Whit's Knits: Heirloom Hats for Newborns

It used to be about every two years that a friend or a cousin had a baby. I was able to knit each newborn a blanket or at least a sweater. Lately, though, it feels like about every two minutes that a new baby comes along, and so, sadly, hand knit baby blankets have fallen by the wayside. But I am not willing to forego hand knit baby gifts altogether, nor am I willing to give the impression that I threw some yarn together into something vaguely wearable and oh-by-the-way-congratulations-about-the-baby. In other words, I have been in serious need of a quick, but exquisite baby gift.

Nothing's quicker than a hat, but how to convey that this is no ordinary hat? Choose an extraordinary yarn. Louet's Mooi yarn is instantly special. A blend of bison, cashmere, and bamboo, it is as light as a feather and as soft as a kitten. Dyed or undyed, it has a natural beauty that evokes a forest floor. Plus, the 350 yard long skeins mean that I'm all set for at least the next six babies!

These hats have a timelessness and a delicacy that put me in an old attic kind of mood. They seem to already have a story. Imagine: a huge steamer trunk, a dusty tuxedo, a playbill, a crushed patent leather pump, and, on top, some carefully folded tissue paper. Hidden among the folds, these tiny hats wait to be discovered for the next generation of babies born.

I am thrilled to have this new go-to project that I can make with pleasure, give with pride and bestow with joy. For instructions on how to make your own, please visit our Heirloom Hats for Newborns Project Journal. Thanks! - Whitney

Comments

[susan]

oh those are darling and look so soft! I don't think there's a better baby gift than a handmade one. Love 'em!

[Ashten]

This is such a sweet little hat...and I love the gray!! A different choice for a baby hat...but I really like it!

[Speck]

If I were to say that I was expecting, and I might say that, or I might not--yet, would you knit me an adorable hat like this.......? The charcoal grey is sweet looking--and the yarn looks super duper cozy......ahhh, to be a baby again!

[abipolz]

I totally agree! I've got 2 nieces/nephews coming in the next 4 weeks - and of course neither knows the gender so I've been knitting like crazy. Hats are awesome for a super quick knit. Love the yarn and the tiny pom-pom.

[claire]

Beautiful hats u have made.. just nice for winter wear or anywhere cold..

[Olof]

Very nice! Good job.

[pauline]

Utterly irresistible and I didn't! Placed my order for yarn within minutes of opening Purl Bee email.

[Leanne]

These are so lovely I think we need to know how to make them larger for our big babies. My husband would love one of these hats! :)

[Christina]

In August we have a group that is knitting baby hats for charity. Thanks for the lovely pattern!

[Janet]

What a horrible color for a baby! I'm sure the yarn is wonderfully soft, but that color is dreary and dull. We have enough years to wear those colors. Babies should be in soft pastels or bright, cheery colors. I'm sure I am showing my age and the fact that I am a "left-coaster"! You New Yorkers do things very differentl!

[Charyl]

These hats are wonderdul! I generally make expectant parents two hats - one a newborn size and one a size up! Have been using Blue Sky Alpaca in natural for the new born and if parents are fantantic sports fans, if I know team colors will do a rib or stripe hat! Will definitely add these to my collection - seems like babies are like rabbits these days (lol)!
Thank you for your wonderful work!

[Dorothy B.]

I have to comment that I find the colors beautiful for everyone, including babies. the esteemed Elizabeth Zimmermann commented on how cute blue-eyed babies look in earthy colors. I'd say the same applies to other babies as well. Not using the usual "baby " colors makes it all the more special, in my opinion. I'm not on the Purl payroll but I I think this is a lovely project!

[Sarah]

Love the hat patterns. My personal preference is for brighter colours - but having said that, the muted ones you've used are awesome too. I do like to use colours that are not "traditional" i.e blue for boys/pink for girls, like mauve, aqua, sage green, lemon. Have just knit two beanies as wee gifts and people seem genuinely chuffed that I actually made something myself.

[mandy]

beautiful hats!!

[Alison]

I second the idea of making them bigger. I would love to make one for my baby - but she is 26 years old!

[tothemOOn]

they are so cute! congrats!

[Fiona]

That is so funny that people would not like the colour - I chose the dark grey to knit for my newborn two years ago, and it offset all the blue, green and red he had to wear, and would also look good with pinks, lavenders and yellows - the typical baby wardrobe palette is so predictable, you might as well try something different if you are doing something handmade. And yes I now need a scaled up pattern for my 2 and 4 year old; please?

[Cinzia]

I "third" the idea of making them bigger for my 2 "babies" age 29 & 31...and maybe one for Hubby and me as well! :)

[Jan Winje]

"Mooi" means beautiful in Afrikaans....and your hats are certainly that.
Thank you so much for all your lovely knitting patterns and information.

[Debbie]

Wow! Totally wonderful. Thank God for Whit's Knits. I'm so ready for fall and winter that these just make me happy. I agree that these would be great for adults too.

[julia]

I just finished my first baby hat with dpns and now I've caught the bug. I'm so excited about these.