Child/toddler hat pattern in reg. (4) yarn vs. (3) on pattern?

[cshellz58]

Hi...I am making up a few baby/toddler hats...one is a brimmed one not just a baby skull cap type.  The patterns calls for light weight (3) yarn....I have only (4) regular worsted weight.  One is white yarn that I have used for  a soft baby blanket...it feels soft and thin enough for a hat to me...

So, I am wondering if I need to adjust anything  because of the difference in yarn.  I am guessing I could just try one...but thought it better to ask before investing my time.  It does not seem like it should be much different....the photos don't look like it is baby or fingering yarns...(those aren't a 3 are they?).

 

Thanks for any help or suggestions....

[Gingerbread Girl]

The patterns you are using should list a gauge with them - you will need to do a gauge swatch with the yarn you want to use. You might need to adjust the hook size to match gauge. If your gauge is off, then the finished hats will not be the correct size. You really can't judge what a yarn is by the pictures - I've seen pictures of yarns I have in my stash that if I didn't have them, I'd think by the picture they were heavier or lighter than what they actually are. Pictures can be a little deceiving like that. 

[Granny Square]

I have seen US size 2 and 3 both called Baby and Sport weight by different brands, so ...

 

Your best bet would be to swatch the gauge as suggested above, but there's another thing that might work.

 

Is the brimmed hat the usual beanie style, but with a brim?  Starts from the top?  Below is a 'recipe' for making hats that fit, and a chart for head sizes.  You may end up with a different # of stitches if you follow the 'recipe', so you may have to fiddle with the brim part of the pattern.

 

http://www.crochetcabana.com/html/round_hat.html (scroll down to the discussion of circumference and diameter)

 

http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/size-chart.html

 

Here are some brimmed hats designed for US 4 weight for babies/children

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/search#craft=crochet&query=hat%20&weight=worsted&availability=free&fit=baby%2Bchild&view=captioned_thumbs&sort=best&pc=brimmed

[cshellz58]

Thanks so much for the information....I will do the swatch gauge and see. And the links to the other patterns are GREAT!!  Thanks to all for sharing....it's so nice to be able to come here to get some information.  

[greyhoundgrandma]

Thanks for the links! My hats are always too big, so hopefully I can adjust them now.