Baby Bear Hat

Materials

• 1 skein of soft blue worsted weight yarn (approximately 100 yards)
• US Size 8 (5 mm) circular knitting needles (16-inch length)
• US Size 8 (5 mm) double-pointed needles (for crown shaping)
• Stitch marker
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends
• Scissors

Gauge

18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (after blocking).

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast On
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two stitches together (decrease)
• BO: Bind Off
• St(s): Stitch(es)

Instructions

Body of the Hat

1. CO 72 stitches onto the circular needle.
2. Place a stitch marker and join in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches.
3. Work in ribbing (K2, P2) for 2 inches.
4. Switch to stockinette stitch by knitting every round for 4 inches. You should have a total of 6 inches of knitting from the cast on edge.

Crown Shaping

1. Begin decreasing for the crown:
• Round 1: *(K6, K2tog), repeat from * to end (total 63 stitches).
• Round 2: Knit all stitches.
• Round 3: *(K5, K2tog), repeat from * to end (total 54 stitches).
• Round 4: Knit all stitches.
• Round 5: *(K4, K2tog), repeat from * to end (total 45 stitches).
• Round 6: Knit all stitches.
• Round 7: *(K3, K2tog), repeat from * to end (total 36 stitches).
• Round 8: Knit all stitches.
• Round 9: *(K2, K2tog), repeat from * to end (total 27 stitches).
• Round 10: Knit all stitches.
• Round 11: *(K1, K2tog), repeat from * to end (total 18 stitches).
• Round 12: *(K2tog), repeat from * to end (total 9 stitches).
2. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail (about 10 inches). Thread the tail through a yarn needle and pass it through the remaining stitches. Pull tight to close the top of the hat and secure the yarn.

Ears

1. Make 2 ears:
2. CO 12 stitches.
3. Rows 1-5: K every row.
4. Row 6: K2tog across (total 6 stitches).
5. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail, and thread through remaining stitches. Pull tight and secure.

Finishing

1. Attach the ears to the top of the hat using the yarn tails. Position them 3-4 inches apart.
2. Weave in all ends using a yarn needle.
3. Block the hat if desired by wetting it and laying it flat to dry.

Your sweet Baby Bear Hat is now ready to keep your little one cozy and stylish!