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Knitting has always been more than just a hobby for me—it’s a way to unwind, express creativity, and make meaningful gifts for my loved ones. Recently, I embarked on a knitting project that turned out to be quite special: the Leah Hat. This pattern, named by my 7-year-old daughter Leah, has a whimsical story behind it and has quickly become a favorite in our household.
The Inspiration Behind the Leah Hat
The Leah Hat came into existence one rainy afternoon when Leah, my vibrant and imaginative daughter, sat beside me as I knit. She’s currently in a phase where everything revolves around unicorns. Her room is adorned with unicorn-themed décor, she insists on wearing unicorn-printed clothing, and bedtime stories often involve magical unicorn adventures. It’s safe to say that unicorns have captured her heart and imagination.
As I worked on the hat, Leah watched intently, her eyes lighting up with curiosity. She studied the stitches, the yarn, and the pattern with the keen interest only a child can muster. “Mom,” she said with a twinkle in her eye, “the stitches look like a unicorn horn!” I paused and looked at the hat, and to my surprise, I saw it too. The way the stitches twisted and turned indeed resembled the spiraled horn of a unicorn. And just like that, the Leah Hat was born.
The Yarn: Berroco Vintage Worsted Weight
For this project, I chose Berroco Vintage worsted weight yarn. It’s one of my go-to yarns for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile and works well for a wide range of projects. Second, it has the perfect blend of softness and durability, making it ideal for a hat that needs to be both comfortable and long-lasting.
Berroco Vintage comes in a variety of beautiful colors, which made it easy to find shades that would appeal to both adults and children. For Leah’s hat, I chose a lovely shade of lavender—her favorite color and a perfect complement to her unicorn obsession. For other family members, I selected more neutral tones that would suit their tastes.
The Joy of Knitting for All Ages
One of the aspects I love most about the Leah Hat is its versatility. This hat is truly a universal design that looks great on everyone—men, women, babies, and kids alike. The pattern is simple yet elegant, with enough texture to keep the knitting process interesting without being overly complicated.
Knitting the Leah Hat for different family members allowed me to customize each hat to their unique preferences. For my husband, I used a deep, rich navy blue that complements his winter wardrobe. For my teenage son, I went with a sleek charcoal gray—cool and understated. And for my baby niece, I chose a soft pastel pink that brings out the rosy hue in her cheeks.
A Family Affair
Knitting the Leah Hat became a family affair, with each family member excited to see their version of the hat come to life. Leah, of course, took on the role of quality inspector, examining each hat with meticulous attention and comparing it to her own unicorn-inspired creation. Her enthusiasm was infectious, turning our knitting sessions into moments of joy and togetherness.
One evening, as we all gathered in the living room, I handed out the finished hats. The smiles and gratitude from my family members were priceless. It was heartwarming to see them wearing the hats I had made with love, each stitch a testament to the care and effort I put into creating something special for them.
Tips for Knitting the Leah Hat
For those of you who are eager to try knitting the Leah Hat, here are a few tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable knitting experience:
- Choose the Right Yarn: While I used Berroco Vintage worsted weight yarn, feel free to experiment with other worsted weight yarns. Just make sure the yarn you choose is soft, durable, and has good stitch definition.
- Gauge Matters: Pay close attention to your gauge. Knitting a swatch beforehand will help you achieve the correct size and fit.
- Customize with Colors: One of the joys of knitting is the ability to customize your projects. Don’t be afraid to play with colors and choose shades that resonate with you or the intended recipient.
- Enjoy the Process: Knitting should be a relaxing and enjoyable activity. Take your time, savor the process, and don’t stress about perfection. Each stitch is a part of your unique creation.
The Leah Hat: More Than Just a Hat
The Leah Hat is more than just a knitting pattern—it’s a symbol of the love and creativity that knitting brings into our lives. It’s a reminder of that rainy afternoon when Leah and I shared a special moment, her eyes lighting up with the magic of imagination. It’s the smiles on my family’s faces as they wear their hats, knowing they were made with care and affection.
Knitting the Leah Hat has been a delightful journey, one filled with laughter, creativity, and the joy of making something beautiful for the people I love. As I continue to knit and explore new patterns, the Leah Hat will always hold a special place in my heart, a testament to the magic of knitting and the boundless imagination of a child.
