Jesse Doll Bear Hat (Free Knitting Pattern)

Hat
Cast on 45 stitches. Place a marker and join for working in the round.
 
Round 1: *K1, p1; repeat from * around.
 
Round 2: *P1, k1; repeat from * around.
 
Repeat rounds 1 and 2 for seed stitch until hat measures 3 1/2" (9cm) from the cast-on edge.

Crown Decreases
 
Round 1: *K2tog, p1; repeat from * around—30 stitches.
 
Round 2: *P1, k1; repeat from * around.
 
Round 3: *P2tog, k1; repeat from * around—20 stitches.
 
Round 4: *K1, p1; repeat from * around.
 
Round 5: *K2tog, p2tog; repeat from * around—10 stitches.
 
Cut yarn, leaving an 8" (20.5cm) tail. Thread yarn through remaining stitches, pull tight to close opening, and weave in the end.

Ears (Make 2)
 
Note: Create m1 increases by picking up the bar between the stitches to be knit and then knitting into the back loop.
 
Starting at the tip of the ear, cast on 5 stitches.
 
Row 1 (RS): K1, *p1, k1; repeat from * to end.
 
Row 2: P1, m1, p1, k1, p1, m1, p1—7 stitches.
 
Row 3: P1, *k1, p1; repeat from * to end.
 
Row 4: K1, m1, k1, [p1, k1] twice, m1, k1—9 stitches.
 
Row 5: K1, *p1, k1; repeat from * to end.
 
Rows 6–9: Continue in seed stitch as established.
 
Bind off in pattern.

Finishing
With the cast-on tail indicating the center back of hat, position the ears 3 1/2" (9cm) apart at the top of the hat (as pictured) and whipstitch them into place. Weave in the ends. Block, if desired.

Excerpted with permission from "Just Like Me Knits: Matching Patterns for Kids and Their Favorite Dolls" by Brandy Fortune and published by Potter Craft.