Circular Knitting Machine Hood Pattern for Kids

Ever wanted to make something warm, practical, and absolutely adorable for your little one? This circular knitting machine hood pattern for kids might be just what you’re looking for! It’s the perfect mix of cozy and fun—ideal for chilly mornings, playful afternoons, and winter walks.

When I first made this project, I loved how quickly it came together on the circular knitting machine. With just a few panels, some seaming, and soft ribbing, you can create a comfy hood that keeps little heads warm while still letting them move freely. Whether you’re using a Sentro or Addi machine, this circular knitting machine hood pattern for kids is simple enough for beginners and satisfying for experienced knitters.

Materials You’ll Need to make a Circular Knitting Machine Hood Pattern for Kids

• Circular knitting machine (Sentro 40/48 or Addi KingSize)
• Soft worsted-weight and chenille or velvet yarn
• Tapestry needle
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Handmade tag (amazon)

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Step-by-Step: How to Make the Circular Knitting Machine Hood Pattern for Kids

Step 1: Knit the Panel

Cast on using panel mode and knit your desired number of rows (use the measurement formula below).
For a kid size 4-5 years old, I cast on 29 stitches on my circular knitting machine. Download the pattern here for other sizes!

Use your child’s head measurement as a guide. Measure from one shoulder, over the head, to the other shoulder, then multiply that number by 2 in cm to estimate the total rows needed. Here’s a general size guide:

• 6–12 months: 44 – 46 cm
• 18–24 months: 46 – 48 cm
• 2–3 years: 48 – 50 cm
• 4–5 years: 50 – 52 cm
• 6–8 years: 52 – 54 cm

Start and finish with your ribbing color yarn (Chenille yarn) and knit 10 rows at the beg and end of the panel. If you’d like the ribbing to be longer, simply add more rows, and make sure to repeat the same number on the other end.

Step 2: Remove Stitches Safely

Crank the machine without yarn and use a tapestry needle with a contrasting yarn to remove the stitches. Keep your working yarn attached for binding off later.

Step 3: Add Ribbing to the Circular Knitting Machine Hood Pattern for Kids

To create the ribbed effect, open every 2nd stitch for 9 rows and remake the stitch on the wrong side (WS) of the work to have a Knit st where you only had Purl stitches. As you remake the stitches, BO using a crochet hook and slip stitches to keep the edges neat.

Step 4: Assemble the Hood

Fold the knitted panel in half and align the edges neatly. Seam the back completely using a mattress stitch. On the front, seam only the bottom ribbing section—this leaves the face opening of the hood free.

Step 5: Finishing Touches to the Circular Knitting Machine Hood Pattern for Kids

Pick up 3 st(s) and skip one row with a circular knitting needle, on the front to CO for the ribbing. Work 1×1 ribbing by K 1 st, P 1 st on the wrong side. Turn the work and repeat this row 7 times.

BO the stitches on the RS of the work. To BO in knitting, knit the first 2 st(s), lift the 1st st over the 2nd and off the needle, continue knitting 1 st and passing the previous st over until 1 st remains, then cut the yarn and pull it through to secure. Fold the ribbing to the inside and seam it with the same tail end. Add the I cord inside as you seam it.

Bind off your edges neatly and weave in all loose ends. Optionally, add a pom-pom or decorative trim to make it extra cute!

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Tips for the Perfect Fit

• Try the piece on your child before seaming to adjust the opening size.
• Choose a yarn that’s soft and machine washable for easy care.

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Why You’ll Love This Project

This hood is the perfect quick make. Simple, practical, and super cute. It’s ideal for gifts, craft fairs, or cozy weekend projects. Once you make one, you’ll probably want to make a few more in different colors!

And the best part? You can customize it easily, add stripes, a pom-pom, or even a matching pair of mittens.

Watch the Video tutorial

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Conclusion and Closing Thoughts

Creating this circular knitting machine hood pattern for kids is such a rewarding project. It combines the warmth of handmade knitting with the efficiency of your machine, making it easy to create something beautiful and functional in no time. Whether you’re making it for your own child or as a handmade gift, this cozy hood will be a winter favorite.

Ready to get started? Grab your circular knitting machine and let’s make something adorable and warm together.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make a hood on a circular knitting machine?

To make a hood, knit a long rectangular panel in flat (panel) mode. Fold it in half, seam the back closed with a mattress stitch, and seam just the bottom front ribbing area—leaving the face opening unseamed. This creates the hood shape naturally.

What size should I make the Circular Knitting Machine Hood Pattern for Kids?

Use your child’s head measurement as a guide. Measure from one shoulder, over the head, to the other shoulder, then multiply that number by 2 in centimeters to estimate the total rows needed. Here’s a general size guide:

• 6–12 months: 44–46 cm
• 18–24 months: 46–48 cm
• 2–3 years: 48–50 cm
• 4–5 years: 50–52 cm
• 6–8 years: 52–54 cm

What yarn is best for a kids’ hood or balaclava?

Soft, non-itchy yarns are key! Acrylic, chenille, or soft wool blends work beautifully. I used chenille for the ribbing to add texture and comfort.

Can I make a kids balaclava with a Sentro or Addi machine?

Yes! Both the Sentro 48 and Addi KingSize (46 needles) work perfectly for this project. Just make sure to use the panel mode so you can shape the hood easily later.

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We hope this article was useful for you! If you have any additional questions, feel free to join my Facebook Group. We created this group for you to share pictures, ask questions, and help each other out.

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