Pom Pom Hats

These Pom Pom Hats are just plain fun! Multiple poms means extra fun and frivolity. The free knitting pattern is on an intermediate level, so it's a great piece for knitters who are still learning.

Materials:

Baby Hat:
Caron International's Simply Soft (100% acrylic)

• #9726 Soft Yellow (MC), 2 1/2 oz/71 gr
• #9719 Soft Pink (A), 1 oz/28.3 gr;
• #9739 Soft Green (B), 1oz/28.3 gr

Kids’ Hat:
Caron International's Simply Soft Brites (100% acrylic)

• #9504 Limelight (MC), 3 oz/85 gr
• #9609 Berry Blue (A), 1 oz/28.3 gr
• #9604 Watermelon (B), 1 oz/28.3 gr

• One circular needle size US 8 (5mm) needles 20" or 24" long or size to obtain gauge
• Cable needle (cn)
• Yarn needle
• Pompom maker for 1 1/2" pompoms

GAUGE
In k2, p2 rib, 20 sts and 24 rows = 4"/10cm
In Crisscross stitch, 20 sts and 24 rows = 4"/10cm

STITCHES USED
K2, p2 rib
Right Cross: Slip 2 sts to cn and hold in back, k2, k2 from cn needle.
Left Cross: Slip 2 sts to cn and hold in front, k2, k2 from cn
Crisscross stitch: (multiple of 6 + 2 for selvage edges)
Row 1: Knit.
Row 2 and all even-numbered rows: Purl.
Row 3: K1, *right cross on 4 sts, k2; repeat from * across, ending with k1.
Row 5: Knit.
Row 7: K1, *k2, left cross on 4 sts; repeat from * across, ending with k1.
Row 8: Purl
Repeat Rows 1-8 for the Crisscross pattern.

Instructions:

HATS

With A, cast on 74 (86) sts. Work in k2, p2 rib for 3 rows. With B, work in k2, p2 rib for 3 rows. With MC, purl 1 row.

With MC, work in Crisscross pattern for 5" (6"), ending with pattern Row 4.

Shaping:

Row 5: *K8, k2 tog; repeat from *to* across, ending with k4 (k6) -- 67 (78) sts.

Row 6: Purl.

Row 7: K3, *work left cross on next 4 sts, k2tog; repeat from * across, ending with k4 (k3) -- 57 (66) sts.

Row 8: Purl.

Row 1: *K3, k2tog; repeat from * to* across, ending with k2 (1) -- 46 (53) sts.

Row 2: Purl.

Row 3: *K2, k2tog; repeat from * across, ending with k2 (1) -- 35 (40) sts.

Row 4: Purl.

Row 5: *K1, k2tog; rep from * across, ending with k2 (1) -- 24 (27) sts.

For Baby only:

Row 6: P2 tog across -- 12 sts. End off leaving a long enough tail to sew back seam. Note: Hat should measure approximately. 6".

For Kids’ only:

Row 6: Purl.

Row 7: K2 tog across, end k1 -- 14 sts.

Row 8: Purl. End off here leaving a long enough tail to sew back seam.

s Hat is approx. 7 1/2".

FINISHING

Sew back seam.

Pompoms

Make 6 for each hat -- 2 in each of the 3 colors used. Leave about a 6-7" tail on each pompom. Pull all the tails from the 6 pompoms through the hole in top of hat and secure tightly on the inside of hat.

Using yarn needle, weave in all ends.