This little hat uses the same concept as the woofy hat I posted a few weeks back except instead of the in-the-round-seam-at-the-top of that version this is the make-rectangle-seam-up-the-sides version.

This a VERY simple and widely used idea. I really like to play up the "ears" and have embroidered a little flower here for full effect.

SIZE:
variable (shown, baby size - 16" circumference total)

MATERIALS
Jo Sharp Silk Road Aran(85% Wool/10% Silk/5% Cashmere) in Alabaster, less than one ball total.
also, minimal amount of complimentary color yarn for ears and embroidery (optional)

any length straight US #8 (or circular needle if you prefer to work that way)

tapestry needle

embroidery needle (optional)

DIRECTIONS
Figure out how many inches around you want the hat and then do the math for your yarn/gauge. When you know the total amount of stitches you will need to get the circumference - halve it and cast on that amount.
NOTE: To make seed stitch easier, always cast on an uneven number of stitches. That way you will always start a row with a knit stitch and will end up with seed (or moss) stitch.
Do five rows of seed (moss) stitch and then continue in stockinette stitch for approximately 10 inches from the beginning of the work (for baby size).
Finish with 5 rows of seed stitch and then bind off.
I blocked mine at this point because stockinette curls in on itself so much and makes seaming more difficult.
Fold the piece in half lengthwise (seed stitch will become the border) with RS facing you and mattress stitch up the sides.
Then, duplicate stitch the pale pink triangles at each front top corner for 'ears.
Embroider a flower for some sass.
Voila!

(this is a particularly good way to get out of the last minute "Sh*t! I've got a baby shower in two days and no present!" dilemma. Like the one I was in. Ahem.)