Hot Air Balloon Hats
Knitting for babies and kids has never been this adorable! These Hot Air Balloon Hats include sizing options for both a knit baby hat and knit child's hat. Created with fluffy pom poms and a twisted cable design, these hats are visually striking and perfect for keeping little noggins nice and toasty. Special thanks to Karidenver 5848988 for selecting the name "Hot Air Balloon Hats."
Knitting Needle Size8 or 5 mm, Circular Knitting Needles
Yarn Weight(4) Medium Weight/Worsted Weight and Aran (16-20 stitches to 4 inches)
SIZES: Baby (kids)
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS: Head Circumference 15-16" (17–18”)
MATERIALS
Baby Hat:
- Caron International's Simply Soft (100% acrylic)
- #9726 Soft Yellow (MC), 2 1/2 oz/71 gr
- #9719 Soft Pink (A), 1 oz/28.3 gr;
- #9739 Soft Green (B), 1oz/28.3 gr
Kids’ Hat:
- Caron International's Simply Soft Brites (100% acrylic)
- #9504 Limelight (MC), 3 oz/85 gr
- #9609 Berry Blue (A), 1 oz/28.3 gr
- #9604 Watermelon (B), 1 oz/28.3 gr
- One circular needle size US 8 (5mm) needles 20" or 24" long or size to obtain gauge
- Cable needle (cn)
- Yarn needle
- Pompom maker for 1 1/2" pompoms
GAUGE
In k2, p2 rib, 20 sts and 24 rows = 4"/10cm
In Crisscross stitch, 20 sts and 24 rows = 4"/10cm
STITCHES USED
K2, p2 rib
Right Cross: Slip 2 sts to cn and hold in back, k2, k2 from cn needle.
Left Cross: Slip 2 sts to cn and hold in front, k2, k2 from cn
Crisscross stitch: (multiple of 6 + 2 for selvage edges)
Instructions:
Row 1: Knit.
Row 2 and all even-numbered rows: Purl.
Row 3: K1, *right cross on 4 sts, k2; repeat from * across, ending with k1.
Row 5: Knit.
Row 7: K1, *k2, left cross on 4 sts; repeat from * across, ending with k1.
Row 8: Purl
Repeat Rows 1-8 for the Crisscross pattern.
HATS
With A, cast on 74 (86) sts. Work in k2, p2 rib for 3 rows. With B, work in k2, p2 rib for 3 rows. With MC, purl 1 row.
With MC, work in Crisscross pattern for 5" (6"), ending with pattern Row 4.
Shaping:
Row 5: *K8, k2 tog; repeat from *to* across, ending with k4 (k6) -- 67 (78) sts.
Row 6: Purl.
Row 7: K3, *work left cross on next 4 sts, k2tog; repeat from * across, ending with k4 (k3) -- 57 (66) sts.
Row 8: Purl.
Row 1: *K3, k2tog; repeat from * to* across, ending with k2 (1) -- 46 (53) sts.
Row 2: Purl.
Row 3: *K2, k2tog; repeat from * across, ending with k2 (1) -- 35 (40) sts.
Row 4: Purl.
Row 5: *K1, k2tog; rep from * across, ending with k2 (1) -- 24 (27) sts.
For Baby only:
Row 6: P2 tog across -- 12 sts. End off leaving a long enough tail to sew back seam. Note: Hat should measure approximately. 6".
For Kids’ only:
Row 6: Purl.
Row 7: K2 tog across, end k1 -- 14 sts.
Row 8: Purl. End off here leaving a long enough tail to sew back seam.
s Hat is approx. 7 1/2".
FINISHING
Sew back seam.
Pompoms
Make 6 for each hat -- 2 in each of the 3 colors used. Leave about a 6-7" tail on each pompom. Pull all the tails from the 6 pompoms through the hole in top of hat and secure tightly on the inside of hat.
Using yarn needle, weave in all ends.
Read NextBaby's First Hat
Your Recently Viewed Projects
Thanks for your comment. Don't forget to share!
Tricia108
Sep 24, 2017
These are the cutest hats. The instructions look fairly easy to follow. I like the effect of the extra pom-poms. Something simple like that can add something extra. I knit hats for charity and there is no reason they can't be colorful and different. Thank you for the pattern.
