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There’s something truly magical about the art of knitting. The rhythm of the needles, the softness of the yarn, and the satisfaction of creating something beautiful from scratch all come together to create an experience that’s both meditative and exhilarating. Today, I want to share my journey of knitting a Simple Knit Hood—a delightful pixie-style bonnet that has quickly become one of my favorite projects.
When I first stumbled upon the Simple Knit Hood pattern, I was immediately drawn to its whimsical design. The pixie style bonnet, with its pointed top and cozy fit, seemed perfect for adding a touch of fairy-tale charm to any outfit. As someone who loves creating unique and practical pieces, I knew I had to give this pattern a try.
For this project, I chose to use KnitPicks Wool of the Andes Yarn. This 100% Peruvian Highland wool is one of my go-to choices for its durability, warmth, and excellent stitch definition. Plus, it’s relatively easy to block, which is a significant advantage when it comes to finishing off a project like this.
Choosing the Right Yarn
Selecting the right yarn is crucial for any knitting project, and the Simple Knit Hood was no exception. I wanted a yarn that would not only look beautiful but also stand up to frequent use and block easily. Wool of the Andes Yarn fit the bill perfectly. The yarn is soft yet sturdy, making it ideal for a bonnet that would keep its shape and provide warmth.
I opted for a rich, heathered brown color that reminded me of a tree bark. The color seemed fitting for a pixie bonnet, evoking images of woodland adventures. Of course, the pattern is versatile enough to look fantastic in any color, so you can choose a shade that speaks to you.
Casting On and Getting Started
The pattern begins with a simple cast-on and a few rows of garter stitch, which provides a neat and stretchy edge. As I settled into the rhythm of knitting, I found myself appreciating the straightforward instructions and the way the design slowly took shape. The beauty of this pattern lies in its simplicity—it’s easy enough for beginners but still engaging for more experienced knitters.
One of the highlights of knitting this hood was the sense of progress I felt as I worked. The pattern includes sections of stockinette stitch, which allowed me to knit mindlessly while enjoying my favorite podcast or audiobook. At the same time, the shaping required just enough attention to keep things interesting.
Shaping the Pixie Point
The defining feature of the Simple Knit Hood is its pixie point, which adds a touch of whimsy to the finished piece. Shaping this point is an easy knit that doesn’t require hard concentration. Following the pattern’s clear instructions, you will easily create the pointed top.
As the pixie point began to emerge, I felt a surge of excitement. There’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing a design come to life, especially when it’s as charming as this one. The pointy top gives the bonnet its unique character, making it stand out from more traditional designs.
Blocking for a Perfect Finish
Once I finished knitting the hood, it was time to block it. Blocking is a crucial step that can transform your knitting, giving it a polished and professional look. Because Wool of the Andes Yarn is 100% wool, it’s relatively easy to block, which is one of the reasons I love using it.
I gently soaked the bonnet in lukewarm water with a bit of wool wash, then carefully squeezed out the excess water without wringing it. After laying the bonnet flat on a towel, I used blocking pins to shape it, paying special attention to the pixie point to ensure it dried in the perfect shape.
Blocking not only smoothed out any uneven stitches but also helped the hood to maintain its structure. The result was a beautifully finished piece that looked just like the pattern photo—a testament to the importance of this final step.
A New Favorite
Wearing the Simple Knit Hood for the first time was a delight. The bonnet fits snugly, keeping my head warm without feeling too tight. The pixie point adds a touch of fun, and I received numerous compliments on its unique style.
What I love most about this project is its versatility. The Simple Knit Hood is perfect for chilly walks in the park, cozy evenings by the fire, or even as a charming accessory for a winter photo shoot. It’s a piece that combines practicality with a bit of whimsy, making it a wonderful addition to any wardrobe.
If you’re looking for a new knitting project, I highly recommend giving the Simple Knit Hood a try. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned knitter, this pattern offers a delightful experience and a beautiful finished product. Happy knitting!
Materials and Info
Materials – 60-125yds of worsted weight (4) yarn (I used KnitPicks Wool of the Andes in Bramble Heather), size 8 (5mm) straight needles and 1 spare in the same size for bind off and if you prefer to crochet the edge over knit a size G (4mm) hook.
