Loom Knit Doll Hat Project - The Big Fluffy Twist

I've got a goal to have knitted at least fifty doll hats within the next fifty days to sell at a huge neighborhood yard sale in the fall.  To my surprise, I found there were very few doll hat patterns available for free on the internet.  Therefore, I've decided to share my notes on creating and converting hat patterns to fit 18" dolls (such as the American Girl, Journey Girl, Our Generation, or My Life dolls).

The Big Fluffy Twist -- A Mock Cable Stitch Hat

This hat is an object lesson in choosing the right yarn for the right project.  If you are a beginner just learning to do cable stitches on the loom, I do recommend that you use a big chunky yarn like the Bernat Blanket style #6 size yarn I used for the brim of this little hat --even though it creates a stitch that is out of proportion for the doll's dimension.  However, as you can see from this picture, the Lion Suede #5 sized yarn I used for the body was just too stretchy and fluffy for the stitch to show up.  And a cable stitch --even a mock cable like this one -- is just too much work to do to end up not being seen!



Pattern Information

Knitting Loom:  Knifty Knitter 24 peg "Preemie" loom

Yarn:  
     Color A: Bernat "Little Royals" #6 size yarn
     Color B:  Lion Brand, Lion Suede "White" #5 size yarn



Skill Level: Intermediate

Abbreviations:
     k = knit
     p = purl
     ew = e-wrap
     cr2 = cross stitch right (Take the next two loops off their pegs. While you hold the second loop in your fingers, move the first loop to the second peg.  Now place the second loop on the first peg.  Knit over each loop.)

Instructions:

With Yarn Color A, cast on 24 pegs.

BRIM  
Row 1: knit to the end

Rows 2-20:  Repeat Row 1

When you've completed Row 20, find the first stitch (the end of your yarn should still be dangling from it). Loop the first stitch back up over Peg #1.  Continue around the loom until the entire first row is looped back up onto the loom. Knit the last row of stitches over the first row of stitches.

Switch to Yarn Color B

BODY
Row 21: *p2, ew2, p2, k2* Repeat to the end
Row 22: *p2, cr2, p2, k2* Repeat to the end

Rows 23-24:  Repeat Rows 21-22

Row 25: *p2, k2, p2, ew2* Repeat to the end
Row 26: *p2, k2, p2, cr2* Repeat to the end

Rows 27-28:  Repeat Rows 25-26

Rows 29-48:  Repeat Rows 21-28

Rows 49-50: knit to end

Bind off using gathered removal method.

To create a tousle, wind Yarn A around three fingers around 20 times.  Tie a short piece of yarn tightly around the middle of this bundle of yarn.  Cut the looped ends of the yarn and trim to the desired shape.  Sew to the top of your toboggan using your yarn and a tapestry needle.