“Gattino”, (the italian word for “kitten”), was designed shortly after the birth of my first niece. This is a very easy project and ideal when a quick baby gift is needed. Designed and written specifically for PASSAP system double bed knitting machines, the knitting is very speedy and the cute ears are formed in the finishing process.

The original prototype pictured was made in cashmere which is lovely, but cotton works very well too and always looks modern. Vary the design to suit your own taste by adding stripes, using pushers to create simple circular fairisle designs, adding embroidery or omitting the ribbing.

Possibly the best thing about this hat is that it can be made from scratch and finished in about an hour. Use any 4ply/fingering weight yarn of your choosing, or combine finer industrial yarns to make up a similar weight. Approximately 20-25g (1 oz) will yield a finished hat, so the pattern is perfect for small oddments.

Although instructions are given in only one size, it’s very easy to make the hat in additional sizes, simply measure the intended wearer’s head circumference, subtract 5-10% and then multiply by your stitch gauge. Add any extra length required by knitting the extra rows before the first marker is placed.

A version of this pattern written for Japanese and European knitting machines will be available soon.