Loom Knit Doll Hat Project -- The Popper

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.  This is a pity since a doll hat is a very good project for a beginning loomer and it isn't always obvious how a full-sized hat pattern should be changed to be appropriate for a doll.  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 corn on the cob stitch makes for nice, thick, visually interesting end product.  Don't be put off by the seeming complexity of the skipped pegs and switching between the two yarn colors.  Within a few rows, you'll soon have the hang of it!


Pattern Information

Knitting Loom:  Knifty Knitter 24 peg "Preemie" loom

Yarn:  
     Color A:  Caron "Soft Sage" #4 size yarn
     Color B:  Caron "Pale Green" #4 size yarn
     Color C:  Caron "Creme" #4 size yarn



Skill Level: Intermediate

Abbreviations:
     k = knit
     p = purl
     ew = e-wrap
     skip = let the yarn go behind the peg without knitting or purling it

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  
Switch to Yarn Color B
Row 21: purl to the end
Row 22: *k1, skip 1* to the end
Row 23: *p1, skip 1* to the end

Drop Yarn Color B inside the loom and Switch to Yarn Color C
Row 24: *skip 1, ew1* to the end
Row 25: *skip 1, p1* to the end 


Rows 26 - 49: Repeat Rows 22-25

Row 50: knit to the 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.