PONYTAIL CAP

Thanks to Caterina for testing this pattern. She tested it about two years ago, not sure why I never got around to posting it.

SIZES: Child=16 inch {Youth=19 inch} [Adult=21 inch]

MATERIALS:
Worsted Weight yarn, approximately 2.5 ounces
H (5.0 mm) crochet hook
Small No Damage ponytail elastic, approximately 1.25 inch in diameter
Tapestry needle

NOTES:
1. Read instructions all the way though before beginning.
2. Ch 2 at beginning of round does NOT count as a dc.
3. Pull the joining slipstitches tight.
4. Don’t worry about the 18 sc not covering the hair elastic tightly. When you add the top knot it won’t show.

INSTRUCTIONS:
Round 1: 18 sc around elastic. Join in back loop of first sc with a slipstitch. (18 sts)

Round 2: Working in back loop only for this round, ch 2, 2 dc in same space as join. *Dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st. Repeat from * around. End with dc in last 2 sts. Join with a slipstitch in top of first dc. (24 sts)

Round 3: Ch 2, 2 dc in same st as join. *Dc in next st, 2 dc in next st. Repeat from * around. End with dc in last st. Join with a slipstitch in top of first dc. (36 sts)

Round 4: Ch 2, 2 dc in same st as join. *Dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st. Repeat from * around. End with dc in last 2 sts. Join with a slipstitch in top of first dc. (48 sts)

Round 5: Ch 2, 2 dc in same st as join. *Dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st. Repeat from * around. End with dc in last 3 sts. Join with a slipstitch in top of first dc. (60 sts)

For child’s size skip to rounds 6-10, working on 60 stitches.

Round {6} Youth only: Ch 2, 2 dc in same st as join. *Dc in next 9 sts, 2 dc in next st. Repeat from * around. End with dc in last 9 sts. Join with a slipstitch in top of first dc. {66}

Round [6] Adult only: Ch 2, 2 dc in same st as join, (dc in next 4 sts, 2 dc in next st) repeat around, join with a slipstitch in top of first dc. [72]

Rounds 6-10 {7-11} [7-11]: Ch 2, dc in same st as join, dc in each st around. Join with a slipstitch in top of first dc. 60 {66} [72]

CUFF:
Round 11 {12} [12]: Ch 1, sc in the front loop of each st around. Join with a slipstitch in top of first sc. 60 {66} [72]

Rounds 12-14 {13-15} [13-16]: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with a slipstitch in top of first sc. 60 {66} [72]

Optional edging:

Round 14 {15} [16]: Ch 1, reverse sc in each sc (be sure to skip the stitch made by the slip stitch). Do not join, you will have a nearly invisible join if you fasten off and weave in end.

Top Knot: Attach yarn in any unworked loop of round one. (Ch 10, slipstitch in same st) 3 times. *Slipstitch in next st, (Ch 10 slipstitch in same st) 3 times. Repeat from * around, having 3 chain 10 loops and 4 slipstitches in each stitch.

Cuff may be worn up or down.

This cap is the version Chris M made, see her comments below.