my crocheted hat/beanie making formula

I wanted to make a beanie hat 5 years ago for my soon-to-be-born nephew, but I obviously didn’t have a head to try it on as I went, so I just winged it, and it was a total failure! Though it would have made a nice yarmulke.

Over the years I’ve figure out a way to make a hat that should fit ANYONE, new born and up. I’d like to say preemie as well, but I’m not sure about that. So far it doesn’t matter what weight yarn, or what size hook you use either.

Measure the head of the intended recipient (if its handy). Mine is 23 inches. Divide that number by 4. For me it is 5 and 3/4 inches. I round it UP to 6. Work the crown of your hat to measure your number across the diametre. Then stop increasing and work even for the length.

So for the average full term new born, with a head circumference of 35cm/13.77″ you’d have a crown of 3.44″ upsized to 4 inches. Using centimetres would probably give you nicer numbers to work with. 35/4=8.75.

I’m not saying its fool proof, as I haven’t made hundreds of hats to fit specific people. but as a general guide, its better than nothing!

~ by perigrine on November 10, 2009.