preppy

playful motifs for little explorers.

Four Patterns, Infinite Memories There is nothing quite as darling as a hand-knit hat on a chubby-cheeked baby. The Preppy Hats collection is a celebration of classic, clean design and the joy of playful motifs. Whether you choose the whales, bows, hearts, or the new elephants, these hats are designed to be Small Win projects that help you grow your colorwork skills while creating a gift that will be cherished (and worn!) for years.

Why You’ll Love Knitting These Hats:

• The Reverse Magic: This pattern features a clever bit of yardage magic. You can knit two hats from just two balls of yarn by simply reversing your main and contrasting colors. Great for twins!

• Approachable Colorwork: If you’ve been looking to try stranded colorwork, this is your perfect entry point. The charts are logical, rhythmic, and designed to glide through your needles without the stress of complex floats.

• Heirlooms That Can Be Handled: Specifically designed for our Wooly Worsted 100% merino wool. It’s exceptionally soft for sensitive skin and machine washable (be sure to tuck in your ends very well!).

• A Fit for Every Sprout: With sizes ranging from Preemie to Child, you can knit a "Preppy" victory for every little one in your life.

Pattern Details:

Note: This is a digital PDF download. You will receive a link to download the pattern immediately after purchase. This updated version now includes all four motif charts.

• Motifs Included: Whales, Bows, Hearts, and Elephants.

• Sizes: Preemie (Baby, Toddler, Child).

• Yarn Requirements: Worsted weight yarn (Wooly Worsted recommended).

  • 2 Colors: 1 ball of each color creates two reversible hats.

• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) and US 8 (5 mm) 16” circulars and DPNs.

• Gauge: 20 sts and 26 rows = 4” in stockinette stitch in the round.

Prefer the full kit? Shop the Preppy Hat Yarn Kits here >

Heather’s Design Note: "I originally designed the Preppy Hats because I wanted a baby gift that felt timeless but had a bit of a wink. Adding the hearts and elephants was a direct request from our community, and I love how they turned out! I chose Wooly Worsted for these because the colors can be so fun and playful together. It’s the perfect project to soothe away the noise of a busy afternoon—just you, two colors, and a few rows of fun."

Here are the specs:

FINISHED SIZES
Preemie (Baby, Toddler, Child)

Circumference (unstretched): 10 (12, 14, 16)” / 25.5 (30.5, 35.5, 40.5) cm

Height: 5.5 (6, 6.5, 6.5)” / 10 (12.5, 15, 15) cm

Designed to be worn with up to 4” / 10 cm of negative ease.

YARN
Ewe Ewe Yarns Wooly Worsted (worsted weight; 100% merino wool yarn; 95 yds / 86 m per 50 g, worsted #4; washable)

Whales
MC: 1 skein
CC: 1 skein

Bows
MC: 1 skein
CC: 1 skein

Hearts
MC: 1 skein
CC: 1 skein

Elephants
MC: 1 skein
CC: 1 skein

Want the yarn kit? Shop the Preppy Hat Yarn Kits here >

NEEDLES 
US 7 / 4.5 mm, 16” / 40 cm long circular needle and set of double pointed needles

US 8 / 5 mm, 16” / 40 cm long circular needle and set of double
pointed needles

Supplies: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, 2.5” / 65 mm pom pom
maker (optional)

Gauge: 20 sts and 26 rows = 4” / 10 cm in stockinette stitch in the
round using the larger needle, taken after blocking.

View this pattern on Ravelry >