Tot Toppers

Seasonal Cheeriness

It was almost a year ago that I published my first design with Petite Purls magazine, called Cheery Scrap Cap. I loved it when it was brand new, and judging from the  adorable projects that have popped up on Ravelry since, I think its safe to say I’m not the only one! I’ve loved watching the design individualize for each knitter, and watching the really fun alternate charts used or created. Have you seen this adorable elephant version? Or how about this frog?

Here’s my early Christmas present to you! I’ve come up with a couple wintry versions recently to share. With each chart, you’ll find some general instruction on how to use them. I also wanted to show the hat off in a smaller color combination. Both these versions use only 3 colors. Those who hate end-weaving…consider doing any of the versions with less colors and know it will still totally work out! I’ve also moved around the other stitch patterns a bit. I like leaving the 3-color zig zag toward the crown because I think it looks nifty.

1) Purchase the pattern for hat instructions & original charts.

2) “Boy version” has a main repeat (skull) over 12 stitches, so use this version for your stitch counts.

3) Note that the Snowman is 16 rows tall. Depending on what size you knit, you will need to adjust the number of rows elsewhere for a good fit. Don’t worry about getting the row count exactly right, but you want to end up within 2-3 rows of what’s suggested. (ahem, good time to mention gauge, if you get more rows per inch than suggested, this means you want an overall HIGHER number of total  rows, if you get less rows per inch, you want a FEWER number of total rows)

4) Sample shown is the Toddler/Boy size

5) I’ll be the first to admit that some of the stranding for this guy is a bit extreme. This bothers me less with hats knit in wool, because typically the strands won’t snag when they are put on a head, and once its been worn a few times, enough “felting” will occur naturally that it won’t be a big deal. However, please take this as fair warning! You do have a few other options. You can work intarsia “in the round” or you can twist the floats in the middle.

6) Arms should definitely be done in duplicate stitch after you’re finished knitting. I actually stitched x’s instead of using the typical v.

1) Purchase the pattern for hat instructions & original charts.

2) “Girl version” has a main repeat (heart) over 8 stitches, so use this version for your stitch counts.

3) Note that the Tree is 16 rows tall. Depending on what size you knit, you will need to adjust the number of rows elsewhere for a good fit. Don’t worry about getting the row count exactly right, but you want to end up within 2-3 rows of what’s suggested. (ahem, good time to mention gauge, if you get more rows per inch than suggested, this means you want an overall HIGHER number of total  rows, if you get less rows per inch, you want a FEWER number of total rows)

4) Sample shown is the Infant/Girl size

How did I end up with such sweeties anyway?