5gc
Mar 08, 2016
I knit your Hot Air Balloon Hat for a baby (great pattern, thank you very much) have a question about finishing the hat at the top before stitching the seam adding the pom poms. The last row of the baby pattern (row 6) says to P2 across end with 12 its, which I have done. Do you then bind off those 12 stitches leaving the tail at the end or thread the tail through the 12 stitches before sewing the back seam? Thank you.
Lisa
Jul 15, 2021
That last row is actually P2tog, which will leave you with 12 stitches, so you will not cast off, you will run the yarn through the remaining stitches and sew the side seam. The instructions were not real clear on that part and this question has been up here unanswered for years, so I thought I would answer it in case other knitters are having issues. Happy knitting
schicken
Jan 28, 2016
I made this pattern a few years ago. ) There's notes (and photos of it being worn) on my Ravelry project if it would be useful for anyone. http//www.ravelry.com/projects/schicken/po == mpom-hats
Member 15141
Nov 16, 2013
Good! I did not want these to look like hot air balloons. I am glad I did not pass this up. These hats are cute.
Doodledaddy
Feb 13, 2013
I love these! I am definitely going to be making a few, as I have a granddaughter that is almost 3 years old, and another grandchild on the way in June, so I have my knitting projects lining up, for sure! Can't wait to see how these turn out, and there is a LOT of potential for little changes here and there for artistic personalizing! Can't help but smile when you see these!
Beebs9368
Jan 27, 2013
Hat pattern is great I made it for great grandchildren and grandchildren wanted it also. Just wish pattern could be downloaded to my computer.
kathyb88 8088678
Jan 16, 2013
also, round needles have no purl rows! and yes, this pattern is available on Caron.com as a free pattern.
rkwwizard 9439714
Jan 16, 2013
The hat is adorable, but why do the instructions say Finishing: sew back seam. A #8 circular needle should indicate the hat is knit in the round, using a 16" needle should work for the amount of stitches or much longer for magic loop.
Lisa
Jul 15, 2021
The hat is knit flat on circular needles, making it in the round made it too tight and altered the symmetry of the pattern, so much so that it did not line up.
McKnitter
Jan 15, 2013
Why is AFK renaming patterns? This pattern is called Pom Pom Hats with Simply Soft on Caron's website. You can get the pattern in pdf format there.
ehlinger 5618470
Sep 19, 2011
adorable..I can't wait to make one. I think I'd call it sideways shuffle hat or Cris Cross hat
ceeceechase89 5239 571
Sep 19, 2011
I think the hats are great and I would name them Sherbet Souffle.
Lizzie Lou
Sep 18, 2011
This hat is so neat. It looks just like cotton candy so I wold name it "Cotton Candy Cables"
clarkcindy49 83520 16
Sep 18, 2011
I think the name should be popcycle ric rac hat. its colorful like a popcycle and patterned like ric rac.
mpldeschenes 57781 52
Sep 17, 2011
I would name this hat the: POMPOM RIPPLE HAT and I love this pattern.
kshifton 4541434
Sep 17, 2011
I would cal this pattern "Posies in a Basket" because the cap of the hat reminds me of a basket and the pompoms look like cheerful little flowers!
misspittypat56 173 7054
Sep 17, 2011
I would name it "Toddlers Path". Reminds me of a baby beginning to walk
Grammy7
Sep 17, 2011
I"d name the baby cap....Baby Kisses Cap...as it has x's in it.... Nancy Kercheval
terryash 1740849
Sep 17, 2011
They're so cute. I think they should be named Bubble Gum or Jawbreaker Hats because of the varied colors. That's the way the bubble gum balls & Jawbreakers look like in the machines at the grocery stores. It reminds me of when I was a child--good memories!
maryhutztucker 528 6303
Sep 17, 2011
My suggestion is "Tisket a Tasket a Baby in a Basket". Very cute.
pag458 9220920
Sep 17, 2011
The zig-zag pattern reminds me of BABY STEPS.......my suggestion for the hat's name.
thenewsletters1 03 28202
Sep 17, 2011
They are so adorable. Perhaps Gumball Baby Hats? The yellow one reminds me of Cotton Candy and the green one of gumballs.
