This is one of my favorite hat patterns, both for baby hats and for chemo caps. I use a wrap-and-turn for the bottom part, so I don’t have to purl at all (yes it does show a little, see second photo, but can be tightened up).

I also work the topknot without cutting the yarn, like this: when you get to the top cut the yarn with about 2 yards length of tail; pull the tail through the top stitches as directed (I go around inside the loops an extra time), then pick up 4 stitches from around one side of the circle. Work a 4-stitch I-cord to about 3 inches, then pull the tail through those four stitches and pull the tip of the cord down into the hole at the top of the hat and sew the end firmly with what’s left of the tail.

The pattern calls for 74 stitches, I think, for an adult size. For the preemie hat I worked it on 48 stitches, and the larger child’s hat (about 13”), on 60 stitches. Incidentally, for preemie hats I think it’s cute to leave only about ½“ of I-cord straight up for an umbilicus, my little joke.

This yarn is soooo soft, especially after washing, perfect for preemies with their delicate skin.