Baby Pixie Hat

Do any of you watch glee?  Not too long ago, Quinn wore a pixie hat that went viral.  I saw this cute hat here, and I thought it would make a great baby hat and gift.  Knitted hats for baby are one of my favorite gifts because they are soft, comfy, cute, and quick.  I made this one to donate to Warm Hearts Warm Babies, so it is fit for a premie, but the pattern should fit most newborn heads.

Supplies

• One skein Baby's First Lion Brand yarn (you can make several hats out of one skein).  This is a bulky weight yarn, which knits up more quickly than a sport or worsted weight.
• 12 inch size 6 circular needle (this is my favorite needle for knitting baby hats).
• Size 6 double-pointed needles
• Stitch marker
• Tapestry/yarn needle
• Button or other embellishment
• Scissors

To work the rib in this pattern, knit into the back of one stitch, then purl one stitch, repeat.  Remember to move your working yarn to the back when knitting, and the front when purling.

To work the decrease, you will knit two together by knitting in the back of both stitches.

Directions (after step 3, every time the pattern instructs you to knit, knit into the back of the stitch)

1. With circular needles, cast on 76 stitches.
2. Knit rows 1-6 (do not join).  This will create a garter stitch and the base of the hat.
3. Row 7: k2, bind off first stitch, k1, bind off second stitch, k1, bind off third stitch, k1, bind off fourth stitch, k1, bind off fifth stitch, k1, bind off sixth stitch, work rib pattern to end of row. (70 stitches left on needle)
4. Row 8: place stitch marker and join both sides to create a loop so you are knitting in a circle.  You will have the six-stitch flap hanging down.  Begin with the knit stitch and work in rib around.
5. Continue working in rib stitch until your hat measures about 5 inches tall.
6. Begin decrease rows:
1. Decrease row 1: k2tog, work rib for 12 stitches, repeat to the end of the row. (65 stitches)
2. Decrease row 2: k1, work rib for 12 stitches, repeat to the end of the row. (65 stitches)
3. Decrease row 3: k2tog, begin with a purl stitch to work rib for 11 stitches, repeat to the end of the row. (60 stitches)
4. Decrease row 4: k1, begin with a purl stitch to work rib for 11 stitches, repeat to the end of the row. (60 stitches)
5. Decrease row 5: k2tog, work rib for 10 stitches, repeat to the end of the row. (55 stitches)
6. Decrease row 6: k2tog, begin with a purl stitch to work rib for 9 stitches, repeat to the end of the row. (50 stitches)
7. Decrease row 7: k2tog, work rib for 8 stitches, repeat to the end of the row. (45 stitches)
8. Decrease row 8: k2tog, begin with a purl stitch to work rib for 7 stitches, repeat to the end of the row. (40 stitches)
9. Decrease row 9: k2tog, work rib for 6 stitches, repeat to the end of the row. (35 stitches)
10. Decrease row 10: k2tog, begin with a purl stitch to work rib for 5 stitches, repeat to the end of the row. (30 stitches)
11. Decrease row 11: k2tog, work rib for 4 stitches, repeat to the end of the row. (25 stitches)
12. Decrease row 12: k2tog, begin with a purl stitch to work rib for 3 stitches, repeat to the end of the row. (20 stitches)
13. Decrease row 13: k2tog, work rib for 2 stitches, repeat to the end of the row. (15 stitches)
14. Decrease row 14: k2tog, p1, repeat to the end of the row. (10 stitches)
15. Decrease row 15: k2tog, repeat to the end of the row. (5 stitches)
7. Last 2 rows: k5. (5 stitches)
8. Cut yarn ends, and pull tail through stitches.  Weave tail into top of hat.
9. Weave in the tail at the base of the hat, and stitch flap to base.
10. Add embellisment over flap.

If you don't already know how to knit, I have knitting tutorials with pictures and video:

• Knitting 101: Lesson One {The Slipknot}
• Knitting 101: Lesson Two {Casting On}
• Knitting 101: Lesson Three {The Knit Stitch}
• Knitting 101: Lesson Four {The Purl Stitch}
• Knitting 101: Lesson Five {Casting/Binding Off}
• Knitting 101: Lesson Six {Patterns}
• Knitting 201: {Circular Needles}
• Knitting 201: {Double-Pointed Needles}