My first hat

[crochetmum]

I crocheted a hat with all single crochet. It was tedious and took a while but now it's perfect. Perfect for someone who's 12 ft tall with a head the size of a pumpkin that grows under midnight sun in alaska. i.e., enormous. It literally looks like a big mixing bowl. I figured out the problem fairly early. Instead of going in circles I continued on in spirals. I counted the stitches and followed the pattern except for this little thing. The cinch is this is meant for my 7 year old. To salvage it I threaded a long piece of yarn about half way all around and pulled it tight and tied a bow. Now she can at least wear it in public.

I want to make another hat this time correctly. Are there any tips to make the hat fit perfectly to a child? how to ensure it fits a head as I go along rather than realize after it's too late?

Thank you.

[Carol Ann]

I am on the run but caught your post so this is what I can offer for info right this minute.  Will find more for you later.  My question is:  did you use a pattern or just try to make the hat on your own?  (would love to see the finished hat.  I bet it is cute ---and warm--- and your "fix" to make it wearable is probably perfect  )  Here is one of several links specifically for hat sizing.  There are a number of links that give the general sizing for preemies, toddlers, kids and adults not only for hats but for other clothing as well. http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2008/04/newborn-head-circumference-13-14-hat.html    I will, and others will jump in here, too, and be able to give you some general tips on hat making and sizing ---- and patterns, too, if you like...or tips if you choose to make up a pattern of your own.  

[LaraKN]

I have used this pattern succcesfully.

It has a chart that tells you general sizes & you can measure your daughters head to find the right size.

http://bethscraftshop.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4_16_6&products_id=7

It is a free download on this sight, it is also a free download on ravelry:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/basic-half-double-crochet#

[cis4crochet]

Can't wait to see a second try. Sorry the first didn't work.