The Lunar Lullaby Swirl Hat Free Pattern – Knit a Celestial Baby Beanie

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let's get started! This pattern is worked in the round from the bottom up. Follow the instructions carefully, and you'll have a beautiful hat in no time.

Abbreviations

• K = knit
• P = purl
• K2tog = knit two together (decrease)
• SSK = slip slip knit (decrease)
• PM = place marker
• SM = slip marker
• St(s) = stitch(es)
• Rep = repeat
• Rnd = round

Special Stitch: The Swirl Pattern

This pattern creates the signature spiral. It is a 12-round repeat worked over a multiple of 8 stitches. The purl stitches form a continuous twisting line that spirals around the hat.

• Rnd 1: *K6, P2; rep from * around.
• Rnd 2: *K5, P1, K1, P1; rep from * around.
• Rnd 3: *K4, P2, K2; rep from * around.
• Rnd 4: *K3, P2, K3; rep from * around.
• Rnd 5: *K2, P2, K4; rep from * around.
• Rnd 6: *K1, P1, K1, P5; rep from * around.
• Rnd 7: *P2, K6; rep from * around.
• Rnd 8: *P1, K1, P1, K5; rep from * around.
• Rnd 9: *K2, P2, K4; rep from * around.
• Rnd 10: *K3, P2, K3; rep from * around.
• Rnd 11: *K4, P2, K2; rep from * around.
• Rnd 12: *K5, P1, K1, P1; rep from * around.

These 12 rounds form the swirl pattern. The purl stitches create a spiral that twists around the hat.

Getting Started: The Ribbing

We'll begin with the brim of the hat.

1. With Color A (soft lavender), cast on 72 [80] sts using your preferred method.
2. Place a stitch marker and join in the round, being extremely careful not to twist the stitches on your needle.
3. Work K1, P1 ribbing for 6 rounds. This creates a neat, stretchy brim.

Knitting the Body: The Swirl Pattern

Now we'll introduce the colors and the swirl pattern.

1. Switch to Color B (pale yellow). Work Rounds 1-12 of the Swirl Pattern once.
2. Switch to Color C (dusty blue). Repeat Rounds 1-12 of the Swirl Pattern once.
3. Continue alternating colors every 12 rounds (B, C, B, C) until the hat measures 4.5 [5] inches from the cast-on edge, ending after a complete Round 12. Tip: Make sure you end on a full repeat to keep the color blocks clean.

Shaping the Crown

Time to shape the top of the hat. We'll switch to stockinette stitch and begin decreasing.

1. Switch to Color A (soft lavender). Work in stockinette stitch (knit every round) for 2 rounds.

Decrease Rounds

Follow these rounds carefully. You will be decreasing the stitch count to close the top of the hat.

1. Rnd 1: *K6, K2tog; rep from * around. (63 [70] sts)
2. Rnd 2: Knit all sts.
3. Rnd 3: *K5, K2tog; rep from * around. (54 [60] sts)
4. Rnd 4: Knit all sts.
5. Rnd 5: *K4, K2tog; rep from * around. (45 [50] sts)
6. Rnd 6: Knit all sts.
7. Rnd 7: *K3, K2tog; rep from * around. (36 [40] sts)
8. Rnd 8: Knit all sts.
9. Rnd 9: *K2, K2tog; rep from * around. (27 [30] sts)
10. Rnd 10: *K1, K2tog; rep from * around. (18 [20] sts)
11. Rnd 11: *K2tog; rep from * around. (9 [10] sts)

Note: As the stitch count decreases, you may find it easier to switch from the circular needle to your double-pointed needles.

Finishing Touches

You're almost done! Let's finish the hat beautifully.

1. Cut the yarn, leaving a 10-inch tail.
2. Thread the tail through a tapestry needle.
3. Carefully thread the needle through the remaining 9 [10]

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