Lace Edged Preemie Hat

This very simple but very elegant preemie hat is made from a small amount of yarn, and is knit in the round on US5 (3.75mm) needles. It has one repeat of a simple lace pattern at the bottom, stockinette stitch for the body, and a 9-armed pinwheel crown.

Finished Dimensions: 11in (27.5cm) circumference; 4in (10cm) height
Gauge: 23 stitches to 4in/10cm in stockinette stitch in the round, on US 5 needles

Materials:
Small amount Caron Simply Soft (100% Acrylic) Colorway: Soft Green [165 yds/3oz]
1 set US 5 (3.75mm) double-pointed needles (or two circular needles)
Stitch marker
Darning needle


Abbreviations:
k: knit
k2tog: knit two stitches together
k3tog: knit three stitches together
p: purl
yo: yarn over

Instructions:
Cast on 63 stitches.
Join, being careful not to twist, and place marker before first stitch.

Rows 1, 3, 5: Knit all stitches.
Rows 2, 4, 6: [(K1; yo) twice, k3tog twice, yo, k1, yo] 7 times.

Continue working in stockinette stitch until hat measures 3.5in (9cm) from a point on the base.

Crown shaping:
Row 1: (K5, k2tog) 9 times (54 stitches remain).
Row 2 and all even rows: Knit all stitches.
Row 3: (K4, k2tog) 9 times (45 stitches remain).
Row 5: (K3, k2tog) 9 times (36 stitches remain).
Row 7: (K2, k2tog) 9 times (27 stitches remain).
Row 9: (K1, k2tog) 9 times (18 stitches remain).
Row 11: K2tog 9 times (9 stitches remain).

Cut yarn, leaving a long tail.
Thread yarn tail through remaining stitches, slipping them from the knitting needles as you go.
Pull yarn tail tightly to gather hole closed.
Securely weave/sew ends to inside of hat.