Welcome to the post detailing everything you ever wanted to know about hat knitting pattern sizing from Little Red Window!
Prior to fall of 2023 the vast majority of my hat knitting patterns were available in 4 sizes from newborn to toddler. Due to overwhelming demand I am working to add expanded sizing to old and new patterns to include sizes for older children and adults. This will take some time so please bear with me.
Are the original sizes changing?
The original 4 sizes (0-3 months, 6 months, 12 months and 2T+) included in most of my hat knitting patterns have not changed. These sizes have been knit and tested by thousands of my readers and I can confidently say the fit is excellent.
The only change to the original sizes will be re-naming the larger two to better describe fit. The 12 month size will now be called “Age 1-2 Toddler” and the 2T+ will be called “Age 2-6 Child”. The stitch counts and measurements are the same as in the original patterns.
What are the new additional sizes?
The additional sizes that I am adding to my patterns are a combination of testing and feedback from my customers and research including input from the Craft Yarn Council standards and other sizing charts like those found at Knit Picks, Lion Brand and Bev’s. The additional new larger sizes will be called “Child Large/Adult Small” and “Adult Large”.
What is the gauge for your knitting patterns?
The only other major update to Little Red Window hat knitting patterns is that we will be updating the gauge of all hat knitting patterns that use worsted weight yarn on US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles and primarily stockinette stitch from 20 stitches per 4 inches to 19 stitches per 4 inches. After a lot of hat knitting and feedback, this seems to be a more accurate gauge for patterns that use worsted weight yarn and size US 7 (4.5mm) needles.
FAQ – Hat Knitting Pattern Sizing
How do I know if a knitting pattern has the new updated sizing?
Patterns that have been updated will have that information added to:
- A note at the top of the pattern page on the website
- The pattern information on the website
- The printable PDF
- Ravelry sizing info and pattern description
- If you have previously purchased the pattern on Ravelry only, you will receive a pattern update notification when the update happens and the new updated version will be available in your pattern library. (Etsy does not allow us to send updates)
- Etsy listing description
When will my favorite Little Red Window hat knitting pattern be updated?
Little Red Window currently has a library of over 300 knitting patterns. In addition to updating sizing, each pattern is being re-edited to improve and standardize format etc., so it will take some time. Please bear with me!
How do I choose which size to knit?
For babies, toddlers and children, please choose a size by the age range in the pattern name. These age ranges are tested and accurate. Though I will include finished measurements in the sizing chart, my hat knitting patterns have negative ease which means they are meant to stretch fairly significantly. Most knit hats will feel comfortable if the finished hat size is approximately 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) SMALLER than the circumference of your head (this also may be written as 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) of negative ease). If you match the finished size of the hat to the actual measured circumference of a person’s head exactly, the finished hat will feel too big.
How much will my hat stretch?
Please find this information on the new sizing chart below. The short answer is: more than you think. If your hat knitting pattern contains embroidered elements or colorwork, please keep in mind that you should keep the embroidery stitches and colorwork floats loose enough to allow the hat to stretch without pulling.
Do I really need to knit a gauge swatch?
Yes, unless you have knit my knitting patterns with the same yarn before and already know you got the correct gauge. Check out my guide to gauge in knitting. And here’s how and why you should always knit a swatch. Your target gauge for most hat knitting patterns from Little Red Window using worsted weight yarn is 19 stitches and 26 rows/rounds = 4 inches.
What yarn should I use?
The majority of hat knitting patterns on Little Red Window use worsted weight yarn. You can check out my free printable yarn weight guide for conversions chart but worsted weight yarn is also known as Worsted or Aran (US), Medium Standard Size 4, Aran (UK) or 10 ply (Australia). My favorite yarns for knitting hats at the moment are Lion Brand Brand Vanna’s Choice and Paintbox Simply Aran. If you would like to use wool, I love Malabrigo Worsted.
If you are interested in why I like to use acrylic yarn to knit for babies and children, here’s the answer!
How much yarn do I need?
My three favorite hat knitting yarns, despite all being Standard Size 4 Medium weight yarns, have slightly different weights. For something like a hat this will not make a dramatic difference in gauge or size (if you knitting a sweater it would matter a lot more). I knit my sizing samples using Paintbox Simply Aran yarn which is in the middle in terms of worsted/aran weight yarns. That yarn is 184m/201yds per 100g/3.5 oz. Yarn usages in my sizing guideline chart are calculated using these values with a 15% overage.
If I have previously purchased a pattern that has now been updated, do I have to buy the new version?
Nope! But PLEASE read the instructions below carefully.
If you previously purchased a pattern on Ravelry and it has been updated, an update notification will be sent to you in Ravelry and the new updated pattern will be available in your pattern library automatically.
