Caps for Good

If you like to knit and want a quick project that will help a newborn keep warm, check out the Save the Children Caps for Good website here. I've made several caps this week; here's the first.

I made the cap by using the knitting pattern in the Caps for Good Action Guide. The guide also provides a crochet pattern. I adapted their pattern to my yarn and could not resist using two shades of blue. The cover of the Action Guide says it all -- "Your Handmade Cap Can Help Save a Life."

NOTE: The deadline for sending in the caps is Feb 28, 2011.

Pattern with my adaptations
Abbreviations, Gauge, Materials
K = knit
P = purl
K2tog = knit 2 stitches together

Gauge: 6 stitches/inch

Yarn: Patons South Pacific double knit acrylic
Size 4 double needles.
Size 8 needle for casting on

Instructions

• Cast on 66 stitches. To get a nice stretchy edge, I used a size 8 needle and the double cast-on method. This video has a great demo of the double cast-on method.
• K1, P1 for 1 inch in main color to make the cuff.
• I worked in the round so I would not have to sew a side seam.
• Knit in stockinette until 5 inches from the cast on. Alternate the yarn color for each row.
• * NOTE: Now the decreases begin. They will be done on a knit row. If you are working on single-pointed needles, the alternate rows will be purled. If you are working in the round, all the rows will be knit.
• K2tog, knit 4. Repeat to end. 55 stitches. Work next row as described at *.
• K2tog, knit 3. Repeat to end. 44 stitches. Work next row as described at *.
• K2tog, knit 2. Repeat to end. 33 stitches. Work next row as described at *.
• K2tog, knit 1. Repeat to end. 22 stitches. Work next row as described at *.
• K2tog. Repeat to end. 11 stitches. Work next row as described at *.
• K2tog 5 times.  6 stitches.Work next row as described at *.
• Cut yarn leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread tail into a needle and pull through the remaining stitches.
• Sew size seam if worked on single-pointed needles.
• Sew in loose ends.
• Fold up the cuff .