over four stitches. Let me know what size yarn you'd like to use (or your gauge, I suppose), and I'm happy to help. I'm sure you noticed the back-and-forth conversion in worsted above. If you'd like it translated to circular knitting, I could certainly make it happen! :)

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    2. I knit all my beanies in the round. I will be casting on 84 stitches. The only other thing I would need to know is which part of decrease row 5 would I follow? The original instructions for circular needles is clear but since I'm increasing my stitches I wasn't sure which part to follow or if it would be different. Thanks for all your help. You make knitting fun :)

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    3. Hi again!

      Yeah, you'll definitely want to change the decrease, or it would look super weird (such a short one only works with chunky yarn!). I have to take my kids to school but I can help you with this later today! :)

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    4. Okay, this should do it for you! Please let me know if you have any questions.

      So let's get started! Using the 16" circular needle of your desired gauge (or one smaller, if you're going to make the ribbing a big tighter), cast on 84 stitches, place marker, and join in round. Then we'll knit one set-up row, like so:

      Set-up Row: * k3, p1; rep from *

      And once that's done, let's move straight to our main pattern, which goes as follows:

      Row 1: * k1, p1 *

      Rows 2 & 4: * k1, slip 1 with yarn in back, k1, p1 *

      Row 3: * k3, p1 *

      Knit rows 1 - 4 until hat measures roughly 5.5" (6"; 6.5"; 7"; 7.5") (<<<--- NOTE: these are the original lengths. I’ve left all of them since I don’t know what size you’re making, but you should reduce whichever one you need by a scant 1”, since the new decrease will be longer) and you've just finished row 1 of the pattern. Now it's time to move on to our decreases. Again, since I’m not sure of your gauge, just remember to switch to your dpns when you need them!

      Decrease Row 1: * k1, k2tog, p1, (k1, slip 1, k1, p1) twice * (77 stitches)

      Decrease Row 2: * k2tog, p1, (k3, p1) twice * (70 stitches)

      Decrease Row 3: * p2tog, (k1, slip 1, k1, p1) twice * (63 stitches)

      Decrease Row 4: remove marker, slip first stitch (last row’s first p2tog), and replace marker. Then, * (k1, p1) three times, k1, p2tog * (56 stitches)

      Decrease Row 5: * k1, k2tog, p1, k1, slip 1, k1, p1 * (49 stitches)

      Decrease Row 6: * k2tog, p1, k3, p1 * (42 stitches)

      Decrease Row 7: * p2tog, k1, slip 1, k1, p1 * (35 stitches)

      Decrease Row 8: remove marker and slip first stitch. Then, * k1, p1, k1, p2tog * (28 stitches)

      Decrease Row 9: * k1, k2tog, p1 * (21 stitches)

      Decrease Row 10: * k2tog, p1 * (14 stitches)

      Decrease Row 11: * k2tog * 7 stitches

      Clip tail, thread through final stitches, and pull tight. Thread to inside of hat and knot. Tuck in ends. If desired, make pompom and attach to top of hat.

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    5. Using the circular needle not dpn what decreases can I use for 60 stc

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    6. I think that you basically need to use the Magic Loop if you don't have dpns... here's a website that gives the technique: http://www.weebleknits.net/mloop.html. Unfortunately, you will probably need a longer circular to accomplish it, so I hope you have one around! :)

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  11. Thank you so much for the pattern adjustment. I'll let you know how it goes. :)

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  12. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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    1. I'm so sorry! I hit the wrong button and accidentally deleted your comment. However, I still have the text here: "Hi i am following your instructions. Please how to i close it after decrease row 5. The gap is wide. I forgot to say i am using circular needles."

      Anyway, I am a little confused - did you never switch over to your double pointed needles? If not, you are indeed going to have a very wide gap. I would suggest ripping back to the last row you had roughly 48 stitches left and using dpns to finish the hat, or, if that's not possible, you may be able to manually tighten the yarn up enough that you can pull it closed. Let me know if I'm not understanding your question correctly! :)

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  13. Gretchen, Sailor Girl here LOL. I want to knit this cap for my grandchildren. I might even knit some caps for their cousins. I am glad I stumbled onto your website. Deborah Prather (Sailor Girl)

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    1. Me too! :) And if you stick with the chunky weight of the original pattern (rather than one of the modified patterns in the comments) it's a super quick knit! You'll be able to make it for everyone you know in no time!!!

