This little hat took me about 3 hours to knit.

Weight of finished hat (without pom pom): 1.4 oz.

Hat Instructions:

To fit 12 - 18 month old baby:

With smaller needle (size 5 US), cast on 72 sts using long tail cast on or the method of your choice.

Next Round: (K2, P2) all around. Join for circular ribbing, being careful not to twist stitches. Place BOR marker. (BOR = beginning of round)

Repeat 2 x 2 ribbing for 7 more rounds (1.25”/3.2 cm).
(I think it would look better with 1 x 1 ribbing. Next time…)

Switch to larger needle (size 7 US)

Round 1: Knit 5, Purl 3

Round 2: Knit all stitches
After all knit rounds, remove BOR marker, knit one extra stitch from the left needle and place the BOR marker to the left of the stitch just knitted.

Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 until hat measures 5-7/8” (15 cm) from cast on edge.

Repeat Round 1 once more before starting decreases. Hat should now measure 6” (15.2 cm) from cast on edge.

Start the decreases as described in the Crown Section below. After all decrease rounds, remove BOR marker, knit one extra stitch from the left needle and place the BOR marker to the left of the stitch just knitted. Crown Section will add another 2” (5 cm) in height to the hat.

Crown Section:

Next Rnd: (K6, k2tog) all around. Move BOR marker.
Next Rnd: (K5, P2) all around
Next Rnd: (K5, K2tog) all around. Move BOR marker.
Next Rnd: (K5, P1) all around
Next Rnd: (K4, K2tog) all around. Move BOR marker.
Next Rnd: (K4, P1) all around
Next Rnd: (K3, K2tog) all around. Move BOR marker.
Next Rnd: (K3, P1) all around
Next Rnd: (K2, K2tog) all around. Move BOR marker.
Next Rnd: (K2, P1) all around
Next Rnd: (K1, K2tog) all around. Move BOR marker.
Next Rnd: (K1, P1) all around
Next Rnd: (K2tog) all around

Thread yarn tail through tapestry needle and pull through remaining stitches tightly. Weave in beginning and end tails. Pom pom is optional, but very cute! Link to a tutorial is below.

Pom Pom Maker Video Tutorial