How to knit a hat with knitting needles: step by step instructions

2024 Author: Sierra Becker | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-26 03:47

The hat is an integral part of both women's and men's wardrobe. It serves not only as protection for the head from the harsh Russian winters, but also as a stylish accessory that allows you to create a complete image. You can buy a hat in a store, or you can knit it yourself. Handmade, it will not only make a woman unique, but will also allow you to embody your vision of the image.

Yarn

There are many yarn companies that make material of different colors and compositions, so needlewomen are often faced with the need to choose.

In order to knit or crochet a hat, first you need to decide what the product will be.

Merino wool yarn is ideal for a winter hat. The more its content in the thread, the warmer it will be. Usually, winter hats made from such yarn are knitted in 2 strands, while about 150 grams (or 500 meters) are consumed.

Hats for spring-autumn can also be knitted from such yarn, but already in onea thread. In this case, 1.5-2 times less yarn will be required, depending on the style and thickness of the knitting needles. In addition, such hats can also be knitted from acrylic or microfiber. For beginner needlewomen who decide to knit a hat both with knitting needles and with a crochet, it is better to choose children's yarn. It is pleasant to the touch, retains its appearance quite well even after several washes, stretches a little, glides easily on the knitting needle, so it is very comfortable to knit from it.

Cotton thread is not as beginner friendly as acrylic or wool. It stretches less, due to which the finished product keeps its shape well, and the openwork is clearly visible. Perfect for hats and spring fishnet hats.

Universal step by step instructions

1. To get started, you must first select a hat model. You can knit a hat without any preparation, however, it is planning that is the key to successful work.
2. The next step will be calculations. The following parameters are required: head girth, product depth, pattern height, decrease height.
3. It is necessary to schematically draw a header where you can mark all the parameters. This will greatly simplify the task. On the same diagram, you can mark the location of the color if the knitted or crocheted hat is not monophonic.
4. You will also need to decide on the style of cast on. For thin threads, as well as 1/1 elastic, an Italian set with a hollow elastic is well suited. If you knit in two or more threads, then the edge with such a set turns out to be quite voluminous and looks rough. In such cases, the classicalset.
5. Next, you need to calculate the required set of loops. You can use standard parameters (with a head girth of 54 cm, 120 loops are typed). However, this will not be entirely true, since the number of loops depends on several parameters: the thickness of the yarn, the size of the knitting needles and the knitting density. Therefore, it is better to knit a small sample, approximately 30 loops5 cm in size. It must be remembered that the elastic on the knitting needles does not take its finished, slightly tightened look immediately.
6. If the hat will include a transition from elastic to any other type of weaving, then it will also need to be knitted in the form of a sample. Often it requires either increasing or decreasing the initial number of loops.
7. When the samples are ready, they must be measured by spreading them on an equal surface. You should not stretch the elastic too much, otherwise the finished product will leave prints on the skin. Divide the resulting value by the number of loops in the sample and multiply by the girth of the head + 2 edge and 2 or 4 loops per seam (depending on the thickness of the thread)
8. You can knit a hat with or without a seam. If the product is without a seam, then it is quite easy to knit it both with a crochet, and on 5 knitting needles or on circular ones. However, with this technique it is difficult to draw vertical lines, as they will shift in the direction of the thread. Therefore, this type of knitting is suitable for a softly expressed pattern like "rice", or garter knitting. A large pattern with pronounced vertical lines is best knitted in products with a seam.
9. Decrease gradually. To do this, count how many rowsneeds to be tied. In a classic hat, usually 10-15 loops remain in the last row. Therefore, it is necessary to subtract 10 or 15 from their total number, and divide the remainder by the number of rows. The resulting value indicates how many loops to remove in each row. It is easier to remove the loops in the front row, so often this value is multiplied by 2, and decreases are made through the row. Another option is when the same number of loops is reduced, first every 2 rows, then through the row, and then in each. Thus, the transition is smoother. It is better to distribute the reductions over the entire width of the cap, at regular intervals. To do this, the selected places are marked with a contrasting thread, and reductions are made above it. Thus, identical wedges are obtained. On the finished product, they look very neat.
10. Close the edge. If the product is of a classical shape, then through all the loops on the knitting needle, thread the ring twice, after which it is tightened, and the back seam of the cap can be sewn with the remaining thread.
11. Hide the ends of the threads, decorate the hat with decor.

It is worth remembering that crocheted products do not stretch well, but they keep their shape well, so it is good to knit hats with this tool. But a hat knitted with knitting needles is more elastic, better takes the shape of the head and fulfills its intended purpose - it protects from cold and wind. That is why it is impossible to say with certainty that only knitting needles or a hook should be used. The needlewoman decides for herself which tool she will use to create her perfect hat.

Gradient

Colorful hats are back in fashion,however, not only a clear transition from one color to another, but also a smooth flow. To get the gradient effect, you need to use fairly thin threads in several additions. The more there are, the smoother the transition will be. In addition, it is better to use related colors that are next to each other in the gradient. If it is necessary to make a smooth transition between unrelated colors, then it is better to use a complementary color related to each, or neutral gray, white or black.