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  14. I'm thinking of knitting your pattern in orange and making a pompon using green and brown for the stem. Then knitting some caps in red with a white pompon for Christmas.

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  15. wow, I wish all designers were so generous! Thanks for this cute pattern, am so casting this on! BUT, I need a little clarification, if that's okay?
    I see 4 patterns, and I'm not sure of the differences. The original one in the blog post is the child's chunky in the round;
    the first in the comments is knit flat in worsted;correct?
    The second in the comments is...? I'm not sure its distinction.
    And, the third is in the round -- is that correct?
    Thanks. It's awfully cute. Can't wait to wear it myself! ;^)

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    1. Hi there!

      Yes, the original is chunky in the round, the first in comments in knit flat in chunky, the second in the comments is knit flat in worsted, and the third in the comments is knit with 84 stitches in the round - I'm not exactly sure what gauge or size that one is supposed to be, I just had the cast on number! :) Let me know if you have any other questions.

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    2. Got it. Thank you, Gretchen!

      Gratefully,

      :^)

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    3. Anytime! Just let me know if you have any other questions. :)

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  16. Hi. Love this hat. Can this be knit for an adult? Also, what's a set-up row? Thanks.

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    1. Yup, just cast on 72 for an adult small and 76 for an adult large. Follow the pattern as written, but work the pattern until the hat measures 8" for the adult small and 8.5" for the adult large. Follow the decrease as written as well. When you hit row 5, you'll work the decrease given for the 9 month size for the adult small and the one given for the 6 month size for the adult large. And the set-up row is just the one row that needs to be knit before you begin the pattern! :)

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  17. Hi! this pattern looks awesome, and im trying to make it as a gift, but i only need the hat to be 14 inches. is there a way to make this pattern so that it would fit that? Thank you so much! oh, im also using size 8 double pointed needles and the yarn that goes with that. Thanks!

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    1. Yes, I can definitely help you modify this pattern. Two questions: One, how long do you want the finished hat? Two, are you knitting it on circulars or straights?

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    2. i'm knitting on straights,and i wouldn't know really, im an extreme novice. but i actually just ended up following a pattern you posted on a previous comment. I had copied the pattern over and forgot to check back here for your reply XD :P. I got a little mixed up and ended up using 72 stitches to start, but its turning out awesome so far! i just started decreasing and like i expected, after the first decrease row, i have 66 not 67, but it still looks right. and the circumference is just over 14, and thats fine with me, it just means they can wear it longer! Thanks so much for posting this hat, i plan on making a few more in the other sizes! And im definitely going to check out your other patterns! Have a Happy New Year

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    3. Wonderful! Everyone has to start somewhere. :) Let me know if you have any other questions, and have a happy new year as well!!!

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  18. Hi ,
    I really liked the pattern and planning to make it for my 2.5 year old daughter,but with circular needle size 6 or 4.25 mm,hence was wondering about how many stitches should I cast on?

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    1. Hi there! I recommend casting on 104 stitches. Let me know if you have any other questions! :)

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  19. In rows 2 and 4 are you slipping as if to knit or slipping as if to purl? Thank you for all your genereous work on this hat!

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    1. Hi there! It's as if to purl, otherwise the stitches will twist! :)

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    2. Thank you so much! I was in such a hurry to make my grandson this hat I plowed forward before getting your answer and the stitches certainly did twist. I thought it was a clever design detail and finished my hat that way. It actually looks great, but the next one I will adjust to your specifications since it was a little tricky to work into that twisted stich. Thank you so so much for keeping an eye on this thread so many yrs after you last reply. You are amazing!

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    3. Now my daughter wants a matching hat! What a great design! Thank you again.

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    4. That's the fun thing - as long as you're consistent, the hat will look good either way!!! :) Glad the pattern worked out for you!

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