Monday, June 24, 2013

The Perfect Hat Sizing Guide

Would you like to know how to crochet hats into the perfect size every time?  It's actually pretty easy.

The first step is to check your gauge.  ALWAYS check your gauge!  Two yarns may be the same brand but even a different color dye can cause your yarn to work differently so always check even if you think you know it.

Once you know your gauge, you can calculate the number of stitches you need using easy math (well, I think it's easy but I'm also an accountant).  :)

The next step would be to know how many inches around you need to make your hat.  I use the size chart below to approximate head size...

Newborn - 15"
0-3 month - 16"
3-6 month - 17"
6-12 month - 18"
2T-4T - 19"
Child - 20"
Teen - 21"
Adult medium - 22"
Adult large - 23"

Crocheted hats are usually made 2 inches smaller than the head circumference.  Therefore, a newborn size hat will need to be 13".

Now you are ready to calculate the number of stitches.  If 3 single crochet are in 1 inch and you need a newborn size, calculate as follows...

3 x (15-2) = 39 single crochet

Easy, right?  Want to make an adult medium and you have 5 double crochet in 2 inches, it is a little tricker but still easy.  Divide your number of stitches by the number of inches...

5/2 x (22-2) = 50 double crochet

Now you know!  It's not magic, it's math!  Happy crocheting!


No comments:

Post a Comment