Crafter 1897897
Sep 17, 2011
I would call the Fruity Ric Rac Baby Beanies - bright coloured zig zggy patterned baby hats
Cropperhopper
Sep 17, 2011
I would call them waffle beanies, because of the waffle pattern used.
harrisonps 7995065
Sep 17, 2011
The colors remind me of sherbert ice cream. I would call them "Sherbert Delights."
Roseann Clark
Sep 17, 2011
I'm anxious to try them. I' call the pattern "Zig then Zag". They are both beautiful!!
smokey9001 8288859
Sep 17, 2011
The hats are s-o-o cute. The top reminds me of gum drops. My suggestion is "Gumdrop Tots". Joan Vennetti
craftygrandma56
Sep 17, 2011
the green one I would call - Twisted Cool Mint - Yellow - twisted limon
nerrn 8309870
Sep 17, 2011
Run Baby Run. Love the pattern for a special little one who has discovered walking. Their EVERY WHERE.
mkopp10 7406871
Sep 17, 2011
Totally cute and what I have been looking for to make for 2 grandchildren. My name suggestion: "Citrus Cuties" 9/17/11 Marge K
randplunde 8951697
Sep 17, 2011
First thing I thought of was: Ziggy Pom-Pom. I've made this hat & It is ADORABLE!!
sparkleplentyo 418 7811
Sep 17, 2011
I think the adorable hat should be called "The Rainbow Bubble Hat". Thank you, Shelley Yockelson
runawayflynn 62932 57
Sep 17, 2011
My suggestion for the no name hat is - "baby basket weaver' hat
ritagrenier 256482 9
Sep 17, 2011
Would call hat pattern "Pompom ripple".. they are sooo cute!
moush26 5071799
Sep 17, 2011
I'd call them Lemon n Lime Beanies or Berry Citrus Beanies because they remind me of lemony fruits with berries for pom poms
beadwalker 8467121
Sep 16, 2011
I would call the first one Holiday Marshmellows because it reminds me of when I was a kid and the marshmellows would come in different colors for the holidays and the other one would be Cotton Candy because it reminds me of when I used to sell jewelry at the carnivals.
PATRICIA ANN
Sep 16, 2011
I LIKE SHERBERT DELIGHTS. THEY ARE SO BRIGHT AND THE COLORS LOOK LIKE SHERBERT BY PATRICIA
tetleys4t 8461043
Sep 16, 2011
Zigzags & Cotton Candy Pompoms is what I would call this hat pattern.
Strega
Sep 16, 2011
Such cute baby hats!br br I would call them "Lollypops" - or - "Sherbet Cones"br br Thanks for the pattern.br br br Carolyn Stanzelbr
Strega
Sep 16, 2011
Such cute baby hats!br br I would call them "Lollypops" - or - "Sherbet Cones"br br Thanks for the pattern.br br br Carolyn Stanzelbr
flowerpot47 281832 9
Sep 16, 2011
These are SOOOO adorable, the 1st name that came to my mind is-- "Sherbet Toppings" I can't wait to make them. Thank-you so much. Sharon
anniemblue 0991366
Sep 16, 2011
I think they should be named Hugs & Kisses Baby Caps, because the cables remind me of the x's for kisses and the pompoms on top are the hugs!
Grandma Rose
Sep 16, 2011
I think "cable cuties" would be a good name for these great looking little hats.
Crafter 5871699
Sep 16, 2011
The hats are great I think they should be called soft ripples with pompoms
janetmal 8860262
Sep 16, 2011
Add a couple of little jingle bells to the top knot and call it Dingle Berry.
puzzled19 4496164
Sep 16, 2011
My suggestion is: Sorbet Ole'....they look good enough to eat! Really cute!
msahoo2u
Sep 16, 2011
I think these adorable hats should be called Crisscross Apple sause hats.
Report Inappropriate Comment
Are you sure you would like to report this comment? It will be flagged for our moderators to take action.
Thank you for taking the time to improve the content on our site.
