Cinch is a bulky weight hat that is a cinch to knit and comfortable to wear, with just the right amount of slouch. It combines an easy wrapped stitch with ribbing for a stylish, yet simple, effect which is maintained through the crown decreases. Shaping at the brow keeps the hat from sliding around and an optional double band makes it warm enough for the coldest winter day.

Level: Advanced beginner/intermediate

Skills required: Provisional cast-on (optional), long-tail cast-on, basic increases and decreases, short row shaping using German short rows (see Asa Tricosa’s excellent tutorial here.)

Instruction type: Fully written and charted

Yarn: This pattern requires bulky weight yarn, approximately 175 yards (160 m) if making the doubled band.

Size: 19 1/2”/50 cm circumference fits up to 25”/64 cm.

Many thanks to my testers for their feedback and my technical editor for all her suggestions.