Funbow Hat

Funbow Hat by ViTalina Craft

What is Being Made

The Funbow Hat is a knitted infant and toddler hat designed by ViTalina Craft. This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for creating a fitted hat available in multiple sizes to accommodate growing children, ranging from newborns aged 1-3 months through adults. The hat is constructed using the in-the-round knitting method, which creates a seamless, tubular fabric ideal for comfortable headwear.

Available Sizes and Finished Measurements

The Funbow Hat pattern includes eight size options to fit different age groups and head circumferences:

• 1-3 months: 37-38 cm (14 inches)
• 3-6 months: 39-40 cm (16 inches)
• 6-9 months: 42-44 cm (17 inches)
• 9-12 months: 45-46 cm (18 inches)
• Toddler: 47-48 cm (19 inches)
• Child: 49-53 cm (20 inches)
• Teen/Adult M: 54-56 cm (22 inches)
• Adult L: 58-60 cm (23 inches)

Knitting Techniques Used

The Funbow Hat employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners. The primary construction method is knitting in the round, which eliminates the need for seaming and creates a seamless, professional finish. The pattern utilizes stockinette stitch as the main stitch pattern, which is created by alternating knit rows and purl rows when working flat, or by knitting every round when working in the round. This classic stitch produces a smooth, V-textured fabric with distinct right and wrong sides.

The pattern includes shaping techniques such as decreases to form the hat's crown and create proper fit. Decreases are accomplished through standard knitting methods that reduce stitch count gradually, allowing the fabric to taper and conform to the head shape.

Stitches and Abbreviations

The Funbow Hat pattern uses essential knitting stitches and techniques, including:

• K# (Knit): The fundamental knit stitch, repeated for the specified number of stitches
• K1tbl (Knit One Through Back Loop): A variation where the stitch is worked through the back loop instead of the front, creating a twisted stitch
• k2tog (Knit Two Together): A right-leaning decrease that combines two stitches into one
• SSK (Slip, Slip, Knit): A left-leaning decrease created by slipping two stitches knitwise individually to the right needle, then inserting the left needle through their front loops and knitting them together

The pattern also references standard knitting abbreviations: Sts for stitches, RS for right side, and WS for wrong side, which are essential for reading and following the instructions accurately.

Gauge and Needle Requirements

The Funbow Hat is worked at a gauge of 22 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch in the round. Achieving the correct gauge is critical for ensuring the finished hat fits properly across all size options.

The pattern requires multiple circular needles and double-pointed needles in two sizes:

• US 6 (4.0 mm): 40 cm circular needles for the main body and a set of double-pointed needles for crown shaping
• US 4 (3.5 mm): 40 cm circular needles for the ribbed cuff and a spare circular needle for stitch management

The use of two needle sizes allows for a ribbed cuff worked on smaller needles, which creates elasticity and a snug fit around the head, while the larger needles accommodate the stockinette body.

Yarn and Materials

The Funbow Hat is knitted with Rico Design Essential Soft Merino Aran yarn in pink.