Neko in his Santa Hat -- free pattern (please excuse the blood)

 Neko’s Santa Hat

I made a cute little hat for my cat for the holidays.  However, he just doesn't seem to like it as much as I though he would. I guess Neko just doesn't have the Christmas spirit. 

Materials:

Small amount of red and white yarns, such as double knit or sock yarn.  Don’t worry about the strength of the yarn. No cat will wear it for very long anyway.

Waste yarn
Crochet hook size F
Size 4 (3.5mm) double pointed needles
Size 6 (4mm) double pointed needles
Stitch marker
Yarn needle

Gauge: 2” = 12 stitches

With the smaller needles and white yarn, cast on 48 stitches using waste yarn and the provisional cast on. (If you need instructions, there are several good YouTube videos, such as http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfCEWhaaOsk­) . Join being careful not to twist the stitches.

Knit every row for 2 inches.

Returning to the cast on row, remove the waste yarn stitch by stitch and place on the larger double-pointed needles. With the purl side facing out, use a three needle knitting technique to make the brim.  (Also shown on YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0L9HPvFrn8)

Go ahead. Take your picture
 ... and sleep with one eye open .  -- Neko

Change to red yarn and keeping the larger needles, knit every row for 2 inches. 

Next round: *Knit 6, k2tog.* Repeat * to * to the end of the row.

Knit 6 rounds.

Next round: *Knit 5, k2tog.* Repeat * to * to the end of the row.

Knit 6 rounds.

Next round: *Knit 4, k2tog.* Repeat * to * to the end of the row.

Knit 6 rounds.

Next round: *Knit 3, k2tog.* Repeat * to * to the end of the row.

Knit 7 rounds.

Next round: *Knit 2, k2tog.* Repeat * to * to the end of the row.

Knit 8 rounds.

Next round: *Knit 1, k2tog.* Repeat * to * to the end of the row.

Knit 8 rounds.

Cut yarn. Thread a yarn needle and through all remaining stitch.

Weave in ends.  Add a white pom pom

Now try to place it on your cat’s head and take a picture before s/he runs and hides under the bed, or, as my cat would, hiss and scratch your hand.

I just don't think Neko gets me.

Someone needs to take her needles away before
she causes more damage.

I'll get you my pretty -- and your little
double point needles too.