If you previously purchased a pattern on Etsy and it has been updated, you will need to LOGIN to Etsy and then use the Etsy message feature to send me a message there asking me to email you the new version. You MUST include your name, the email address you used for the purchase, the email address you would like me to send the file to (if that is different) and the Etsy confirmation number (NOT the PayPal confirmation number).
If you message me from another Etsy account or are not logged in when you message, used guest checkout or I otherwise cannot confirm your Etsy purchase, you will have to re-purchase the pattern. I truly wish Etsy had a better system that allowed us to more easily update digital files.
Alternatively, if you can verify your purchase on Etsy and would prefer that I send the updated pattern to your Ravelry account pattern library, I can also do that, please just let me know.
Can I purchase a printed copy of a knitting pattern?
No, I’m sorry, Little Red Window knitting patterns are only available as digital download pdf files. If you do not have a printer at home I recommend taking the file to either a print shop or your local library and they can help you print a copy.
Why can’t I download this knitting pattern from Etsy??
This problem is not specifically related to pattern updates, but it is my number one source of email.
Let me preface this by saying that the Etsy system is not well designed for digital downloads so I recommend purchasing knitting patterns on Ravelry. That being said, 90% of the time when people have problems downloading their purchase from Etsy, it is because they are trying to download from a mobile device. You cannot download files from the Etsy app which is what opens automatically on a mobile device or tablet.
The solution is to download your files on a regular desktop computer.
Little Red Window Hat Knitting Pattern Sizing Guidelines
These sizing guidelines apply to patterns designed by Little Red Window that have the following characteristics:
Yarn weight: Worsted weight (US), Aran (UK), 10 ply (Aus)
Knitting Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles
Gauge: 19 stitches and 26 rows/rounds = 4 inches
Knitting Patterns that have been updated:
- Knit Bow Baby Hat Knitting Pattern
- Easy Knit Flat Hat Knitting Pattern
- Basic Easy Hat Knitting Pattern
- Easy Ribbed Hat Knitting Pattern
- Easy Rolled Brim Hat Knitting Pattern
- Easy Folded Brim Hat Knitting Pattern
- Easy Striped Hat Knitting Pattern
- Bear Hat Knitting Pattern
- Pretty Kitty Cat Hat Knitting Pattern
- RainBOW Hat Knitting Pattern
- Cuddly Koala Hat Knitting Pattern
- Little Pig Hat Knitting Pattern
- Blue Whale Hat Knitting Pattern
- Magical Unicorn Hat Knitting Pattern
- Funny Frog Hat Knitting Pattern
- Easy Bunny Hat Knitting Pattern
- Easter Egg Hat Knitting Pattern
- Gathered Bow Hat Knitting Pattern
- Easy Double Brim Hat Knitting Pattern
- Easy Pom Pom Stocking Cap Knitting Pattern
- Big Bow Hat Knitting Pattern
- Easy Seed Stitch Hat Knitting Pattern
- Lemon Hat Knitting Pattern
- Sweet Strawberry Hat Knitting Pattern
- Apple Hat Knitting Pattern
- Sweet Watermelon Hat Knitting Pattern
- Adorable Eggplant Hat Knitting Pattern (AKA Tomato Hat Knitting Pattern)
- Sweet Pea Hat Knitting Pattern
- Sweet Pineapple Hat Knitting Pattern
- Carrot Hat Knitting Pattern
- Blueberry Hat Knitting Pattern
- Sweet Kiwi Hat Knitting Pattern
- Grape Hat Knitting Pattern
- Raspberry Hat Knitting Pattern
- Ice Cream Hat Knitting Pattern
- Sweet Cherry Hat Knitting Pattern
- Watermelon Bow Hat Knitting Pattern
- Easy Sherbet Hat Knitting Pattern
- Lace Twist Hat Knitting Pattern
- Twisted Rib Hat Knitting Pattern
- Tiny Dragon Hat Knitting Pattern
- Bitty Bat Hat Knitting Pattern
- Fair Isle Candy Corn Hat Knitting Pattern
- Skull Hat Knitting Pattern
- Halloween Stocking Cap Knitting Pattern
- Lil’ Pumpkin Hat Knitting Pattern
- Witch Hat Knitting Pattern
- Thanksgiving Turkey Hat Knitting Pattern
- Fall Acorn Hat Knitting Pattern
If you liked this, you may also like some of my other posts…
- Easy DIY Knit Halloween Costumes (Just Add Pajamas) - October 10, 2024
- Witchy Black Cat Hat Knitting Pattern - October 7, 2024
- Big Squishy Pumpkin Knitting Pattern - October 2, 2024
Gillian Gallant says
I love to knit for my grandchildren