Loom Knit Doll Hat Project -- The Topper

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 Topper - Cluster Stitch Hat

Here is the next example of my experiment to create a loom knit version of a knit  stitch called "clusters."  I call it "The Topper" because it tops the lists of my favorites!  

For this hat, I used a variegated yarn for the clusters.  It striped itself into a spiral pattern. Neat!

Pattern Information

Knitting Loom:  Knifty Knitter 24 peg "Preemie" loom

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

Skill Level: Beginner

Abbreviations:
     k = knit
     p = purl
     skip = pass yarn behind peg without knitting or purling
     cl = cluster stitch (explained below)

Wrap yarn clockwise around peg

The cluster stitch consists of wrapping the working yarn loosely around the peg three times in a clockwise direction, then knitting the bottom loop over the three loops.

Wrap three times -Loosely!

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  
Drop Yarn A inside loom, switch to Yarn Color B
Row 21:  knit to the end

Row 22:  purl to the end
Row 23:  knit to the end

Row 24:  purl to the end

Switch to Yarn Color A
Row 25:  *k1, skip 1* Repeat to the end 

Switch to Yarn Color B
Row 26: *skip 1, cl1* Repeat to the end

Switch to Yarn Color A
Row 27: *k1, p1* Repeat to the end  (the purl stitch should go under all three loops)

Rows 28-29:  knit to the end

Row 30:  *skip 1, k1* Repeat to the end 

Switch to Yarn Color B
Row 31: *cl1, skip 1* Repeat to the end

Switch to Yarn Color A
Row 32: *p1, k1* Repeat to the end  (the purl stitch should go under all three loops)

Rows 33-34:  knit to the end

Rows 35-45:  Repeat Rows 25-35

Switch to Yarn Color B
Row 46:  knit to the end

Row 47:  purl to the end
Row 48:  knit to the end

Row 49:  purl to the end

Cut and tie off Yarn Color B.  Switch to Yarn Color A
Rows 50-52: Knit to the end

Bind off using gathered removal method.

To create a tousle, wind Yarn B 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.