Every time I get a baby shower invite, I immediately start having visions of fabulous mini-aran sweaters in shades of green and blue, and fair isle dresses in shades of yellow and pink. Generally these daydreams last several weeks, until I find myself scrambling the night before the shower trying to finish a hat or bib. This cap is the perfect last minute baby shower solution -- an easy pattern knit in chunky yarn! Bigger size hats are the perfect bonus for a soon-to-be sibling or an expectant mama or papa. We’ve also included a bonus cowl pattern.

Yarn – 35 (50, 65, 80, 95, 110) yards/32 (46, 60, 74, 88, 102) meters aran-weight yarn. Shown in Madelinetosh Tosh Chunky (100% superwash merino wool; 165 yards/151 meters per 4 ounce/ 115 gram skein), colorway Amber Trinket.

Needles - US #10/6 mm (or size to get gauge) for working in the round (either double points, or two circulars, or one long circular for magic loop; Child and Adult sizes may use a 16”/60 cm circular and double points for the crown).

Notions - Tapestry needle.

Skill level - Advanced beginner (knitting in the round, decreasing).

Size/Finished measurements – Hat Sizes: Preemie (Baby, Toddler, Child, Adult Small, Adult Large). Finished circumference: 10”/25 cm (12.5”/32 cm, 15”/38 cm, 17.5”/44 cm, 20”/51 cm, 22.5”/57 cm) unstretched. Measured after blocking.
Cowl Sizes: Adult Small (Adult Large). Finished circumference: 22”/56 cm (40”/102 cm) unstretched. Measured after blocking.