Santa hat ornament

I came up with this design for an ornament exchange party.

Santa Hat

Yarn:
Knit Picks DK Swish red (1)
White yarn from stash. DK, sport or worsted would probably work

Needles:
US size 3, dpns or circs. I used dpns

Notions:
Tapestry needle
Pom-pom maker (optional)
Stitch markers (optional)

Pattern:

With white, cast on 40 stitches (10 on each dpn if using 4)
K1 P1 for 1.5 inches

Change to red, st st for 1 inch

Start decreases:
Row 1: (ssk, k16, k2tog) twice
Row 2 and all even rows: knit
Row 3: (ssk, k14, k2tog) twice

Repeat row 3, kniting 2 less stitches between the decrease sections until there are 4 stitches left. Cut yarn, leaving at least 12 inches, pull through last 4 stitches.



Make small pom-pom. I used a a small pom-pom maker, but any way will work.

To make the loop, I've used two different ways. The first way is a two stranded braid. You will need to pull an additional piece of yarn through the top of the hat. The second way is to do a regular 3 stranded braid. I found this easier.

Cut a piece of yarn at least 24 inches long. Thread both ends through the top of the hat:



Braid until you're almost at the end. Thread the braid through a tapestry needle (I do the short ends that are still unbraided and push the needle till it meets the braid). Pull the braid through the middle of the pom-pom, pulling the pom-pom down as far as it will go. It should be sitting on top of the hat. put the tapestry needle back through the pom-pom and through the top of the hat, but don't pull tight. Leave the loop bigger than you want. Secure the braid to the inside of the hat. Knot the loop as close to the pom-pom as possible (gives it more of a finished look, but you don't have to do that).



Stuff lightly. You don't have to weave in the ends that will be inside the hat. With the brim folded up, sew the hat closed:



I tacked the brim into place in a few places so it wouldn't come unfolded.