Knitted Newborn Cocoon and Hat

Instructions

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1. 1Base centerCast on 8 sts on double-pointed needles, divide over three needles and join in the round without twisting; place a marker. Round 1: knit. Round 2: kfb in every st (16). Round 3 and all odd rounds: knit. Round 4: *k1, kfb* 8 times (24).
2. 2Base increasesContinue increasing 8 sts on every even round: round 6 *k2, kfb* (32), round 8 *k3, kfb* (40), knitting one more stitch before each kfb every time. For 0-1 month reach 96 sts on round 22 with *k10, kfb*; for 1-3 months reach 104 sts on round 24 with *k11, kfb*. Move to the circular needle when the stitches no longer fit. The base becomes a shallow bowl, which rounds off the bottom of the cocoon.
3. 3BodyContinue knitting every round without increasing. Work until the body measures 22/26 cm from the last increase round. The cocoon is designed to reach baby's underarms; add a few cm for a longer one.
4. 4Ribbed openingWork 8 cm of *k2, p2* rib (96 and 104 are multiples of 4). Bind off very loosely in rib, using a needle one size larger if needed. The rib folds outward and finishes the opening like a soft collar.
5. 5Hat: rib and bodyCast on 60/64 sts on double-pointed needles and join in the round. Work 3 cm of *k2, p2* rib. Continue in stockinette until the hat measures 8/9 cm from the cast-on edge.
6. 6Hat: crown and knotted tip0-1 month: *k8, k2tog* 6 times (54); knit 1 round; *k7, k2tog* (48); knit 1 round; *k6, k2tog* (42); knit 1 round; *k5, k2tog* (36). Then decrease every round: *k4, k2tog* (30), *k3...* (24), *k2...* (18), *k1, k2tog* (12), *k2tog* (6), k2tog once more around (3). 1-3 months: *k6, k2tog* 8 times (56); knit 1 round; *k5...* (48); knit 1 round; *k4...* (40); knit 1 round; *k3...* (32). Then every round: *k2, k2tog* (24), *k1, k2tog* (16), *k2tog* (8), k2tog once more around (4). Work a 6 cm i-cord on the remaining 3/4 sts (slide the sts to the other end of the needle, pull the yarn across the back and knit) and tie a loose knot in the cord.
7. 7FinishingThread the cast-on tail at the base center through the first stitches and pull to close the hole. Run the end of the hat cord back through the cord with a yarn needle and trim. Weave in all ends, wash the pieces in lukewarm water and dry flat.