Knit Tripod Hats in Caron Simply Soft and Simply Soft Collection - Downloadable PDF

Knit Tripod Hats in Caron Simply Soft and Simply Soft Collection – Pattern Summary

Designed by Brenda Lewis and available as a free downloadable PDF, the Knit Tripod Hat is a bright, multi-colored knitted hat sized for young children. The pattern offers two size options — 12–18 months and 2–4 years — making it an ideal project for knitters who want to create cheerful, colorful accessories for babies and toddlers. With a beginner difficulty level, this pattern is accessible to newer knitters while still introducing some satisfying colorwork and shaping techniques.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a striped, three-panel knitted hat for children. The finished hat measures approximately 15½ inches (39.5 cm) in circumference when unstretched for the smaller size, and 18 inches (45.5 cm) for the larger size. Because the hat is worked in stretchy ribbing and stockinette stitch, it has considerable stretch and will comfortably fit a range of head sizes within each size category. The "tripod" design refers to the distinctive three-color panel construction across the top of the hat, which creates a bold, graphic look that appeals to kids and parents alike.

Design Versions

The pattern includes two color versions, each using three contrast colors drawn from the Caron Simply Soft yarn line:

• Version 1 uses Pistachio (0003) as Contrast A, Melon (0016) as Contrast B, and a third contrast color as Contrast C — creating a fresh, fruity palette perfect for spring and summer.
• Version 2 uses Strawberry (0015) as Contrast A, Pistachio (0003) as Contrast B, and a third contrast color as Contrast C — offering a bolder, warmer combination with a pop of red.

Both versions follow the same construction method and stitch counts, so knitters can easily swap colors to suit personal preference or to coordinate with a child's wardrobe.

Materials Used

The pattern calls for Caron Simply Soft yarn, a worsted/aran weight yarn sold in 170 g / 6 oz skeins containing 288 m / 315 yards. For each version, one skein each of Contrast A, Contrast B, and Contrast C is required for both size options, making this a very yarn-efficient project. Because the hat is small and uses only a portion of each skein, leftover yarn can easily be repurposed for other children's accessories.

Two sizes of knitting needles are used:

• Smaller needles for the ribbed cuff section
• Larger needles for the stockinette body and top panels

The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch using the larger needles. Achieving correct gauge is especially important for children's sizing, so knitters are encouraged to swatch before beginning.

Construction and Techniques

The hat is worked flat, back and forth in rows, then seamed at the end — rather than in the round. This makes it a great project for knitters who are not yet comfortable with circular needles or double-pointed needles. The construction moves from the lower striped cuff upward through the body and into the three-panel top.

• Cuff: Begun with smaller needles using Contrast A, the cuff is worked in 2x2 ribbing following a rotating color sequence of two rows each in Contrast A, Contrast B, and Contrast C. This creates a lively striped effect right from the cast-on edge. The cuff is worked for 23 rows, followed by a single increase row.
• Increase Row: The special stitch k1-f/b (knit 1 front and back) is used to add one stitch at the end of the cuff, bringing the total to 69 (81) stitches. This technique is a simple and beginner-friendly way to increase without creating a visible eyelet.
• Hat