Any suggestions for measuring for a hat?

[chenille4]

Hey all,

I've had terrible luck with hats in the past, but I want to try again.

 

The last time I tried, it wouldn't fit anyone cause it was too small, but I'm afraid of making it too loose to actually keep me warm. (oh, I'm talking about a winter cap)

 

So my question of you is twofold...

 

-I measured around my head from the neck to the forehead. Is this the right way to measure?

 

-And, is it better to err on the side of snugness or baginess?

 

Oh, and any other advice wouldn't go unwanted, unloved, and homeless either.

 

Thanks!

[darski]

This site will tell you what circumference you will get with whatever diameter you have in the circle you are making.

 

http://illuminations.nctm.org/ActivityDetail.aspx?ID=87

 

it is a simple math function of pi but it is just a quick check on how big your hat will be before you allow for the variance of the yarn and the crocheter.

 

I think about one half inch of negative ease is good for a well-fitted hat that will stay on and not bind.