Little Bean

I've recently taken up knitting for my daughter's American Girl doll, which has been quite satisfying to both of us. Rosa loves having new clothes for Samantha (who was actually mine when I was a girl!), and I love the "instant gratification" of knitting tiny things while simultaneously using up leftover yarn.

I had yarn leftover from Rosa's winter accessories, so Samantha will soon have a matching set. While there were a few options on Ravelry, I ended up making up my own hat pattern. 

And here it is!

Little Bean

Ravelry link: Little Bean  

Size:   12 1/4" circumference (fits American Girl dolls, Bitty Baby dolls, and other similar dolls/animals)

Supplies:

• 20g (approx. 44yds) of worsted weight yarn (I used Wool of the Andes in "Blossom Heather")
• 4.0mm (US 6) double-pointed knitting needles
• 1 stitch marker
• tapestry needle

Gauge:   4.5-5 stitches per inch 

Directions:

1. Cast on 60 stitches, place 20 sts on each of 3 DPNs, and join for working in the round (I recommend a stretchy cast on, such as the old Norwegian or Jeny's Stretchy Slipknot Cast-On). 
2. *K2, P2* repeat to end of round.
3. Continue in K2 P2 ribbing for 1" (about 7 rows)
4. Next row: K all sts. Continue knitting until work measures 3" from cast-on edge. 
5. First decrease row: *K3, K2tog,* repeat to end of row (48 sts remaining)
6. Next row: K all sts
7. Second decrease row: *K2, K2tog,* repeat to end of row (36 sts remaining)
8. Next row: K all sts
9. Third decrease row: *K1, K2tog,* repeat to end of row (24 sts remaining)
10. Next row: K all sts
11. Fourth decrease row: *K2 tog,* repeat to end of row (12 sts remaining)
12. Next row: K all sts
13. Cut yarn, leaving about a 12" tail. Using a tapestry needle, thread yarn through the remaining 12 sts (removing double point needles as you do). Pull tight. I like to thread my tail through these stitches again, for extra security. 
14. Weave in the cast-on tail, but leave the tail at the top for attaching the pom pom after blocking. 
15. Block (if desired/needed).
16. Pom pom: wind yarn at least 60 times around two fingers, a fork, or other implement. Tie off the center tightly with a scrap of yarn and clip the yarn loops. Trim until tidy. (Here's a helpful little tutorial: 5 Min DIY: yarn pom poms). Use the remaining yarn tail on the hat to attach the pom-pom, then weave in the tail.
17. You're done!

I'd love to hear from you if you try this pattern, and please be sure to let me know if you have any issues!