Loom Knit Doll Hat Project -- The Classic 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 Classic Twist -- A Mock Cable Stitch Hat

I love cable stitches of all descriptions but was afraid that all the patterns I knew were too bulky for a doll-sized hat.  Also, I am not crazy about dealing with a cable needle. I was therefore pleased to find this neat little mock cable pattern that suits our dolly just fine!


Of course it did take me a couple tries to get this one the way I wanted it. First, I'll give you the pattern I thought worked best.  In the next few days, you'll also get to see my near misses...

Pattern Information

Knitting Loom:  Knifty Knitter 24 peg "Preemie" loom

Yarn:  
     Color A: Red Heart "Aran Fleck" #4 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.

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.