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Knitting & Crochet: Intro

Super Simple Circular Hat Calculator

Abbreviations:
K = Knit
K2tog = Knit 2 stitches together as if they were one (this is a decrease).
Round is the same as row, except it is in a circle.

Step One: Find number to cast on: Choose size from row on top; drop down column to row with your gauge. If you are between gauges and/or sizes, multiply your gauge times hat size in inches, then look in the gauge rows on either side of your gauge to find the closest cast-on number. Use that gauge number to determine which decrease row (see below) to begin on.

 
Hat size in inches
Stitches/inch
14
16
18
20
22
24
NOTE:
If you wish a cuff that doesn't roll, work one or two inches of Garter Stitch (Knit one row, Purl one row) or ribbing. For a K1, P1 ribbing, figure your cast-on number from the chart, cast on the next-lower multiple of 2, then increase to the chart number after the ribbing. For a K2, P2 rib, cast on the next lower multiple of 4, then increase to the chart number. Adjust length of hat down to compensate for the cuff not rolling.
6
84
96
108
120
132
144
5.5
77
88
99
110
121
132
5
70
80
90
100
110
120
4.5
63
72
81
90
99
108
4
56
64
72
80
88
96
3.5
49
56
63
70
77
84
3
42
48
54
60
66
72
2.5
35
40
45
50
55
60
2
28
32
36
40
44
48

Step Two: Knit in stockinette st (knit every round) for the number of inches below for the chosen size, or desired length; the brim will roll naturally for the first 2 or 3 inches; unroll the brim to measure.
Size
14
16
18
20
22
24
Length to knit
5.5
6
6.5
7
7.5
8

Step Three: Work top decreases; Begin with the round indicated for your gauge and work the rest of the rounds
from that round on. IGNORE THE ROUNDS ABOVE - THEY DO NOT APPLY TO YOUR SIZE.
For example, if your gauge is 4 sts/in, start with Round 9 and ignore Rounds 1-8

  • Repeat the directions for each round over and over to the end of the round.
  • Knit one plain round between each decrease round except the last two.
  • Leave off Round 22 on sizes 14 & 16; You may choose to leave it off other sizes if too "pointy".
  • Switch to double-pointed needles when hat becomes too small for circular needle.
  • Numbers in columns below the sizes are the number of stitches remaining at the end of that decrease round for each size.
Gauge
Begin with
Repeat
14
16
18
20
22
24
6 sts/in
Round 1
K 10, K2tog
77
88
99
110
121
132
5.5 sts/in
Round 3
K 9, K2tog
70
80
90
100
110
120
5 sts/in
Round 5
K 8, K2tog
63
72
81
90
99
108
4.5 sts/in
Round 7
K 7, K2tog
56
64
72
80
88
96
4 sts/in
Round 9
K 6, K2tog
49
56
63
70
77
84
3.5 sts/in
Round 11
K 5, K2tog
42
48
54
60
66
72
3 sts/in
Round 13
K 4, K2tog
35
40
45
50
55
60
2.5 sts/in
Round 15
K 3, K2tog
28
32
36
40
44
48
2 sts/in
Round 17
K 2, K2tog
21
24
27
30
33
36
Round 19
K 1, K2tog
14
16
18
20
22
24
Round 21
K2tog
7
8
9
10
11
12
Round 22
K2tog
5
5
6
6
Note: Round 22 of sizes 18 & 22 will have 1 stitch left over
at the end of the decreases; knit it.

Step Four: Break yarn and thread through remaining stitches.
Pull stitches up tight; weave end in on wrong side (use a crochet hook or yarn needle). Weave in starting end.

Please note: Not all of these sizes have been test knit but every effort has been made to be accurate.

©2000, Mary Young Smith.
Earth Guild, 33 Haywood Street
Asheville, NC 28801.
1-800-327-8448