Comfy Cozy Hat

Make him a hat he'll love without the added stress of a complicated knitting project. This Comfy Cozy Hat works great as a first big knitting project for beginner knitters looking to get their needles going. Learn how to knit a hat while getting the hang of garter stitch knitting. This hat is not only quick and easy to make but also provides the ultimate comfort and fashion. Use the suggested colors or personalize this knit hat by adding in his favorite colors. It's sure to be the knitted gift he'll never want to take off.

Beginner

Knitting Needle Size10.5 or 6.5 mm

Yarn Weight(5) Bulky/Chunky (12-15 stitches for 4 inches)

Gauge1 stitches, 2 rows, 3 inches. stockinette stitch

Materials:

RED HEART® Heads Up™: 1 ball each of 401 Steel A and 689 Bright Green B (Art. E821 available in 3.5 oz (100 g), 106 yd (97 m) balls)
Susan Bates® Knitting Needles: 6.5mm [US 10.5]
Yarn needle

GAUGE: 11 sts = 4” (10 cm); 26 rows = 4” (20 cm) in Garter st (knit every row). CHECK YOUR GAUGE. Use any size needles to obtain the gauge.

Hat measures about 20” (51 cm) circumference, unstretched. Hat will stretch to fit 21–22” (53.5–56 cm) head.

Abbreviations:
A and B = Color A, and Color B
k = knit
k2tog = knit next 2 sts together
p = purl
st(s) = stich(es)
[ ] = work directions in brackets the number of times specified

Notes:

Hat is worked back and forth in rows beginning at lower edge. The side edges are sewn together for back seam.
Stripes are worked in the following color sequence: Work first row with A, 4 rows with B, 2 rows with A, 4 rows with B, work remainder of hat with A only. Do not cut yarn until instructed. Carry color not in use up side of piece.

HAT
With A, cast on 55 sts.
Row 1 (wrong side): Knit all sts. Change to B.
Rows 2, 3, 4 and 5: Knit all sts. Change to A.
Rows 6 and 7: Knit all sts. Change to B.
Rows 8–11: Repeat Rows 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Cut B.
Work remainder of hat with A only.
Knit every row until piece measures 5” (12.5 cm) from beginning, end with a wrong side row.

Shape Crown (top of hat)
Decrease Row 1 (right side): [K9, k2tog] 5 times—50 sts.
Next Row and all WS rows: Knit all sts.
Decrease Row 2: [K8, k2tog] 5 times—45 sts.
Decrease Row 3: [K7, k2tog] 5 times—40 sts.
Decrease Row 4: [K6, k2tog] 5 times—35 sts.
Decrease Row 5: [K5, k2tog] 5 times—30 sts.
Decrease Row 6: [K4, k2tog] 5 times—25 sts.
Decrease Row 7: [K3, k2tog] 5 times—20 sts.
Decrease Row 8: [K2, k2tog] 5 times—15 sts.
Decrease Row 9: [K1, k2tog] 5 times—10 sts.
Decrease Row 10: [K2tog] 5 times—5 sts
Cut A, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through remaining stitches and remove stitches from needle. Pull to gather. Sew side edges together for back seam.

FINISHING
Weave in ends.