Loom Knit Doll Hat Project -- The Pumpkin Spice

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 Pumpkin Spice -- A Moss Rib Stitch Hat

As you might have already noticed, it is my philosophy that a loom knitter should be equipped with an expansive repertoire of rib stitches.  This pattern -- the Moss Stitch Rib -- is a good deal more simple than the name might make it sound.  It works well on a small scale for dolly and is another example of one of this many, many patterns available to a beginning knitter who has only mastered the purl and knit stitches. 

Pattern Information

Knitting Loom:  Knifty Knitter 24 peg "Preemie" loom

Yarn:  
     Color A:  Red Heart "Burnt Orange" #4 size yarn
     Color B:  Red Heart "Autumn" #4 size yarn

Skill Level: Beginner

Abbreviations:
     k = knit
     p = purl
     ew = e-wrap

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: *k3,p1* Repeat to the end
Row 22: *k2,p1,k1* Repeat to the end

Rows 25-48:  Repeat Rows 21 and 22

Row 49: knit to the end 
Row 50: knit to the end 

Bind off using gathered removal method.

24 peg loom marked with tape

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.


TIP:  To make keeping track of where you are in the pattern easier, I suggest you employ some method of marking your loom.  In the past, I have used colored "Rainbow Loom" sized rubber bands, but found that I frequently get the bands caught up into my stitches.  I recommend you use duct tape to mark off every fourth stitch as I have done here.