If you’re a fellow knitter, I hope you’ll give the Leah Hat a try. May it bring you as much joy and inspiration as it has brought me and my family. And who knows? Maybe it will become a favorite in your household too, just like it has in ours.
Happy knitting!
Materials and Info
Materials Needed: 60-220yds worsted weight yarn (I used Berrocco Vintage), size 8 (5mm) dpn or circular, size 6 (4mm) dpn or circular needles, yarn needle
Gauge: 5sts/in in stockinette st
Sizes (appx head circumference) [appx finished measurements laid flat]: newborn (12-14ins) [5.5×5.5ins], baby (14-16ins) [6.5x6ins],toddler (16-18ins) [7.5x7ins], child (18-20ins) [7.5×7.5ins], ladies (20-22ins) [8.5×8.5ins], mens (22-24ins) [9.5x9ins]
Stitch Key:
K – knit p – purl
sl – slip stitch k2tog – knit next 2 sts together
ssk- slip next stitch knitwise, slip next stitch knitwise, knit the 2 slipped sts together
ll – long loop –insert needle in the middle stitch 3 Rounds down of your k3 rib, wrap yarn and pull through making a loop loosely, leave the loop on your needle
Leah Hat Pattern
NEWBORN
Cast on 56 on smaller needles. Join in the round.
Work 4 rounds k1p1 ribbing.
Switch to larger needles.
Round 1 – [k3,p1] repeat [to] across
Round 2 – [k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 3 – [k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 4 – [ll, k3, ll, p1, k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 5 – [sl ll, k3, sl ll, p1, k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 6 – [ssk using your ll and next st, k1, k2tog using the next st and ll, p1, k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Repeat Rounds 3-6 until your work measures appx 4.5ins from cast on edge ending after completing a Round 3.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [ll, k3, ll, p1, k2, ssk] repeat [to] across (49sts)
Round 2 – [sl ll, k3, sl ll, p1, k1, k2tog] repeat [to] across (42sts)
Round 3 – [ssk using your ll and next st, k1, k2tog using the next st and ll, p1, k2tog] repeat [to] across (35sts)
Round 4 – [k3, k2tog] repeat [to] across (28sts)
Round 5 – [k2, k2tog] repeat [to] across (21sts)
Round 6 – [k1, k2tog] repeat [to] across (14sts)
Round 7 – [k2tog] repeat [to] across (7sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the top tight. Weave in ends. Block as desired.
BABY
Cast on 64 on smaller needles. Join in the round.
Work 5 rounds k1p1 ribbing.
Switch to larger needles.
Round 1 – [k3,p1] repeat [to] across
Round 2 – [k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 3 – [k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 4 – [ll, k3, ll, p1, k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 5 – [sl ll, k3, sl ll, p1, k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 6 – [ssk using your ll and next st, k1, k2tog using the next st and ll, p1, k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Repeat Rounds 3-6 until your work measures appx 5ins from cast on edge ending after completing a Round 3.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [ll, k3, ll, p1, k2, ssk] repeat [to] across (56sts)
Round 2 – [sl ll, k3, sl ll, p1, k1, k2tog] repeat [to] across (48sts)
Round 3 – [ssk using your ll and next st, k1, k2tog using the next st and ll, p1, k2tog] repeat [to] across (40sts)
Round 4 – [k3, k2tog] repeat [to] across (32sts)
Round 5 – [k2, k2tog] repeat [to] across (24sts)
Round 6 – [k1, k2tog] repeat [to] across (16sts)
Round 7 – [k2tog] repeat [to] across (8sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the top tight. Weave in ends. Block as desired.
TODDLER
Cast on 72 on smaller needles. Join in the round.
Work 5 rounds k1p1 ribbing.
Switch to larger needles.
