How to Knit a Watch Cap

- Worsted weight yarn (I used Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in "Charcoal")

- Size 8 (5mm) knitting needles

- Tapestry needle

Gauge

16 sts and 20 rows = 4 inches/10 cm

Sizing

This watch cap is easily adjustable to fit any head size. Simply knit more or fewer rows for a longer or shorter cap, and/or cast on more or fewer stitches for a wider or narrower cap. As a general guide, a medium-sized adult watch cap will measure approximately 9 inches/23 cm wide by 9 inches/23 cm long when finished.

Instructions

Cast on 96 stitches.

Knit 1x1 ribbing for 2 inches/5 cm.

Begin stocking stitch. Knit every row until the hat measures approximately 7 inches/18 cm from the cast-on edge, or until it is the desired length.

Begin decreasing for the crown. Knit 2 stitches together at the beginning and end of every other row until 12 stitches remain.

Cut the yarn, leaving a tail of several inches, and thread it through the remaining stitches to cinch the crown closed. Weave in any ends.

Your watch cap is now finished! Enjoy!

Tips

- To make a hat that is more slouchy, knit longer before beginning to decrease for the crown.

- To make a hat that is more fitted, knit shorter before beginning to decrease for the crown.

- To add a brim to the hat, knit 1x1 ribbing for several inches before switching to stocking stitch.

- To add a pom-pom to the top of the hat, make a small pom-pom using a pom-pom maker or your hands, and then sew it to the top of the hat.