Through the use of clever short rows, this hat has its pompom on the back, rather than on top, which you have to admit is classier. Short rows are so called because you knit multiple rows on only a ‘short’ section of the main row. This gives extra depth to certain areas of your knit and not others. Horizontal bands are formed by alternating reverse stockinette and stockinette. It’s like it is ribbed sideways.

There are two size options to chose from:
Small/Medium (S/M) to fit head circumference 53cm/” to 55cm/”
Medium/Large (M/L) to fit head circumference 56cm/” to 58cm/”

Knitted in two colours of Owl, a heavy DK. You’ll need almost a full skein of your main colour and less than half for the top and pompom.

Its 1940s vibe is upped by an asymmetrical row of chain stitch (which can be worked with either a needle or crochet hook and has the added bonus of masking any short row hiccups). The name comes from the painter Millet (rather than the grain). The working women in his paintings often wear hats of a similar shape.

It’s an excellent project on which to try your hand at short rows. And for those who have it down pat: this little project will give you plenty of occasions to flex that muscle and perhaps try a new type.

Instructions are clearly written and have been fully tested and tech edited. They are laid out so that you can print page by page; only the parts you need. There are links out to useful information and tutorials.