Sunny Skies Cap

Sunny Skies Cap by Cheryl Andrews

What is Being Made

The Sunny Skies Cap is a cute summer beanie designed for children in four different sizes. This downloadable knitting pattern from Wooly Bear Hand Knits offers finished measurements of 18", 19", 20", and 21" to fit children from 6 months to 10 years old. The hat features a structured brim, spiral shaping on top, and a finished hem, making it a practical and charming accessory for warm weather.

Sizes and Finished Measurements

• Child Small: 6 months to 2 years, 18" finished measurement
• Child Medium: 2 to 4 years, 19" finished measurement
• Child Large: 5 to 7 years, 20" finished measurement
• Child Extra Large: 8 to 10 years, 21" finished measurement

The hat is designed to fit snugly to stay securely on a child's head, and the pattern recommends measuring your child for the best fit since head sizes vary. An adult size is also available upon request.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level pattern employs several key techniques to create a professional-looking hat. The brim shape is created through geometry, tight gauge, and double layers, eliminating the need for cardboard or plastic reinforcement. The hat is knitted in the round, which creates a seamless construction. The pattern features spiral shaping on the top of the hat, contributing to its distinctive crown design.

Stitches and Construction

While specific stitch abbreviations are not detailed in the pattern excerpt, the construction involves working in the round using circular needles and double-pointed needles. The pattern uses a gauge of 19 stitches and 25 rows over 4 inches when knitting in the round, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements and ensuring the brim holds its shape properly.

Materials Required

Yarn

• Weight: Worsted weight
• Fiber content: Cotton or cotton blend
• Yardage: Approximately 110 yards (Child Small), 120 yards (Child Medium), 130 yards (Child Large), or 150 yards (Child Extra Large)
• Recommended yarns: Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece, Plymouth Jeannee, or Hobby Lobby I Love This Cotton
• Sample knitted in: I Love This Cotton, 3.5 oz, 100g, 180 yards (165 meters)

Needles and Notions

• Two size 6 circular needles (one must be 16 inches; the other can be any length)
• Size 6 double-pointed needles, set of 5
• 1 stitch marker
• Optional: ¾" elastic cut to the length of the child's head circumference for added security

The use of worsted weight cotton or cotton blend yarn makes this an ideal summer hat pattern, as these materials provide breathability and comfort for warm weather wear. The pattern's intermediate difficulty level makes it suitable for knitters with some experience who are ready to tackle in-the-round construction and shaping techniques.