Wooly Hoody

Wooly Hoody by Cassie LaFollette

What is Being Made

The Wooly Hoody is an adjustable knitted hood designed for young children ages 1 to 5 years. This garment features a neckband with two buttoning options that allow the fit to be customized as your child grows, making it a versatile piece that can be worn for years. The hood provides extra warmth with its chunky weight wool construction, making it ideal for cold weather wear.

Construction Method

The Wooly Hoody is constructed in two distinct parts using a strategic knitting approach. The project begins with knitting the neckband first, which serves as the foundation. Once the neckband is complete, stitches are picked up from the selvedge edge, and the hood is then knitted upward from this picked-up edge. This two-part construction method creates a seamless integration between the neckband and hood sections.

Stitches and Shaping Techniques

The primary stitch used throughout this project is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic knit fabric with a neat appearance on the right side. Shaping is achieved through strategic increases worked into the stockinette stitch pattern as the hood is knitted upward. These increases allow the hood to expand to the proper circumference while maintaining the integrity of the fabric.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for 100% wool yarn in chunky weight, which provides the warmth and durability necessary for a children's hood. Approximately 115 yards of yarn is required to complete the project. The recommended yarn is Puffin by Quince & Co., and one skein in your color of choice is needed.

The pattern requires one pair of circular needles in size US 10.5 (6.5 mm) for the main construction and one pair of straight needles in size US 10.5 (6.5 mm) for additional shaping work. The needle size should be adjusted as needed to obtain the correct gauge for your tension.

Sizing and Measurements

The Wooly Hoody is sized for children ages 1 to 5 years. The neckband measures 15 inches (38.1 cm) in length, while the hood circumference is 17.5 inches (44.5 cm). The hood height measures 11 inches (28 cm) from the bottom of the neckband to the top seam.

Skill Level

This project is rated as beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for knitters who are new to the craft or looking for a straightforward, achievable project. The use of basic stitches and simple shaping techniques ensures that crafters at all levels can successfully complete this charming children's garment.