Baby Stripe Trapper Hat

Baby Stripe Trapper Hat by madmonkeyknits

What is Being Made

The Baby Stripe Trapper Hat is a knitted infant hat designed by madmonkeyknits, available in four sizes to fit babies from newborn through 24 months. This trapper-style hat features a striped colorwork design and includes ear flaps for warmth and coverage. The hat is available in sizes XS (0-3 months, 30-35 cm head circumference), S (3-6 months, 35-40 cm), M (6-12 months, 40-45 cm), and L (12-24 months, 45-50 cm).

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level knitting pattern employs fundamental hat construction techniques suitable for knitters with basic experience. The design uses stocking stitch as the primary fabric structure, creating a smooth, classic knit surface. The pattern incorporates striped colorwork, alternating between grey and white yarn to create visual interest. Shaping techniques include increases and decreases to form the crown and ear flaps characteristic of a trapper hat silhouette.

Stitches Used

• Stocking Stitch (St.St) – the main stitch throughout, created by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows for a smooth finish
• Rib (R) – alternating knit and purl stitches (K1, P1) used for edging and cuff sections to create elasticity
• Knit Stitch (K) – fundamental stitch used throughout the pattern
• Purl Stitch (P) – used in stocking stitch and ribbed sections
• Knit Two Together (K2tog) – a decrease technique for shaping the crown
• Purl Two Together (P2tog) – a decrease technique used on wrong-side rows
• Knit Increase (Kinc1) – knitting into both the front and back of a stitch to create an extra stitch for shaping
• Purl Increase (Pinc1) – purling into both back and front of a stitch for increases on wrong-side rows

Materials and Gauge

The Baby Stripe Trapper Hat is worked in DK weight yarn using Debbie Bliss Rialto or any DK knitting yarn of comparable weight. Each size requires 1 ball (50g) of grey yarn and 1 ball (50g) of white yarn, with the exception of size L which requires an additional ball of white. The pattern is worked on 4.00 mm knitting needles.

The working tension is 22 stitches and 28 rows over 10 centimeters (4 inches) in stocking stitch on 4.00 mm needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for proper fit across all four size options, ensuring the hat will fit the intended head circumference accurately.