Our top knot hat is the perfect sewing project to make your next handmade gift. They are made using upcycled cashmere sweaters and they make the softest hats for your little ones. Our pattern includes sizes 0-6 Months, 6-12 Months and 1-2 Years. This pattern shows you the steps from start to finish, to make these sweet cashmere top knot hats.
The tutorial is shown below and the templates for the pattern are available HERE.
* Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.
Where to find your sweaters
There are a variety of places where you can find cashmere sweaters to use for your hats. The easiest place is your local thrift store. They are often available on EBay, Etsy and other marketplace websites. Don’t forget to look in your own closet for sweaters you don’t wear and would otherwise donate.
Types of fabric
Our hats are made using 100% cashmere sweaters. They are extremely soft and cozy with the perfect amount of stretch. As an alternative, you can use lightweight sweaters such as merino wool, thin lambswool, cotton blend, etc. Look for material that has some stretch to it so the hat fits nicely. Make sure the material is not itchy for your little ones! Thick wool sweaters are not ideal as they don’t have much stretch, are sometimes itchy and the hat will turn out smaller with the thicker material.
Preparing your sweaters
Before cutting your sweaters wash and dry them in your washing machine (use hot water) and dryer. This will account for any future shrinkage and makes the fabric extra soft. Wash sweaters alone.
Notes and Tips
~ Use a 3/8” seam allowance.
~ Always back stitch when starting and finishing each seam.
~ Sizing information is provided below. If you are concerned about the fit, you can always increase or decrease the seam allowance slightly.
~ I like to pin the template to the fabric and cut around. Alternatively, you can use a sharpie marker to trace around the template and then cut along the shape.
~ If you want a taller knot, simply extend the tail higher when cutting out the fabric.
Sizes
As little one’s heads vary in size, our sizing is approximate. If the hat
is too big, simply adjust the knot down lower on the hat. When the hat
starts to be too small, you can adjust the knot upwards to make it fit longer. Cashmere has a nice stretch that will increase 1-2” when worn
on the baby’s head.
0-6 Months
Hat width along the bottom (unstretched): 6” across / 12” around
6-12 Months
Hat width along the bottom (unstretched): 6.5” across / 13” around
1-2 Years
Hat width along the bottom (unstretched): 7.5” across / 15” around
Supplies
~ cashmere sweater
~ scissors
~ measuring tape
~ sewing machine
~ marker (optional)
~ pins/safety pins
~ embroidery floss + sewing needle
~ printed pattern templates (can be purchased here).
Making the hat
When printing the templates, make sure you select “print as image”, “print 100%” or “print actual size”. Printer settings vary but select which fits these terms best. Do not click “fit to page” or “fit to borders”. This will ensure your templates come out the right size.
Once the template is printed, check the square in the corner to ensure it measures 1” by 1”.
Line up the dotted lines on the bottom and top part of the pattern and tape them together.
Turn the sweater inside out. Line up the template along the bottom edge of the sweater. Either pin the template in place and cut around, or trace the shape with a marker and cut around. You will have two identical pieces.
Sew along the edges indicated, using a 3/8” seam allowance.
Cut any excess fabric, making sure not to trim too close to the seam.
Turn right side out. Using either of the heart templates, cut a piece of fabric. The smaller heart was used on this hat. Pin the heart to the top layer of the hat using safety pins or regular pins. Tie a knot at the end of the embroidery floss.
Begin stitching along the heart, starting at the bottom tip. Work your first stitch going from the inside of the hat to the outside.
Do not pull the stitches too tightly as the heart will pucker. Make the stitches the same length and spaced evenly as you work your way around the heart.
Once you get back to your starting point, secure the end of the embroidery floss on the inside and cut any leftover floss.
The templates for the top knot hats can be found here.
Our shop sells a variety of upcycled sweater patterns including this coordinating baby mitten pattern.
Also available are sweater mitten patterns in sizes children, women and men.
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Pattern and photos are the property of Fox & Pine Stitches. Copying, altering or sharing the pattern and claiming it as your own is strictly prohibited.
You have permission to sell items made with this pattern but credit must be given to the designer in any online listings/websites:
Pattern Credit: www.foxandpinestitches.com
You may not use our photos for your own listings.
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