This knitted elf hat is the best Christmas accessory—knit yours out of 7 different sizes
This knitted elf hat is sure to put you and everyone around you in a festive mood. Based on the traditional Finnish design, the hat features a beautiful cable edge. The pattern includes seven sizes, so you can knit one for each family member.
Sizes: 1–7. Sample hat is size 5.
Finished measurements: Head circumference 36–40 (41–44, 45–47, 48–50, 51–54) (55–59, 60–64) cm.
Merry elf hat: supplies
- Novita Wonder Wool yarn (100% wool, 50 g = 112 m) MC (shade 552) 1 (2, 2, 2, 3) (3, 3) skeins or 112 (160, 190, 220, 260) (290, 330) m, CC (shade 017) 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) (1, 2) skeins or 40 (50, 60, 70, 80) (100, 120) m
- Novita Hehku yarn (60% mohair, 40% wool, 50 g = 125 m) 1 skein or 40 (50, 60, 70, 80) (100, 120) m, shade 0111
- 3.5 mm (US 4) circular needles (40–60 cm) and double-pointed needles
- stitch markers, tapestry needle, cable needle, and optionally a pom-pom, bobble or jingle bell for the tip of the hat
Gauge: 22 sts and 28 rnds = 10 × 10 cm of stockinette stitch with 3.5 mm (US 4) double-pointed needles.
Abbreviations:
- CC = contrast color
- k = knit
- k2tog = knit 2 sts together
- MC = main color
- MM = move marker
- p = purl
- PM = place marker
- RM = remove marker
- rnd = round
- RS = right side
- ssk = slip, slip, knit. Slip 1 st as if to knit, slip 1 st as if to knit, return the sts to the left needle and knit them together through their back loops.
- st = stitch
- WS = wrong side
How to knit the Merry elf hat:
This hat is worked bottom up in the round. First, knit the cable edge with wool and mohair strands held together, then continue with a single strand of yarn in stockinette while decreasing until the hat is complete.
Cable edge
Using one strand of CC yarn and one strand of mohair yarn, cast on 80 (90, 100, 110, 120) (130, 140) sts with 3.5 mm (US 4) needles. Join in the rnd carefully, making sure not to twist any sts, and PM to mark the beginning of the rnd.
- Rnds 1–3: *k4, p1*, repeat *–* to end of rnd.
- Rnd 4: *Slip 2 sts to cable needle in front, k2, k2 from cable needle, p1*, repeat *–* to end of rnd.
- Rnd 5: *k4, p1*, repeat *–* to end of rnd.
Repeat Rnds 1–5 another 3 (3, 3, 4, 4) (4, 5) times.
Hat body
With WS facing you, switch to MC on the first rnd. Knit 12 rnds in stockinette, then begin decreasing.
Decrease rnd: k1, k2tog, k until 3 sts remain, ssk, k1. (2 sts decreased)
Repeat the decrease rnd every 4th (4th, 4th, 3rd, 3rd) (3rd, 3rd) rnd another 7 (7, 9, 9, 9) (9, 9) times. You now have 64 (74, 80, 90, 100) (110, 120) sts.
Then repeat the decrease rnd every other rnd until 8 sts remain. Switch to double-pointed needles when the st count gets smaller.
Break the yarn and draw it through each remaining st individually. Pull tight and fasten the yarn on the WS of the hat.
Finishing
Soak the hat, lay it flat to dry, and pin it into shape. Fold the hat so the decrease line is evenly on the side. Let dry thoroughly. Turn the cable edge to the front and attach a pom-pom, bobble, or jingle bell to the tip if you like.
