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Bottlebrush trees are very common in Florida yards. They produce beautiful clusters of red flowers that are attractive to both hummingbirds and butterflies. They are named for the flower’s resemblance to the brushes that are used to clean bottles and other narrow containers.

Once flowers finish blooming, they become groups of seed pods that have a button-like appearance and cluster around the stem as the flowers once did. It is these seed pods and the gnarled texture of the bark that were the inspiration for this hat. The name Callistemon comes from the genus name of these lovely and unique trees.

The texture of the bark is mirrored in the small cables and directional columns of eyelets in the lace are reminiscent of the seed pods that appear in rows. The repeats are easy to remember making it suitable for an adventurous beginner, but the twists and turns will keep seasoned knitters interested.

Yarn Used:

Malabrigo Rios (100% Superwash Merino, 210 yds / 192 m, 3.5 oz / 100g skein); 1 skein
The sample used the color Apple Green.

Yardage:

Medium; 152 – 188 yds / 198 – 171m
Large; 170 – 210 yds / 155.5 – 192m

Yardage estimates include 10% +/- those used in sample.

Needles:

US 6 (4.0mm) circular, 16” (41 cm)
US 8 (5.0mm) circular, 16” (41 cm)
US 8 (5.0mm) set of dpn’s

Size:

Medium (18”/ 45.5cm), Large (21” / 53cm)
There is a negative ease of 2-3” (5-7.5cm).

Special Techniques:

Knitting in the round
Increases using kfb and yo
Decreases using k2tog and ssk
Cables using cable needle

Final Measurements:

Circumference of hat: 18 (21)”/ 45.5 (53) cm after blocking
Height of hat: 11.25 (11.75)” / 28.5 (30) cm after blocking

The pattern has been professionally tech edited.

Thanks to my fabulous test knitters who did an absolutely fabulous job!

WoolyhookerNL
SpunbyRJ
MonsterrMashh
MissyRuth
ckcrochicknitter
debip
ladydoc442
eyenowhour