Gauge – 4sts/inch *Gauge is very important!*
Sizes (appx head circumference) – newborn (13in), 0-3mth (14in), 3-6mth (15in), 6-12mth (16in)
Three needle bind-off: With right sides together, separate your work evenly onto 2 needles, hold the two pieces of knitting together with the points facing to the right. Insert the third needle into the first stitch on each of the needles knitwise, starting with the front needle. Work a knit stitch, pulling the loop through both of the stitches you’ve inserted the third needle through. After you’ve pulled the loop through, slip the first stitch off of each of the needles. This takes two stitches (one from the front needle and one from the back) and joins them to make one finished stitch on the third needle (held in your right hand). Repeat this motion, inserting your needle into one stitch on the front and back needles, knitting them together and slipping them off of the needles. Each time you complete a second stitch, pass the first finished stitch over the second and off of the needle (as you would in a traditional bind-off). Repeat until all the stitches have been worked.
Pick up bind-off edge– On your cast on edge pick up the first st. Knit that st. *Pick up the next st then knit it. Pass the previous st over the current st (binding it off)* repeat from * to* until you have worked all the sts.
Crochet edge – single crochet in each st along the cast on edge.
Blocking your work
To make sure your project lays flat you will need to block it. This will work better if you are using a natural fiber (wool, cotton, etc) over a synthetic (acrylics).
Wet your project with cool water.
Gently squeeze excess water out. Doing this too vigorously could felt wool so be very gentle.
Pin your project with stainless steel or rust proof pins as pictured. I like to use one of the “puzzle tiles” that are for a child’s playroom floor.
You can also steam block if you need it to dry quickly. To steam block simply pin the bonnet flat and run a clothing steamer over it or use the steam function on your iron. It will dry more quickly than soaking and work as effectively.
Simple Knit Hood Pattern
Newborn
Cast on 46 sts.
Always slip the first st of the row purlwise for a neat edge.
Starting with purl row work in stockinette st for 5ins.
3-needle bind off.
Either work crochet or pick-up bind-off edge on your cast on edge. They will look exactly the same but if you know how to crochet, it is faster to do the crochet edge.
Cut 3 pieces of yarn appx 30ins long. Fold them in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the hood. Pull the ends through this loop and secure. Now braid loosely to desired length. Clip ends. Repeat on the other side. Block so edges lay flat. (see instructions at the end of the pattern if you don’t know how to do this)
0-3mths
Cast on 50 sts.
Always slip the first st of the row purlwise for a neat edge.
Starting with purl row work in stockinette st for 5.5ins.
3-needle bind off.
Either work crochet or pick-up bind-off edge on your cast on edge. They will look exactly the same but if you know how to crochet, it is faster to do the crochet edge.
Cut 3 pieces of yarn appx 30ins long. Fold them in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the hood. Pull the ends through this loop and secure. Now braid loosely to desired length. Clip ends. Repeat on the other side. Block so edges lay flat. (see instructions at the end of the pattern if you don’t know how to do this)
3-6mths
Cast on 52 sts.
Always slip the first st of the row purlwise for a neat edge.
Starting with purl row work in stockinette st for 6ins.
3-needle bind off.
Either work crochet or pick-up bind-off edge on your cast on edge. They will look exactly the same but if you know how to crochet, it is faster to do the crochet edge.
Cut 3 pieces of yarn appx 30ins long. Fold them in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the hood. Pull the ends through this loop and secure. Now braid loosely to desired length. Clip ends. Repeat on the other side. Block so edges lay flat. (see instructions at the end of the pattern if you don’t know how to do this)
6-12mths
Cast on 58 sts. Always slip the first st of the row purlwise for a neat edge.
Starting with purl row work in stockinette st for 6.5ins.
3-needle bind off.
Either work crochet or pick-up bind-off edge on your cast on edge. They will look exactly the same but if you know how to crochet, it is faster to do the crochet edge.
Cut 3 pieces of yarn appx 30ins long. Fold them in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the hood. Pull the ends through this loop and secure. Now braid loosely to desired length. Clip ends. Repeat on the other side. Block so edges lay flat. (see instructions at the end of the pattern if you don’t know how to do this)