Aleks is a two-color, fully reversible stranded colorwork hat pattern offered in 4 sizes from baby to adult L. A twisted rib brim leads into a colorwork section featuring twisted stitches and long floats to create the striking texture on the “wrong side”. The pattern includes detailed notes (including a video tutorial) on how to swatch to ensure you achieve the correct amount of ease for the long floats. The pattern is best suited to knitters with some colorwork experience (however one of my testers made this as her first colorwork project, so if you’re up to the challenge - go for it!). This is a great project to use up some precious leftover yarn from previous projects, as you can also easily use fingering weight held double rather than DK (as I did for the CC in the sample). The hat was designed and knit for my friend Aleksandr Tishkov - an artist, sculptor, and all-around fabulous person currently based in London and was inspired by his work, especially his last exhibition which I saw in London.

SIZES
1(2, 3, 4) - Baby, child/toddler, adult S, adult L
To fit head circumferences 33-38.5 (38-45.5, 45.5-53.5, 52-61.5) cm /13-15.25(15-18, 18-21, 20.5-24.25) in.
Negative ease: 1.5 cm / .5 in. per repeat = 7.5(9, 10, 12) cm / 3(3.5, 4, 4.75) in.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
(after blocking)
31(36.75, 43.25, 49.5) cm // 12.25(14.5, 17,19.5) in. unstretched circumference
22.75 (24.75, 27.25, 28.5) cm // 9(9.75, 10.75, 11.25) in. length with brim unfolded

YARN
— MC: 1 skein of The Little Grey Sheep British Stein Fine Wool DK (100% Pure Virgin Wool / DK weight / 250 m 274 yds per 100 g
— CC: 20 g - Sample uses La Bien Aimée x Mondim held double (100% Portuguese Wool / fingering weight / 385 m 421 yds per 100 g — a DK yarn held single will also work with this project - it’s a great change to use up leftovers!
Yarn Usage Estimates in grams: 40 (55, 70, 80 )g MC and 10 (18, 20, 23) g CC

NEEDLES & NOTIONS
— 3.25 mm // US 3 needles*
— 3.75 mm // US 5 needles*
Sizes 1-2 can use longer cable or DPN’s as preferred for the entire pattern
Sizes 3-4 can use 40 cm / 16 in. circular needles for the body and longer cable or DPN’s as preferred for the crown decreases
— Tapestry needle, stitch markers
or size needed to achieve stated gauge

GAUGE
29 sts x 33 rounds = 10 cm // 4 in. in 1x1 twisted rib on smaller needles
26 sts x 28 rounds = 10 cm // 4 in. in colorwork pattern on larger needles
25 sts x 30 rounds = 10 cm // 4 in. in stockinette stitch on larger needles
It is very important to check gauge to ensure a good fit!

This pattern has been test knit and professionally tech edited.

For pattern support please e-mail me at: sopranoknits@gmail.com