This technique allows you to knit a new hat for a woman in such a way that the headdress is combined with the color of the outer clothing, while at the same time the color that suits you best remains near the face.

The gradient effect is achieved by replacing the thread of one color with another. Initially, you need to determine how high and how many rows the transition zone will occupy. Divide the number of rows in this zone by the number of threads that will be used in the knitting process. Let's say a hat will be knitted in 5 threads, the transition must be made approximately on a strip 7 cm high. There are 2 loops in 1 centimeter.

Ordinal number of the row	Number of threads in color A	Number of threads in color B
0	5	0
1	4	1
2	4	1
3	4	1
4	3	2
5	3	2
6	3	2
7	2	3
8	2	3
9	2	3
10	1	4
11	1	4
12	1	4
13	0	5

Thus, if you change the color of one thread every 3 rows, the transition will take 12 rows or 6 cm.

Drawings

And again knitted women's hats with jacquard pattern came into fashion. Relevant are both classic options with geometric ornaments, snowflakes and deer, as well as floral motifs. Such hats go well with plain outerwear, bringing a little romance and brightness to the image. You can use both bright and contrasting threads, and shades of the same color.

Types of hats

There are a lot of models of hats that you can knit with your own hands. It is necessary to choose the shape of the future product carefully. The hat should not only match the style of outerwear, but also fit the type of woman's face. A headdress can help hide flaws and highlight your strengths.

Beanie

This hat has a fairly wide range of models. In general, a beanie refers to any model that does not have fasteners and ties, so it is very easy to knit. The latest models of hats for women of this kind are characterized by an elongated shape, simple knitting and bright colors. Bright and metallic are back in fashioncolors, as well as lurex and sequins. This model is well suited for women with an oval face type. In order to knit such a hat, it is better to choose a discreet pattern, for example, "pearl stitch", hosiery, garter stitch or 1/1 elastic. Make decreases in the upper quarter with pronounced wedges.

Hat with lapel

Such hats perfectly hide the shortcomings of a rectangular face shape. You can knit a hat with both a classic single lapel and a double voluminous one, which will visually bring the model closer to the shape of a hat. In order to clearly fix it on the head, usually a reverse elastic band is made from the place of the fold, that is, in those columns where there were facial loops, then the wrong ones are knitted, and where the wrong ones were, respectively, the front loops. If the yarn is thick enough or has several folds, then an additional row can be knitted at the fold in front stitch.

Hat with embossed stripes

Easy enough to knit new models of beanie hats with embossed horizontal and vertical stripes. Thanks to this pattern, the elongated hat-cap takes the necessary shape without additional styling. The simplest variation of such knitting is the alternation of stripes 2 centimeters wide on the front and back surfaces. Instead of the latter, you can use garter stitch. The lines of the facial loops can be decorated with a simple pattern, vertical posts, and also use color combinations. This style is suitable for women with a square type.faces. Rows of backing add volume, while the elongated silhouette visually elongates the face, preventing the jawline from looking rough and heavy.

Beret

The voluminous headdress has been confidently holding the position of one of the main models for women for several centuries. It is perfect for a triangular face. It is more difficult to take than a hat to knit both with knitting needles and crochet. It is necessary to calculate the increase for volume, it is usually 50% of the available loops, then 30-60 rows are knitted, and then gradually decrease in the last 15-20 rows.

Hat with braids

Embossed weave re-embellishes knitted hats for women. Models on the catwalks demonstrate both simple harnesses and complex aranas. Such weaving is relevant for winter hats, as it has a dense structure. At the same time, the product looks very elegant and is not inferior in beauty to openwork hats.

To knit a hat with braids, you will need an additional knitting needle. In addition, each weave "eats" the width of the hat, so when moving from elastic to a pattern, you will need to add the required number of loops. To do this, using samples of gum and ornament, the number of loops in 1 centimeter of each type of knitting is calculated, the resulting value is multiplied by the girth of the head. The difference between the numbers of loops is evenly distributed over the entire width of the product. The pattern is knitted to the first row of decreases, after which they continue to knit with a garter or stocking stitch. It is important to remember that at 2rows of stocking knitting (1 row of facial loops, 1 - purl) contains 3 rows of garter stitch (all rows are knitted with facial loops).

In order to knit a women's hat with knitting needles as in the photo, you will need:

• needle number 2, 5 - 2 pcs. long + 1 pc. short (optional);
• yarn 100 gr. each color;
• sewing threads in the color of the yarn;
• needle;
• pomopon.

1. For a head circumference of 56 cm, you need to dial 124 loops in 2 threads. Used yarn Baby with merino wool 30%. Thread thickness - approximately 3 mm.

2. Rib 2/2 - 20 rows.

3. Inc 43 more sts for a total of 167 sts. At this stage, the front surface begins - on the outside of the future hat, knit only the front loops, on the wrong side - the wrong ones.

