Rufty Tufty Boys Beanie Hat

I have found lots of hats for little girls but hats for little boys are few and far between, so using the classic beanie design which uses multiples of eight stitches and knits in the round, I came up with a little number in cotton, which is both soft, structured and textured.  They are such a quick knit I have made four for my first Spring Craft Show on Saturday, fingers crossed that they sell well!

And I have also submitted this to Wendy's Handmade Monday blog http://www.1stuniquegifts.co.uk/blog/

Pattern for the Rufty Tufty Beanie Hat

1 ball of Gedifra Fiorista Cotton
1 set of size 4 Double Pointed Needles (DPN)

Cast on 64 stitches as follows, 21 on the first needle, 22 on the second needle and 21 on the third needle - 64 stitches. Remember to make sure when you join the circle that your stitches are not twisted.

Knit 13 rows.

Purl1 row

Knit 2 rows

Purl 3 rows

Knit 3 rows

Purl 2 rows

Knit 2 rows

Purl 1 rows

Knit 6 rows

Commence decreasing as follows:

Row 1: Knit 6, Knit 2 tog  (8 times) to the end of the row (56 st)
Row 2: Knit 5, Knit 2 tog (8 times) to the end of the row (48 st)
Row 3: Knit 4, Knit 2 tog (8 times) to the end of the row (40 st)
Row 4: Knit 3, Knit 2 tog (8 times) to the end of the row (32 st)
Row 5: Knit 2, Knit 2 tog (8 times) to the end of the row (24 st)
Row 6: Knit 1, Knit 2 tog (8 times) to the end of the row (16 st)
Row 7: Knit 2 tog (8 times) to the end of the row (8 st)
Row 8: Knit 2, Knit 2 tog twice (6 st)

To make the tail

Place all the stitches on one of the DPN, Knit one row, slide the stitches to the other end of the needle, bring the wool tightly around the back and knit another row, continue until your tail is the length that you need.  You may notice that there looks to be a big gap when you do the first couple of rows - don't worry - this will even out as you continue to knit up your tail.

I tend to knit it up and tie the knot in and see what length looks good against the beanie.

Using a sewing up needle thread the wool through the stitches twice to gather up the end and pull tightly.  Slip the needle inside your tail and sew in your loose end securely.

This hat should fit a 0 - 6 month old.  For larger sizes just add 8 stitches to your casting on but always reduce to 6 stitches for your tail.

I have also made the hat in Sirdar Summer Stripes, which gives a less structured finish.
























And below are the selection which I have made over the last fortnight to take to the show on Saturday.