How to Resize a Knit Hat Pattern | A Step by Step Guide to Adapting a Knitting Pattern to Another Size

Have you ever stumbled upon the most perfect knitting project, just to scroll to the pattern and realize it is not written for your size? Have you ever wanted to make a matching mommy and me hat, but you can only find a pattern you like in adult sizing?

Never miss out on making the knitting project of your dreams again!

Today I am going to teach you how to adapt a knit hat pattern to any size using measurements and the knitting gauge.

The example I am using today is for a knit hat, but this same calculation can be used to adapt just about any knitting pattern project, including knit sweaters, knit socks, knit blankets, etc.

Let's get started!

Measuring

The first step in adapting a knit hat pattern is to correctly measure what size the hat will need to be. You will do this by measuring head circumference. Head Circumference is the measurement of the head all the way around, at the largest part.

Follow the steps below to accurately measure for head circumference:

1. Place the measuring about 1 inch above the ears.

2. Reposition the measuring tape so it is about 3 inches above the eye brows.

3. Wrap the measuring tape around the back of the head, being sure to keep it placed at the largest part.

4. Continue wrapping it around the head until you reach the spot where the start of the tape and end of the tape overlap.

5. Read measurement.

6. It is best to take this measurement 2-3 to ensure accuracy.

   
   
   
   

   Calculating the Cast on Stitch Count

Once the head circumference metric has been obtained, we can begin calculating how many stitches need to be cast on to create the correct size. To do this, we will use the knitting gauge of the pattern.

In this example, we will use The Izzy Beanie for reference. The gauge of this hat is 9st/10 rows = 4".

The easiest way to calculate is to convert this to a measurement for 1 inch. You will do this by simply dividing the stitch count and row count by 4.

9 st divided by 4 = 2.25 stitches per inch

10 rows divided by 4 = 2.5 rows per inch

Now, you will refer back to your head circumference number and use the sizing chart as a guide.

If you are knitting for a baby with a head circumference measurement of 16 inches, you will multiply the number of stitches by 16 to get the number of stitches to cast on. Because most yarns have some stretch, I like to also account for an easement of 10%.

Stitch Calculation: 2.25st x 16 = 36

10% Easement Calculation: 36 x .1 = 3.6

Cast on Stitches Calculation 36 - 3.6 = 32.4

This number will round down to 32 since the Izzy Beanie is knit with a 4 stitch repeat pattern. So, to adapt the Izzy Beanie Pattern for a 3-6 month baby with a head circumference of 16", you will cast on a total of 32 stitches.

Keep in mind your pattern when calculating cast on stitches. If there is a stitch repeat, you want to be sure to take that into account. For the Izzy Beanie, the pattern is a 4 stitch repeat so you want to make sure the cast on number is always done in a multiple of 4.

Calculating How Many Rows to Knit

Now for the length calculation. For a 3 to 6 month baby with a head circumference of 16 inches, the hat length should be 7 inches. You will refer back to the gauge calculation for 1 inch.

9 st divided by 4 = 2.25 stitches per inch

10 rows divided by 4 = 2.5 rows per inch

Using 2.5 rows per inch, we will multiply that by the desired length of the hat. In this example, the hat should measure 7 inches.

2.5rows x 7 = 17.5 rows

You can round this down to 17 rows for a snugger fit, or round up to 18 for a looser, slouchier fit.

In summary, to knit the Izzy Beanie for a 3 to 6 month old baby with a head circumference of 16', you will cast on 32 stitches, and follow the pattern for a total of 17-18 rows to achieve the perfect fit.

Never miss out on a great pattern again with this hat resizing calculation.

Happy Knitting!