Knitting! Child's Forest Pixie Hat

Here is a pdf for this pattern. It makes it nice and easy to read and print out. Thanks so much, Courtney for making it!

Here is a new pattern that I developed, based on many vintage designs for children. I love the simplicity of this pattern and how adorable it looks when done. I knitted this hat using two strands of yarn together, giving it a very nice effect and added warmth. Using two strands of yarn at once isn't necessary, just make sure you have the proper gauge.

Gauge is very important, so be sure to check it carefully. Use 4.5mm needles (straight) in stockinette stitch. 1inch x 1inch = 4 stitches x 5 rows.

I used two very thin yarns, one of acrylic and one a mohair mix (50g each). You could use just one yarn that is a little heavier (thicker).

Sizes: Ok, I don't have a baby or child to try the sizes out on, so I am going by averages. If you are making it for a specific child, you could try to get their measurements to make it a more accurate fit. Just remember that 1 inch equals 4 stitches, so add or subtract the stitches necessary for fit.

6 months to a year: 15 inches in circumference (from under chin to top of forehead to under chin again)

1 year: 16 inches

2 years: 18 inch circumference

4 years: 19 inch circumference

6 years: 20 inch circumference

With 4.5mm needles, cast on 60 stitches (64, 72, 76, 80)

1st row: Knit 2, purl 2 to end

2nd row: Make button hole: Knit2together, yo, continue in ribbing pattern to end. *(note: I made a larger buttonhole for the buttons that I used. k2tog, yo, yo, p2tog. It is just trickier to knit and purl in 2 yo's in a row in the next row)*

3rd row: Continue in ribbing pattern until last 4 stitches, knit 2, purl 1 in yo, purl 1 in final st. (just keepin' the same pattern going)

Continue in ribbing pattern of knit2 purl2 until a total of 8 (8,10,10,12) rows have been completed from the beginning.

Now for some stockinette stitching!

1st row: Knit to end

2nd row: knit 2, purl to last 2 stitches, knit 2 (use a stitch marker to mark these spots if you have a tendency like me to forget)

Repeat these last 2 rows (knitting the first and last two stitches of every row to make a garter stitch border) until the piece measures 6.5 inches (6.5", 7.5," 7.5", 8") long from the very beginning (including all the ribbing).( This is where it helps to have a child to measure on. When you get half-way through a row, fold the piece in half and pin the row you are working on together. If it can close while fitting over the child's head, then it is long enough.) Bind off when appropriate length is reached. Fold in half with wrong sides facing. Sew up the end that you just finished binding off. (See diagram)

***You can leave off the chin strap and sew a button right onto the ribbed end that doesn't have a button hole OR if you are finding the fit too snug, you can add a chin strap, detailed below. The chin strap will add roughly 2.5" to the circumference.***

Chin strap:

Cast on 8 (8, 10, 10, 12) stitches. Knit in garter stitches for 2.5inches. Bind off. Sew to the ribbed end that does not have the buttonhole.

Sew a button (Very securely!) to the end of the chin strap. (I added another button on the other side of the chin strap for a stylish touch)

Weave in ends. Tada! Done!

I have one for sale on my etsy site: http://www.etsy.com/shop/HoneyNutbrown

If you catch any mistakes, please please please, leave me a comment and I will fix it.

Check out my other pattern: Mary's Merry Wristers.