As of January 1, 2023, this pattern is no longer available. Pattern support is available by email, and full pattern information is still available both here and via the link provided. For another hat pattern in many sizes that is good for wild yarns, check out the Whitewater Rapids Toque!

The Concertina Hat is inspired by Chrysopelea paradisi, the Paradise Tree Snake. One of a small group of snakes from Southeast Asia that can “fly”, it climbs trees and then leaps from branches to glide away. Concertina is the method of movement snakes use to climb a vertical surface; they form tight curves in their bodies to build energy before springing upward to gain height.

Pattern Description

Don’t panic about purling - this reverse-stockinette hat is 95% knit stitches because it’s worked inside out! It uses short row sections of variable heights to create a distorted line of stitches through the middle of the hat. This also pools and shifts the colours of variegated yarn around so that they create unique patterns. Meant to be snugly fit, this hat is available in six sizes from toddler to adult and it features a decorative reverse-garter-rib cuff.

This pattern requires the knitter to be able to knit in the round (both on circular needles and double-pointed needles) and clearly explains all techniques required, including German short rows. Within the pattern you will find links to useful video tutorials as well, so the pattern is accessible to an intermediate knitter.

Yarn Requirements and Sizing

Sizes available: Toddler (Child Small, Child Large, Preteen/Adult Small, Adult Medium, Adult Large), for approximate head circumferences of 44 (47, 50, 53, 56, 59) cm / 17.5 (18.5, 19.75, 21, 22, 23.25) inches (each size fits up to a 4 cm / 1.5 inch range).

The hat requires approximately 110 (120, 130, 140, 160, 180) m / 120, (130, 145, 155, 175, 195) yards of heavy DK or light worsted weight yarn (190 to 220 m / 210 to 240 yards per 100g).

This pattern is designed to accentuate variegated yarns that pool as well as self-striping yarns. The serpentine effect may be more difficult to see in a solid or randomly-speckled colourway. However, the short rows always provide a three-dimensional effect, and it is possible to do the wavy middle section in a solid contrast colour to highlight it against a background of any type of colour, if desired.