Because they grow so fast, I like ribbed projects for kids.
For this winter, I chose to make each of my little ones a warm, thick and deep ribbed hat. Because in our corner of the freezer world, we need very covering hats. I couldn't find a pattern I like on the internet or in my knitting magazines or books, so I came up with my own pattern. Here it is!
A one skein, quick and easy project - 3 or 4 hours while watching TV for each hat, pompom non included - knitted all in the round - no seaming! 
Yarn: Wool Ease Thick & Quick - 1 skein.
I used color "charcoal" for my boy's hat and "Deep Rose" my girl's.
Needles: 16" circular # 10.5 US
Gauge: 7 sts x 10 rows = 2 inches
Sizing: 19.5 and (21.5) inches head circumference
Stitches:
Ribbing 2/2 = Row 1: K2, P2,... Row 2: P2, K2,... Repeat these 2 rows.
Slide 1: Slide 1 stitch as if to Knit
ssk: Slide Slide Knit - Slide 2 stitches individually as if to knit, then knit them together through the back loop
PATTERN:
Cast on 68 (76) stitches - 34 (38) stitches on each needle - and work in rib 2/2 for 10 (11) inches. Use a marker for the beginning of the round.
Next round - first decreasing round: K2, P2tog all around.
Next round: Work even, all stitches as they show - meaning K2, P1 all around.
Next round - second decreasing round: K1, ssk (as to knit) all around
Next round: Knit all stitches = 34 (38) stitches remain
Cut off yarn, leaving about 12 inches lengh, and with a yarn needle pass that strand through all the stitches - I like to do that 2 or 3 times. Weave in ends.
Make a pompom (big or small to your preference) and sew it at the top of the hat.
* Pattern also available on Ravelry *
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ERRATUM: Special thanks to Marie Ellis for pointing a mistake in the pattern (correction in red). Only one circular needle is needed for this project, not two. I must have been knitting too many socks on two circulars lately... 
Sorry for any inconvenience this mistake might have caused.
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Snow Hats for Kids © Tricotine 2007 – All rights reserved - Reproducing or transmitting this pattern by any means for any purpose other than for personal use constitutes a violation of copyright law.
If you have any question or comment about this pattern, please contact me.
