questions about hat size

[jeljohns]

I am really new to knitting and still in the "making crappy scarves" stage, but I thought I would try my hand at a hat.  I found a pattern I want to give a shot.  My question....the pattern calls for CO 68 stitches....does this seem small to anyone?  I looked around at other hats and they all say 90-100 stitches.  This is an adult size hat.

Thanks!

EDIT:  Here is the pattern....


using worsted weight yarn and size 5 needles, cast on 68 stitches. Join, work 1 x 1 (knit 1, purl 1) ribbing for 6 rounds.
next round: knit 4 *knit 2, make 1 (use whatever increase method you like best)* to end. Switch to size7 or 8 needles, and work as follows:
round 1-3:*purl 1 (knit 1, purl 1) three times, knit 3; repeat from * to end of round.
round 4: *purl 1 (knit 1, purl 1) three times, cable 3; repeat from * to end of round.

if you prefer a bigger cable with smaller sections between, work this instead:
round 1-3:*purl 1 (knit 1, purl 1) two times, knit 5; repeat from * to end of round.
round 4: *purl 1 (knit 1, purl 1) two times, cable5; repeat from * to end of round.

work these two rounds until hat measures 11-12".
Next round: knit 2 together around.
next round: knit 2 together around.
Cut yarn, leaving a 10" tail, thread tail on yarn needle, weave through stitches on circular and pull to tighten the hole and close top of hat. Weave in ends.

The picture can be found here: http://www.littleturtleknits.com/pithyhat.htm


I really want this hat! So any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

[sammyb]

Ribbing requires more CO sts.  So do cables, and any other "fancy" thing that a hat might have.

If it's on bigger needles, less CO are needed.  So it just depends on the pattern of the hat, the needles, the yarn.... try it and see!

[jeljohns]

It is on size 5 circular needles. 

?

I cast on the 68 and the circle is so small it looks like it wouldn't fit a babies head.

[sammyb]

Wow, that's tiny.  The hats I make for my baby neice are on 7s or 8s with 60something CO sts.

Where is this pattern?

[gwensmom]

It's all about your gauge.  68 stitches in sport weight yarn on #3 needles will be a lot smaller than 68 stitches on bulky yarn with #13 needles.

find out how many stitches to the inch you are getting and then use one of these head size charts to decide how many to cast on.

http://www.yarnstandards.com/headsize.html
http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/head-sizes.html#hat

Good luck!

[jeljohns]

Do I follow the rest of the pattern as it says then?

Ack, I am so confused....

[jeljohns]

Could I knit the whole thing on one size needle?  Like a 7?

[sammyb]

If the pattern is meant for an adult, it should fit.  Is this pattern online somewhere, or in a book?  If we could see the pattern, it might help us visualize everything a little better.  From what it sounds like right now, it might be a kids hat, and then adult sizes are so many more CO sts...

[jeljohns]

The pattern and website are listed above (in my first post) the website has a picture of the hat.

[sammyb]

Ah hah!

One of my first responses that I almost posted was, "First look, I'd imagine it to be like the Pithy Hat on Little Turtle Knits."   

The ribbing helps, and it's meant to be kind of beret-ish when worn.  It'll flare out above the ribbing.

Don't worry, you're doing it all right.