Round 1 – [k3,p1] repeat [to] across
Round 2 – [k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 3 – [k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 4 – [ll, k3, ll, p1, k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 5 – [sl ll, k3, sl ll, p1, k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 6 – [ssk using your ll and next st, k1, k2tog using the next st and ll, p1, k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Repeat Rounds 3-6 until your work measures appx 6ins from cast on edge ending after completing a Round 3.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [ll, k3, ll, p1, k2, ssk] repeat [to] across (63sts)
Round 2 – [sl ll, k3, sl ll, p1, k1, k2tog] repeat [to] across (54sts)
Round 3 – [ssk using your ll and next st, k1, k2tog using the next st and ll, p1, k2tog] repeat [to] across (45sts)
Round 4 – [k3, k2tog] repeat [to] across (36sts)
Round 5 – [k2, k2tog] repeat [to] across (27sts)
Round 6 – [k1, k2tog] repeat [to] across (18sts)
Round 7 – [k2tog] repeat [to] across (9sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the top tight. Weave in ends. Block as desired.
CHILD
Cast on 80 on smaller needles. Join in the round.
Work 6 rounds k1p1 ribbing.
Switch to larger needles.
Round 1 – [k3,p1] repeat [to] across
Round 2 – [k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 3 – [k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 4 – [ll, k3, ll, p1, k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 5 – [sl ll, k3, sl ll, p1, k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 6 – [ssk using your ll and next st, k1, k2tog using the next st and ll, p1, k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Repeat Rounds 3-6 until your work measures appx 6.5ins from cast on edge ending after completing a Round 3.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [ll, k3, ll, p1, k2, ssk] repeat [to] across (70sts)
Round 2 – [sl ll, k3, sl ll, p1, k1, k2tog] repeat [to] across (60sts)
Round 3 – [ssk using your ll and next st, k1, k2tog using the next st and ll, p1, k2tog] repeat [to] across (50sts)
Round 4 – [k3, k2tog] repeat [to] across (40sts)
Round 5 – [k2, k2tog] repeat [to] across (30sts)
Round 6 – [k1, k2tog] repeat [to] across (20sts)
Round 7 – [k2tog] repeat [to] across (10sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the top tight. Weave in ends. Block as desired.
LADIES
Cast on 96 on smaller needles. Join in the round.
Work 6 rounds k1p1 ribbing.
Switch to larger needles.
Round 1 – [k3,p1] repeat [to] across
Round 2 – [k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 3 – [k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 4 – [ll, k3, ll, p1, k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 5 – [sl ll, k3, sl ll, p1, k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 6 – [ssk using your ll and next st, k1, k2tog using the next st and ll, p1, k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Repeat Rounds 3-6 until your work measures appx 7.5ins from cast on edge ending after completing a Round 3.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [ll, k3, ll, p1, k2, ssk] repeat [to] across (84sts)
Round 2 – [sl ll, k3, sl ll, p1, k1, k2tog] repeat [to] across (72sts)
Round 3 – [ssk using your ll and next st, k1, k2tog using the next st and ll, p1, k2tog] repeat [to] across (60sts)
Round 4 – [k3, k2tog] repeat [to] across (48sts)
Round 5 – [k2, k2tog] repeat [to] across (36sts)
Round 6 – [k1, k2tog] repeat [to] across (24sts)
Round 7 – [k2tog] repeat [to] across (12sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the top tight. Weave in ends. Block as desired.
MENS
Cast on 104 on smaller needles. Join in the round.
Work 7 rounds k1p1 ribbing.
Switch to larger needles.
Round 1 – [k3,p1] repeat [to] across
Round 2 – [k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 3 – [k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 4 – [ll, k3, ll, p1, k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 5 – [sl ll, k3, sl ll, p1, k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Round 6 – [ssk using your ll and next st, k1, k2tog using the next st and ll, p1, k3, p1] repeat [to] across
Repeat Rounds 3-6 until your work measures appx 8ins from cast on edge ending after completing a Round 3.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [ll, k3, ll, p1, k2, ssk] repeat [to] across (91sts)
Round 2 – [sl ll, k3, sl ll, p1, k1, k2tog] repeat [to] across (78sts)
Round 3 – [ssk using your ll and next st, k1, k2tog using the next st and ll, p1, k2tog] repeat [to] across (65sts)
Round 4 – [k3, k2tog] repeat [to] across (52sts)
Round 5 – [k2, k2tog] repeat [to] across (39sts)
Round 6 – [k1, k2tog] repeat [to] across (26sts)
Round 7 – [k2tog] repeat [to] across (13sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the top tight. Weave in ends. Block as desired.
Leah Hat PDF
