ELF ON THE SHELF STYLE CHRISTMAS HAT FOR MICRO-PREEMIE
Copyright 2015 by Glenna Anderson Muse
Since micro preemies are the same sizes as the Elf on the Shelf dolls, I always knit a couple of these tiny hats for our NICU at Christmastime so our micro preemies can be our own personal cutie patootie Elves on the Shelves. Except we would never wedge them up on the family room curtain rods, of course.
This pattern is also available as a Ravelry Download.
Finished Measurements: 8 inch circumference hat opening by 5 inches tall.
Abbreviations:
CO = cast on
K = knit
K2tog = knit two stitches together as if one, to decrease
P = purl
Materials
Less than half skein of Lion Brand Vanna White yarn in Scarlet or other worsted weight yarn that accommodates gauge
Less than half skein of Lion Brand Vanna White yarn in White or other worsted weight yarn that accommodates gauge
Size 10 (US) double pointed needles
Size 8 (US) double pointed needles
Yarn needle
Gauge: 16 stitches x 22 rows = 4 inches
Pattern notes: With all baby hats, I routinely use a long tail cast on and cast on with needles two sizes larger than those used to knit the rest of the hat for the stretchiest, most comfortable fit The heads and vasculature of preemies, particularly micro-preemies, are so delicate and fragile that with this hat I insist on it.
Directions:
With white yarn and larger needles, CO 33 stitches.
Change to smaller needles.
Row 1: Knit all stitches. Connect to knit in the round, placing a marker between last stitch of first row and first stitch of last row.
Row 2: Purl all stitches.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 one more time.
Change to red yarn.
Knit all stitches until piece measures 1.5 inches from CO edge.
Decrease:
Row 1: *K9, K2tog*...repeat * to * two times more. (30 sts remain)
Row 2 (and all even rows): Knit all stitches.
Row 3: *K8, K2tog*...repeat * to * two times more. (27 sts remain)
Row 5: *K7, K2tog*...repeat * to * two times more. (24 sts remain)
Row 7: *K6, K2tog*...repeat * to * two times more. (21 sts remain)
Row 9: *K5, K2tog*...repeat * to * two times more. (18 sts remain)
Row 11: *K4, K2tog*...repeat * to * two times more. (15 sts remain)
Row 13: *K3, k2tog*...repeat * to * two times more. (12 sts remain)
Row 15: *K2, K2tog*...repeat * to * two times more. (9 sts remain)
Row 17: *K1, K2tog*...repeat * to * two times more. (6 sts remain)
Row 19: K2tog around row. (3 sts remain)
Cut 10" tail, thread onto yarn needle, draw thread through remaining 3 stitches, pull tight, secure, and weave into underneath side, keeping top point nice and pointy.
Weave in all loose ends.
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Thank you for using this pattern. If you have any questions, please contact me at [email protected]. If you would like to be featured on my blog, please send pics of your hat or your little person wearing his or her new knitting.
