Torani No Totoro Totoro

Just to clarify, I did not make this pattern off. I found it on the haven that is Ravelry.com and really recommend having a look. This pattern can also be found here but I have adapted it and make reading the pattern simpler!

This is the Totoro hat that I am making for me and a bunch of mates. I'm thinking (since the one for Vixie is free) if anybody would like me to make one I'll charge £10 including P&P.

I've knitted loads of things so far for free, but the cost of the wool was more than I really should have spent so it's about time I make a little money.

Below is the pattern - I adapted it somewhat but it still works nicely! Also for someone who can't read patterns it should help a little bit. I explained things in more detail since for someone who isn't experienced at knitting but wants to make something other than a scarf, it helps to elaborate on things!

So you will need grey, black and white yarn that should knit to any good DK pattern. A set of 3.25 dpn (double pointed needles) and a yarn needle!

To make different sized hats the instructions are included in the pattern in brackets.
For example - 14" (16, 18, 20) will equate to CO36 (40, 44, 48) So if you wanted to make a small 14" hat you would cast on 36 stitches, but if you wanted to make a large hat measuring 20" you would cast on 48. The numbers in sequence match the sizes in sequence. I hope that's clear!

Here is a glossary of what the letters mean

CO = Cast On/Off # of Stitches
St/s = Stitch/es
St St = Stockinette Stitch
K = Knit
P = Purl
M# = Make # of stitches (there are loads of different ways to, but the best and my preferred is to just casting another stitch straight onto the needle for this project)
Inc = Increase
Dec = Decrease
R# = Round #
K2tog - put your needle through two stitches instead of one and knit
SSK - another Dec, good video here
PM = Place a marker on the needle, it can be anything from a strand of yarn tied around to ones you can buy from the stores - as long as you can clearly see it on the needle

* = if instucted you repeat the amount of times from this point

CO 36 (40, 44, 48) stitches and divide between the dpns - I put half the sts on the first needle, and split the other half on the second and third needles. You join it in a round (there is a good video here if you need help)

R1: K
R2: Inc R - *K1, M1, K16 (18, 20, 22), M1, K1* - repeat from first * once more

Repeat R1, and when doing round 2 K1, M1, then add two stitches from the previous R2, M1, K1
Repeat these two rounds until you have 80 (88, 96, 104) sts

R3: K18 (20, 22, 24) K2tog, PM, SSK, K remaining sts on all needles
R4: K R2
R5: K to 2 sts before marker, K2tog, slip the marker over, SSK, K remaining sts on all needles
R6: K R2

Repeat R5 and R6 until you have done 5 (6,7,8) decrease rows. Then stop decreasing and repeat R1 and R2 until you 108 (116, 124, 132) sts altogether.

If you want to make the hat bigger then repeat R5 and R6 a few more times, the decrease row will be obvious on the back of the hat and should reach to the rim. Once you have enough decreases, repeat R1 and R2 a few more times just to make it even. There really is nothing fixed when it comes to knitting this hat, try a few things out and see what happens!


Here you can see the decreases on the back of the hat

Now you can make the rim which is really easy, just alternate between P and K rounds, like you would with Stockinette stitch, this will make the garter stitch rim. Make it a decent size so it will stick to your head!

Once done, Cast off all the stitches (don't cast off the top of the hat just yet, we still have the ears to do!).

You can now make a cord to hold the hat on if you like. So along the cast off edge of the hat (by the corners) pick up three stitches. When you need to pick up stitches - don't worry - it's a lot easier that I first thought. Just put your needle underneath one of the knitted stitches on the edge and place it on the needle)

Now with your dpn you are essentially knitting in a round on one needle.
K the 3 sts, slide the stitches to the other end of the needle, take the yarn tail and knit the first stitch on the right - essentially draggin the yarn across as tight as possible. Do this every time and you will start to see the cord form. There's another video here since it helps to see it happen.

K it as long as you like then CO. Make another on the opposite corner and there you go.

When it comes to making the face, you can pretty much go crazy and sew on whatever facial expression totoro is feeling today!


Today Totoro is happy!

Now for the ears! I changed them from the orginal pattern so that they look more ear-like!
Now the top of the hat should still be open, that's perfect
Have the front of the hat facing you and on your right pick up 4(5, 6, 7) sts on the front. Then on the back edge pick up the same amount on another needle. We are going to knit in a round again!

For the RIGHT EAR Start at the back needle and K2 rounds
R1: *K1, M1, K to end of needle*, * repeat on second needle
R2: K

Repeat these rounds until you have 9 (10, 11, 12) sts, then you start to Dec

R3: *K to last 2 sts, K2tog*, * repeat on second needle
R4: K

Repeat until there are only 4sts. To CO using two needles, you hold them side by side and knit through both at the same time. Here's another helpful video to help you get the idea if I'm too confusing!

Now for the LEFT EAR you pick up the same amount of stitches in the same way and start from the back needle again and K2 rows

R1: *K to last sts, M1, K1*, * repeat on second needle
R2: K

Repeat these rows until you have 9 (10, 11, 12) sts

R3: *K2tog, K to end*, * repeat on second needle
R4: K

Continue until you have 4sts and bind off in the same way you did the right ear!

Tada, the ears are done. Now if you like you can try and close the seam for the top of the hat with the 3 needle bind off technique.
To do so you turn the hat inside out, pick up the stitches inbetween the ears and bind off!
If you want the ears to stand up a bit more, you can stuff some wadding or any leftover yarn inside, you can leave the bottom seam open too if you like

And that should be about it!

So I hope you like the hat, if you want me to make you one give me a buzz or if you're looking at the pattern and thinking it's not so scary then give it a go!!!

Also any feedback on the pattern would be great, let me know if I explained it ok or if you need any clarification!

xx