Note: I have created a second version of this hat with a simpler eyes and nose pattern (that I think looks a little better) and no mouth. Check it out here.
To continue my summer of baby hats (see Chappy Newsboy Caps and Lacey Summer Baby Cap), one of my coworkers had a baby (or rather his wife did). They also have a toddler at home that loves Elmo. I decided to rework my Oscar the Grouch hat for a newborn size and make an Elmo hat for their toddler. I was rewarded with adorable pictures and videos of both babies the next day. The Elmo hat was a huge hit! I love that he liked it so much. Usually when I make things, I don’t know if the item just sits in a drawer (meaning I wasted hours of my life) or is loved by the recipient. The later makes me happy. 🙂
Disclaimer: Feel free to make this pattern for your personal use, for your platypus, for charity, or to sell. The only thing I ask is that you please do not sell it on Etsy. If you are interested in purchasing a hat from my Etsy store, you may do so here.
Gauge: 9 stitches x 13 rows = 2 in Stockinette
This hat was about 16 inches in circumference when finished. It is quite stretchy and will stretch several inches.
Materials:
- 5 Size US 7 double pointed needles
- US Size G Crochet Hook
- Tapestry needle
- Vanna’s Choice yarn in Scarlet (R)
- Vanna’s Choice yarn in Black (B)
- Vanna’s Choice yarn in White (W)
- Vanna’s Choice yarn in Terracotta (O)
Stitches Used:
- Knit (K)
- Knit two together (k2tog)
- Slip slip knit (ssk)
- Chain (ch)
- Slip stitch (sl st)
- Single crochet (sc)
- Single crochet 2 tog (sc2tog)
- Stranding techniques
Instructions:
Cast on 72 with R and distribute evenly on four needles
R1-R7: Knitting in round, KR 72
R8: KR 28, KB 16, KR 28
R9: KR 26, KB 20, KR 26
R10: KR 25, KB 22, KR 25
R11-R12: KR 24, KB 24, KR 24
R13: KR 23, KB26, KR 23
Continuing only in R:
R14-R34: K 72
R35: (K4, k2tog, ssk, K4) six times
R36: K60
R37: (K3, k2tog, ssk, K3) six times
R38: K48
R39: (K2, k2tog, ssk, K2) six times
R40: K36
R41: (K, k2tog, ssk, K) six times
R42: K24
R43: (k2tog, ssk) six times
Cut the yarn with several spare inches. Thread a tapestry needle and pull yarn through all 12 stitches on needles. Work in ends.
Note: For alternative eye and nose pattern that has a more even eye iris, check out this post.
Eyes (make 2):
R1: With B use magic ring technique to start round, ch 1, sc 8, sl st to first sc. Cut yarn and work in ends. (8 stitches)
Continue with W
R2: 2 sc in first stitch from R1 and in each sc around, sl st to first sc (16 stitches)
R3: Ch 1, sc in same stitch as sl st, sc in next stitch * 2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 2 stitches, repeat from * 2 more times, 2 sc in last stitch, sl st to first sc (20 stitches)
R4-R6: Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to first sc (20 stitches)
R7: Ch 1, sc in same stitch as sl st, sc in next stitch * sc2tog, 1 sc in next 2 stitches, repeat from * 2 more times, sc2tog, sl st to first sc (16 stitches)
R8: Ch 1, sc2tog around, sl st to first sc (8 stitches)
R9: Ch 1, sc four together by slipping hook under the stitch from the row below, wrapping the yarn, and pulling a loop through, slip hook under next stitch and pull another loop, repeat until you have done this four times and there are five loops on your hook, yarn over and pull loop through all five loops, sc last four stitches together using the same method, sl st to first stitch (2 stitches)
Cut yarn and work in ends.
Nose:
R1: With O use magic ring technique to start round, ch 1, sc 8, sl st to first sc (8 stitches)
R2: 2 sc in first stitch from R1 and in each sc around, sl st to first sc (16 stitches)
R3: Ch 1, sc in same stitch as sl st, sc in next stitch * 2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 2 stitches, repeat from * 2 more times, 2 sc in last stitch, sl st to first sc (20 stitches)
R4-R10: Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to first sc (20 stitches)
R11: Ch 1, sc in same stitch as sl st, sc in next stitch * sc2tog, 1 sc in next 2 stitches, repeat from * 2 more times, sc2tog, sl st to first sc (16 stitches)
R12: Ch 1, sc2tog around, sl st to first sc (8 stitches)
R13: Ch 1, sc four together by slipping hook under the stitch from the row below, wrapping the yarn, and pulling a loop through, slip hook under next stitch and pull another loop, repeat until you have done this four times and there are five loops on your hook, yarn over and pull loop through all five loops, sc last four stitches together using the same method, sl st to first stitch (2 stitches)
Cut yarn and work in ends.
Using a picture of Elmo as inspiration, tack the eyes and nose onto the hat using a tapestry needle and yarn. I would also suggest tacking the eyes and nose to each other.
Difficulty: Moderate
Time Required: 2 Movies
Overall Experience: Excellent
