Aren’t Octobers wonderful? We took a drive through a local canyon and the timing was perfect for seeing the beautiful fall colors. I love having the option of slippers and scarves in the evening, but also opening the windows in the afternoon and letting in the perfect warm breeze. It reminds me of the excitement of the new school year, and how fall melts into winter. Before you know it, bundling up isn’t an option anymore but a necessity. This simple and cute Schoolyard Pom-Pom Hat is a fun, quick project and will keep your little student warm during recess and cozy while dashing to the school bus.

Schoolyard Pom-Pom Hat

What you need:
Medium Weight Yarn (in 2 colors)
Size J Hook
Darning Needle

Abbreviations: (American Terms)
Ch – Chain
Sc – Single Crochet
Hdc – Half Double Crochet
Dc – Double Crochet
Sl st – Slip Stitch
St – Stitch
Sp – Space
BLO- Back Loops Only

Gauge: 7 sts= 2″

Ribbed Band:
Using 1st color, Ch 8.
1. Hdc in 2nd ch from hook. Hdc 6. Turn. (7 sts)
2.- 40. Ch 1. Hdc in same st. In BLO, Hdc 5. Hdc in last st (through both loops). Turn.
Piece should measure approx. 15.5″ long (unstretched).
Fold the band in half and sl st the two ends together, forming a band. Don’t break yarn.

Hat:
1. Fold the band so the seam is on the inside and your yarn is at the top. Ch 1. Sc in same sp. You will be working into the horizontal stitches, but try to make them an even as possible. Your exact total stitch count is not super important, but try to work between 55-60 sts.
2.- 3. Ch 2. Dc in same st. Dc in each st around. Join with sl st.
Join 2nd color. You don’t need to break your yarn, you can bring it up with each color change, eliminating extra tails when you are finished.
4. – 5. Repeat row 2.

Alternate colors, working 2 rows of each color until you reach a total of 13 rows on the body of the hat.

To close the hat, thread a length of yarn through a darning needle and sew a loose running stitch around the top (with hat turned inside-out). Pull the stitch tight, closing the hand with a cinch. Tie a sturdy knot.