Every baby needs a Lucky Duck Hat!

This pattern gives instructions for a mallard duck hat but I highly encourage you to go wild making any kind of bird you want sitting on your baby’s head! Click here to see some wonderful and unique birds from knitters from around the world!

SKILL LEVEL + TECHNIQUE
This pattern can be worked at two skill levels, depending on the hem you choose. The original hat features a tubular hem and is best suited to advanced knitters. The 2×2 rib version is ideal for intermediate knitters (or anyone who needs a duck hat quickly!).

Please watch the tubular hem video before starting to decide which one you will make as it determines which tools you’ll need: https://www.dagworthy.com/luckyduck

The pattern itself uses only stockinette stitch and basic decreases; the main challenge lies in working with small needles and managing a high stitch count, especially if you opt for the tubular hem. All instructions are written for working in the round.

GAUGE:
36 stitches and 56 rows = 4” 10cm in stockinette stitch on size US 1 2.25mm needles (knit flat)

This pattern is written using measurements rather than row counts. Because of that, stitch gauge across is the most important thing to match when swatching. Row gauge is less critical. If you’re not hitting exactly 56 rows, that’s okay, since you’ll be working to measurements throughout.

YARN
The original mallard hat shown in the photo was knit with the following fingering weight yarn:

Knitting for Olive – Merino (their Cotton Merino and Pure Silk qualities also work perfectly)

• Colour A (main body): Bark – 1 ball / 50 grams
• Colour B (neck stripe): Cream – scrap amount
• Colour C (duck head): Bottle Green – ~5 grams
• Colour D (beak): Mustard – scrap amount

You will also need a small amount of scrap fingering weight yarn if you are constructing the tubular hem with a provisional cast-on.

The beak and neck stripe use a very small amount of yarn, so you may be able to use something from your stash or borrow from a friend rather than purchasing a full skein. Alternatively, you could simply knit a lot… and then a lot more duck hats (highly encouraged option).

YARN SUBSTITUTIONS:
I love a good stash dive for a project like this. As long as you can achieve gauge, substitute freely. Just keep your tiny client in mind… babies are not known for their diplomacy, and a mohair hat may inspire some very loud feedback.

KNITTING NEEDLES
There are two options to construct the hem. Please watch the tubular hem video before starting to decide which one you will make as it determines which tools you’ll need: https://www.dagworthy.com/luckyduck

Knitting needles for hem option A: tubular hem with provisional cast-on:

For sizes newborn, 3 months:
• US 000 1.5mm 12” 30cm circular needles
• US 1 2.25mm 8” 20cm double pointed needles (6” 15cm is fine if you choose to use circular needles until you decrease)
• Optional (recommended)†: US 1 2.25mm 12” 30cm circular needles
• Size D 3.25mm crochet hook

For sizes 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, toddler:
• US 000 1.5mm 16” 40cm circular needles
• US 1 2.25mm 8” 20cm double pointed needles (6” 15cm is fine if you choose to use circular needles until you decrease)
• Optional (recommended)†: US 1 2.25mm 16” 40cm circular needles
• Size D 3.25mm crochet hook

†The US 1 2.25mm circular needles are optional but recommended. I like using circular needles rather than DPNs until the decreases begin, but that’s personal preference! You’ll need DPNs for shaping the top no matter what.

Knitting needles for hem option B: 2 x 2 rib

For sizes newborn, 3 months:
• US 000 1.5mm 12” 30cm circular needles or 8” 20cm double pointed needles (circular needles are recommended)
• US 1 2.25mm 8” 20cm double pointed needles (6” 15cm is fine if you choose to use circular needles until you decrease)
• Optional (recommended)†: US 1 2.25mm 12” 30cm circular needles

For sizes 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, toddler:
• US 000 1.5mm 16” 40cm circular needles or 8” 20cm double pointed needles (circular needles are recommended)
• US 1 2.25mm 8” 20cm double pointed needles (6” 15cm is fine if you choose to use circular needles until you decrease)
• Optional (recommended)†: US 1 2.25mm 16” 40cm circular needles

†The US 1 2.25mm circular needles are optional but recommended. I like using circular needles rather than DPNs until the decreases begin, but that’s personal preference! You’ll need DPNs for shaping the top no matter what.

OTHER TOOLS + SUPPLIES
• You can either crochet a circle with your duck body yarn OR use a small scrap of felt to contain stuffing in head if you do not crochet
• Size D 3.25mm crochet hook if you are crocheting the circle
• Sewing thread that is the same colour as duck body if you are using felt
• Fiber fill stuffing for head
• 6 stitch markers
• Tapestry needle
• Sewing needle
• 5mm black round beads OR black yarn/thick embroidery floss for eyes - the original hat uses beads for eyes; however, if you have any safety concerns (especially with little ones who may put the hat in their mouth), I recommend embroidering the eyes using French knots.
• Black sewing thread if using beads for eyes

JOIN THE DUCK POND!
This pattern has a really fun active conversation on Instagram where knitters can share their WIPs, FOs and ask questions.
https://www.instagram.com/j/AbbMcTYFBOqFyV8i/