Berroco Noddy Hat Knitting Pattern

Berroco Noddy Knit Hat

What is Being Made

The Berroco Noddy is a knitted hat designed by Alison Green, available in two distinct versions to suit different preferences and age groups. This easy-level knitting project creates a classic, versatile hat suitable for infants, toddlers, children, pre-teens, and adults. Version 1 features a taller crown with finished heights ranging from 9¾ inches to 13 inches depending on size, while Version 2 offers a shorter profile with heights from 7 inches to 10¾ inches. Head circumference options span from 16 inches for infants to 22¾ inches for larger adults, ensuring a proper fit across multiple age ranges.

Techniques Used

The Noddy hat is constructed using seamless, bottom-up knitting methodology, meaning the hat is built from the brim upward without requiring seaming. The entire hat is worked in the round using circular needles, which creates a continuous spiral construction. This approach eliminates the need for finishing seams and produces a smooth, professional appearance. The bottom-up construction allows knitters to try on the hat as it progresses and adjust the final height as desired before binding off.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern employed in this design is seeded rib, which alternates knit and purl stitches in a repeating pattern. The set-up rib begins with a basic alternating knit-one, purl-one sequence around the circumference. This textured stitch pattern creates visual interest and provides gentle elasticity, making the hat comfortable and secure on the wearer's head. The seeded rib pattern is maintained throughout the specified ribbing sections before transitioning to other stitch work for the crown.

Materials and Gauge Information

Yarn Requirements: Version 1 uses Berroco Lanas (100 grams per ball) in colorway #95116 Sandalwood, requiring 1 ball for all four sizes. Version 2 uses Berroco Vintage (100 grams per hank) in colorway #5182 Black Currant, requiring 1 hank for all sizes. Both yarn options provide excellent stitch definition and durability.

Needles and Notions: The pattern calls for 16-inch circular needles in two sizes: size 5 (3.75 mm) for the initial ribbed sections and size 7 (4.5 mm) for the main body, or needles adjusted to obtain proper gauge. Additionally, knitters will need 6 locking stitch markers (with one in a different color to mark the beginning of round), and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge: The pattern specifies a gauge of 21 stitches and 32 rounds over 4 inches in the seeded rib pattern, measured after blocking. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for proper fit, particularly when creating hats for specific head circumferences. The pattern emphasizes checking gauge before beginning to ensure successful results.

Construction Details

The hat begins with casting on between 84 and 120 stitches depending on the desired size, then joining to work in the round. A ribbed brim section is established first, with the ribbing depth varying by size from 2½ inches to 3½ inches. The use of two needle sizes allows the ribbed brim to be worked on smaller needles for a tighter, more elastic edge, while the larger needles accommodate the main body stitches for proper gauge and drape. The pattern includes specific instructions for both versions, allowing knitters to choose between the taller Version 1 or the more compact Version 2 based on personal preference.