4. In the 5th row, stitch, counting the row with increments, start knitting braids. Leave the hem on the working knitting needle, transfer 5 loops to an additional knitting needle, placing it in front of the canvas, then knit 5 loops from the main knitting needle. After that, knit 5 loops with an additional one. Return to the main needle and knit 5 more loops from it. There will be 11 such weaves.

5. The next 5 rows are again knit in stockinette stitch. In the 6th row (it should be facial), you need to make the second level of weaving. To do this, knit 5 loops with the main one, transfer 5 to an additional knitting needle, placing it behind the canvas, knit 5 more with the main one, return to the loops on the additional one. Repeat 11 times.

6. Gradient. To get a smoother transition, it is better to use thinner threads, but even thick ones can be dissolved into 2 parts. Sewing threads also help. In this hat, on the 7th row after the elastic, 1 sewing thread of white and coral color was added. Further, the thread was changed every 5 rows according to the following scheme:

Gradient rows	Sewing threads	Coral yarn	White yarn
1-5	2	2	0
6-10	2	1, 5	0, 5
11-15	2	1	1
16-17	2	0, 5	1, 5
21-25	2	0	2

7. At the 7th level of weaving, start making decreases. To do this, behind an additional knitting needle from the main knitting needle, knit 2 loops together, 1 loop, 2 loops together. Thus, out of 5 loops, 3 will remain, and 22 will decrease from the total number of loops and 145 will remain.

8. Level 8 weaves are knitted a little differently. First, knit 4 loops from the main knitting needle, then remove 5 loops for the additional one, then knit 4 more loops from the main one, return to the additional one and knit 3 from 5 loops. Thus, another 22 loops will be removed, 123 loops remain. This braid weave ends.

9. Decrease. In each front row, you need to remove 22 loops. Purl knit without reductions. Knit 10 rows.

10. Break the thread, leaving about 40 cm. Through the remaining 13loops, thread the thread with a double ring, tighten, and sew the back seam of the cap with it.

Hide all thread tails. Attach pompom. On the presented hat, a fox fur pompom with a diameter of 18 cm.

A hat for a woman knitted according to this instruction turns out to be very dense, warm, and keeps its shape well. However, in the place where sewing threads are added, the fabric is stiffer and does not stretch well. On the one hand, this allows, with a relatively weak elastic band, not to move the hat over the eyes, on the other hand, it can cause discomfort when wearing at first. It is also difficult to knit braids. Therefore, for beginners, it is better to make the initial set 4 loops less, and do not use sewing threads.

Hats with ears

Another new hat model that you can knit with knitting needles is a headdress with ears. They can be sharp, like a cat's, or round, like a mouse's. Fashion for such hats came from Japan. They look very cute on young girls, adding to their playfulness.

This hat for women is very easy to knit. The entire height of the product is knitted evenly, without reduction, and the peculiarity of this model is the way the loops are closed.

To get sharp ears that look a little to the sides, it is enough to sew the top edge to make a kind of bag. Turn the product on the front side, divide the upper seam into 3 parts. On the side lines, measure a height equal to 1/3 of the width, connect with the points on the top. You should get isosceles triangles. Sew the base line of these triangles with a simple thread to match the color of the yarn.

Another way to create ears is suitable for products made from fine yarn. For their formation, it is also necessary to sew the upper edge, leave the product on the wrong side. Divide the upper seam into 3 parts, connect the resulting points together, sewing with a thread. Unscrew the product. There are 2 folds at the top of the hat, and the ears will look a little up.

In order for the ears to turn out rounded, it is necessary to make decreases in the upper 1/4 of the cap in each row in two places. The seam should be between them in the center. Further, ears can be formed in any of the two above ways.

Knit hats

These hats are perfect for a diamond-shaped face. They allow you to add the necessary volume in the forehead area, so that the cheekbones become not the widest part of the face, and the head takes on a more regular shape. This hat pattern is very easy to knit. To do this, you need bulky yarn or thread in several (4 or more) additions, as well as thick knitting needles. The larger the tool number, the more voluminous the product will be. The knitting of such hats is usually the simplest - front surface or 1/1 elastic, it can be made with or without a lapel. Such a headdress does not particularly need decor, since the structure of the knitted fabric itself is its main decoration.

Men's hats

Hats for men also please with their diversitymodels. Classic and elongated, hats with earflaps, with pompoms, smooth or with plaits, bright, multi-colored or plain … Even the most picky representative of the stronger sex this season will be able to choose a headdress to their liking. Many male models can be knitted like hats for women, choosing threads in more direct, "clean" colors, in the case of braids and plaits, the pattern should be flat and concise.

Fashion changes, some models come back again and again, and some go forever, but whatever it is, this is a wonderful reason for a woman to knit a new hat. The process of creating a headdress with your own hands allows you to get rid of problems, develop attentiveness and fine motor skills. In addition, the needlewoman in her dream hat, which she knitted herself, looks confident, happy and attractive.