Last updated on December 27th, 2022 at 12:44 am
by Laurie Kynaston
Quick and easy free knitting pattern! My college age son asked me to knit him a hat, nothing fancy, please! I made this quick and simple watch cap, in worsted weight yarn, and used his school colors (Gonzaga University in Spokane, Go Zags!!)
Materials Needed:
Brown Sheep “Lamb’s Pride” worsted yarn (or any worsted weight yarn), 1 skein of Main Color (I used “Ink Blue”, and it took just less than 1 4 oz/190 yd. skein)
Small amount of 2 contrasting colors (I used dark red & cream)
1 16″ circular needle US size 8, 1 set double point needles US size 8 (or you can knit the whole hat on the dp needles)
1 stitch marker
Abbreviations: CC= CONTRASTING COLOR, MC= MAIN COLOR, K2 TOG= KNIT TWO STITCHES TOGETHER
Gauge: approx. 4.5 sts=1″ on US #8 needles. Hat is stretchy (so you can fudge a bit).
Watch Cap – Pattern Instructions:
With CC #1, cast on 100 stitches (either cast on all sts on the 16″ circular needle, or cast on to dp needle and divide stitches evenly). Work entire hat in rounds in knit 1, purl 1 ribbing. Work 2 rounds in CC1, 4 rounds in MC, and 3 rounds in CC3. Switch to MC, and continue working ribbing in rounds until hat measures 10″ from cast on row.
Work top shaping: Round 1: *work 8 sts in ribbing, k2 tog; rep from *. (You’ll need to switch to the dp needles eventually, if you are using a circular needle).
Round 2: *work 7 sts in ribbing, k2 tog; rep from *.
Round 3: *work 6 sts in ribbing, k2 tog; rep from *.
Round 4: *work 5 sts in ribbing, k2 tog; rep from *.
Round 5: *work 4 sts in ribbing, k2 tog; rep from *.
Round 6: *work 3 sts in ribbing, k2 tog; rep from *.
Round 7: *work 2 sts in ribbing, k2 tog; rep from *.
Round 8: *k1, k2 tog; rep from *.
Round 9: *k2 tog; rep from *.
Cut yarn, thread through blunt needle and run through remaining stitches, draw them up tightly and secure on wrong side. Weave in any ends (you will be turning up the brim of the hat, so take this into account when you weave in the ends! You’ll want to weave them in on the ‘right side’ of the work, then turn the brim up – hope that makes sense!)
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“Ribbed Watch Cap” pattern © 2001-2016 By Laurie Kynaston, previously of the Vintage Knits website. You may share this pattern providing this notice remains attached. This pattern is intended for personal use, or for charitable donations/sale. Please contact me at lavs@vintageknits.com for permission to include this pattern in any written collection or for commercial purposes.
I have looked everywhere for this pattern. This came up and I’m grateful
How could I have a missed this? I’m so pleased that you found the pattern you want; I hope, now the weather is colder, that your watch cap is keeping someone warm and cozy.
I find my yarn from Grafton. And I love the patterns you have . Thank you
You are most welcome, Marilyn. Thank you for your kind comment.