Free Knitting Pattern - Simple Stocking Hat

 

Fast, Simple, Frugal, Stylish

 

Simple Knit Stocking Hat

 

 

Materials

  • US size 10 1/2 circular needles, 18 inch (optional for quicker knitting)
  • 5 US size 10 1/2 dpn
  • 1 skein Loops and Threads Impeccable Brand yarn (from Michaels), or similar gauge yarn
  • stitch markers
  • darning needle

 

 

Knitting Instructions

  1. Roll yarn into two balls.
  2. Using two strands of yarn, cast on 68 stitches. Knit 30 rounds in single rib stitch.
  3. (Begin Decreasing). Keeping in rib, *k 7, k2tog, pm, k6, k2tog, pm, k 7, skspk2tog, pm, k6, skspk2tog, pm.* Repeat from * to *. (60 stitches)
  4. Next Round: *K to 2 stitches before marker, k2 tog.*. Repeat to the end of the round.
  5. Continue decreasing 2 stitches before marker, while keeping in rib. (You will knit twice in a row at the decrease, often. See explanation for skspk2tog.)
  6. Switch to dpn as needed. Reduce to 20 stitches. Next round: *K1, k2tog, k2tog*. Repeat around.
  7. Last round: *k2tog, k1*. Repeat around.

 

 

Optional Finishings:

  • For a top knot, continue knitting the final 8 stitches in a thick i-cord. Knit for 20 rounds. Cut and slip yarn tail through each stitch (using a darning needle). Sew in yarn ends. Tie the i-cord into a knot.
  • For a classic top, continue decreasing, k2tog, all around until 1 stitch remains. Cut yarn tail and loop through the last stitch. Sew in yarn ends.
  • For flair, add a flower or other embellishment.

 

 

Knitting Instructions Abbreviations and Explanations

  • dpn: double pointed needles
  • Single Rib Stitch: K1, P1
  • k2tog: Knit two stitches together.
  • skspk2tog: Slip the first stitch as if to knit. Slip the second stitch as if to purl. Knit the two together by placing the left-hand needle in the front of the slipped stitches on the right-hand needle. (The technique, which is similar to the slip, slip knit, allows for decreases in rib stitch while keeping the look consistent).
  • I-cord: A small tube of work knit in the round.