I designed this little newborn hat in a few days as one of the hats I’ll be donating to the current Save the Children appeal. The pattern that was provided by Woman’s Weekly gave me real trouble so I thought it would be a nice idea if I tried my hand at designing a couple of easier hats for people to make.

Details about the Knit one Save on campaign can be found here: www.savethechildren.org.uk/en/5072.htm

50g of dk yarn in the main colour (approx)
Short length of dk yarn in the contrast colour
Size 4.5mm crochet hook
Tapestry needle (for sewing in loose ends)

Newborn, 0-3 months

Still need to check this...

All rounds are joined with a sl st to the last stitch/top of chain from the beginning of that round.

Using the main colour work:

Row 1: Ch 3, join with a sl st to form a circle, 6 sc into circle, join with a sl st to first sc (6 sc)

Row 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each sc, join with sl st to 2nd ch (12 sc)

Row 3: Ch 2, (2 dc in next sc, 1 dc)x5, 2 dc in last sc, join with sl st to 2nd ch (18 dc)

Row 4: Ch 2, (2 dc in next sc, 2 dc)x5, 2 dc in next dc, dc in last dc, join with sl st to 2nd ch (24 dc)

Row 5: Ch 2, (2 dc in next sc, 1 dc) repeat until 1 dc left, 2 dc in last dc, join with sl st to 2nd ch (36 dc)

Row 6: Ch 2, (2 dc in next sc, 1 dc) repeat until 1 dc left, 2 dc in last dc, join with sl st to 2nd ch (54 dc)

Rows 7-12: Ch 2, dc in same joining sl st, (miss 1 dc, 2 dc in next dc) repeat around, miss last dc, join with sl st to 2nd ch (54 dc)

Ear flaps

Continuing on from last sl st...

Row 1-2: Ch 2, 11 dc, turn (11 dc)

Row 3: Ch 2, 2 dc tog, 7 dc, 2 dc tog, turn (9 dc)

Row 4: Ch 2, 3 dc tog, 3 dc, 3 dc tog (5 dc)

Row 5: Ch 2, 2 dc tog, 1 dc, 2 dc tog (3 dc)

Finish off

Skip next 16 dc and rejoin the yarn. Work the second earflap

Using the contrast colour work:

Row 1-2: sc around edge of hat & ear flaps

Finish off & weave in loose ends