The cap is a basic ski, or watch style with a ribbed (K2,P2) brim (cuff), a stockinette stitch body (a right and a wrong side) and a crown formed by gradual decreases. The stitches must be loosely cast on and knit so that the brim is easily stretched to fit all head sizes. The brim is often turned back.
These are not exact but are intended as guidelines. Caps must fit five-year-olds. When laid flat (after seam is sewed if using 2 straight needles), the ribbed brim should be about 7 inches across (when stretched about 9 inches - a quick test is to try it on - it should go over an average adult head). It will be about 2 1/4 - 2 1/2 inches deep. The full length of the cap from the bottom of the ribbing to the top of the crown is 10 inches. See diagram.
Acrylic 4-ply worsted weight
This is the most practical - washable wool may be used,
but not 100% wool because it can shrink, and some children are allergic to
wool. Use one or several colors to make stripes - multi-colored yarns create
interesting designs. This is a practical way to use leftover yarn. The
goal is to make the caps colorful and attractive to children. Identical
caps can be distributed to different schools so that each child in one class has
a different cap. Yarns should be soft - rug yarn is not suitable.
#10 - the large size is crucial to ensure that the cap is big enough. A 16" plastic (or bamboo) circular needle is the most efficient - no seam to sew. They are a good investment. 4 double-pointed or 2 straight needles are options. They must be #10.
These directions are written for a circular needle or 4 needles
(all knit rows). If using 2 straight needles, knit a row and purl
back. When using a circular needle or 4 needles mark the beginning of the
row with a yarn loop or stitch marker - necessary for counting rows.
| Rows 1 - 12 | Loosely cast on 56 stitches and K2, P2 for the brim. |
| Rows 13 - 42 | Knit these 30 rows for the body. (Or knit odd rows and purl even rows if using 2 straight needles.) Be creative - colorful stripes, etc. |
| Begin decrease to form crown of cap: | |
| Row 43 | *Knit 6, knit 2 together * repeat to end of row. |
| Row 44 | Knit to end of row. (Or purl if using 2 needles.) |
| Row 45 | *Knit 5, knit 2 together * repeat to end of row. |
| Row 46 | Knit to end of row. (Or purl if using 2 needles.) |
| Row 47 | *Knit 4, knit 2 together * repeat to end of row. |
| Row 48 | Knit to end of row. (Or purl if using 2 needles.) |
| Row 49 | *Knit 3, knit 2 together * repeat to end of row. |
| Row 50 | Knit to end of row. (Or purl if using 2 needles.) |
| Row 51 | *Knit 2, knit 2 together * repeat to end of row. |
| Row 52 | Knit to end of row. (Or purl if using 2 needles.) |
| Row 53 | *Knit 1, knit 2 together * repeat to end of row. |
| Row 54 | Knit to end of row. (Or purl if using 2 needles.) |
| Row 55 | *Knit 2 together* to end of row. |
| Only 7 stitches will remain. Cut yarn leaving a 6" tail and and thread through a large needle and then through the 7 stitches. Draw together snugly and fasten on the wrong side. Weave in loose ends inside the cap. | |
You're done!
Click here for instructions on where to send completed caps.
Please photocopy these instructions
and distribute them widely - to friends and
relatives, senior centers, retirement communities, church groups, knitting
clubs, yarn shops etc. What better portable project exists where one can
use yarn remnants and in a very few hours (3-4) produce a loving gift that will
be truly appreciated by these special Indian children?
The continuing success of this unique project is totally
dependent on all of you knitters. Many thanks in advance!
Copyright 2004 knit-a-cap.org Last updated January 2, 2005
