MillaMia Lottie Hood Knitting Pattern

MillaMia Lottie Hood

What Is Being Made

The MillaMia Lottie Hood is a knitted baby hood designed as an alternative to traditional knitted hats. This garment features practical neck ties that help keep the hood securely in place on infants and toddlers. The hood is worked in three size options to fit ages 6-12 months, 12-24 months, and 36-48 months, making it a versatile project suitable for babies and young children.

Techniques Used

This hood is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, which simplifies construction for knitters improving their skills. The pattern employs several key shaping techniques to create the hood's structure:

• Stockinette stitch forms the main body of the hood, providing a smooth, classic fabric finish
• Ribbed edging created using alternating knit and purl stitches (k4, p4 pattern) adds elasticity and a neat border
• Make one (m1) increases are used strategically to shape the top of the hood, creating gradual shaping that widens the crown
• Wrap and turn short-row shaping techniques are employed to add dimension and ensure a neat finish on the shaped sections

Stitches Used

The Lottie Hood uses fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for a beginner to intermediate skill level:

• Knit stitch (k) – the primary stitch used throughout the stockinette stitch sections
• Purl stitch (p) – used in the ribbed edging and for reverse stockinette rows in the main body
• Make one increase (m1) – creates new stitches for shaping the hood crown
• Wrap and turn (w&t) – short-row shaping technique for contouring the top

Materials and Needles

The pattern calls for MillaMia Naturally Soft Aran yarn in Cherry Red (shade 242), with two 50g/1¾oz balls required to complete the project. The yarn weight is Aran, a medium-weight option that works up quickly and provides good stitch definition. Knitters will need three 5mm (US 8) knitting needles to work this flat-constructed hood. The pattern also specifies 80cm (31½ inches) of narrow ribbon for the ties at the neck opening, which serve both a functional and decorative purpose.

Gauge and Finishing

The recommended tension is 19 stitches and 25 rows to a 10cm (4 inch) square over stockinette stitch using 5mm (US 8) needles. Achieving proper gauge ensures the finished hood will fit the intended age range correctly. The pattern includes helpful guidance on picking up wrap stitches on returning rows to produce a neat finish on the short-row shaping sections, a technique that elevates the overall quality of the handmade garment.

Design Notes

The Lottie Hood offers an excellent solution for parents seeking a secure, stylish alternative to traditional hats. The attached ribbon ties ensure the hood stays in place, making it particularly suitable for active babies and toddlers. The pattern suggests knitting the hood in bright yarn shades to create a striking pop of color against winter coats, and the quick project timeline makes it ideal for creating multiple versions in different colors.