Loom Knit Doll Hat Project -- The Watermelon

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).

I won't be selling my little hats until Fall, but it's really hot right now -- therefore I couldn't resist a fun summer-y sort of theme for this cool weather cap!

Watermelon Toboggan

 

Pattern Information

Knitting Loom:  Knifty Knitter 24 peg "Preemie" loom

Yarn:  
     Color A:  Red Heart "Olive" #4 size yarn
     Color B:  Red Heart "Hunter Green" #4 size yarn
     Color C:  Red Heart "White" #4 size yarn
     Color D:  Red Heart "Light Raspberry" #4 size yarn 
     Color E:  Red Heart "Black" #4 size yarn 

Skill Level: Beginner

Abbreviations:
     k = knit
     p = purl
     sl= slip (pass the yarn behind the peg without working)

Instructions:

With Yarn Color A, cast on 24 pegs.

BRIM Row 1: *k1, sl1* Repeat to the end

Switch to Yarn Color B
Row 2:  *sl1, k1* Repeat to the end

Rows 3-20:  Repeat Rows 1 and 2 

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.

Cut and Tie off Yarn Color B. Switch to Yarn Color A

Row 21: knit to the end
Row 22: purl to the end
Row 23: knit to the end
Row 24: purl to the end

Cut and Tie off Yarn Color A. Switch to Yarn Color C

Rows 25-28:  Repeat Rows 21 and 22

 Cut and Tie off Yarn Color C. Switch to Yarn Color D

Rows 29-48:  Repeat Rows 21 and 22

Bind off using gathered removal method.

To create the "watermelon seeds"  thread your plastic tapestry needle with Yarn Color E. Working from the inside of the hat out, make single black stitches at random intervals.