Newborn Long Tail Hat

by Ellen Kerkow
(Portland OR)

This hat was made for my second son to use for newborn pictures. I had seen some similar hats and thought "I can make that!" So I started knitting and made desicions as I went.

I used Malabrigo worsted yarn- my favorite since I made a hat for my older son. It is so soft and comes in so many beautiful colors. I used size 8 needles (size 7 for the ribbing)- everything I knit anymore is on size 8 (or bigger)... I knit a baby sweater on size 6 and it took way too long- bigger is better! I like bamboo or birch dpns because they feel warm and don't slip.

I always start with gauge, then multiply gauge by size in inches to determine how many to cast on. I usually have to add a few sts up or down to fit my pattern. For this hat, my gauge was 5 sts/in, my size was 14" around, and I ended up casting on 66sts.

The rest of the pattern is as follows:
Work 1x1 rib for 6 rounds
Switch to size 8 needles, work stockinette c/ stripe for 1 3/4"
Decrease:
row 1: K9 K2tog
row 2 & all evens: knit
row 3: K8 K2tog
etc.
When 6 sts remain per decrease, K 6 rows between decreases. Do this twice.
Next K 12 rows between decreases. Do this x4. Last section will be 3sts total, easier to K as icord.
End of tail is braid with knotted end & tassel

This hat was pretty quick to knit since it was for such a small head. I was having trouble getting it done though between working full time and taking care of my 2 year old- good thing the baby was a few days late!

Knitting for kids is fun and easy. I have had a lot more success since I statred writing all my patterns down so I can duplicate things easier- I have a little knitting book where everything is recorded. I usually don't follow standard patterns exactly, I find it's easier to determine my gauge and work from there, especially for hats, where there are only a few decisions to be made.