This pattern is for any weight yarn! Custom Tritops is a pattern set for any-gauge, custom fitting hats — you choose yarn, brim width, style, and one of three different tri-themed crown designs, each with a garter stitch element, tying it together with the sideways garter stitch brim.

The brim is made using a sideways edge cast-on (which I blogged about here), using increases and basic short rows (no wraps) to leave stitches along the edge of the garter stitch brim, avoiding any later picking up of stitches or seaming. A provisional cast-on and grafting are used on the brim for a seamless join.

Custom sizing can be achieved by either trying the brim on around your head as you work, or by measuring and calculating the perfect stitch number for a custom fit (instructions are broken down into a few simple steps).

The PDF includes photo tutorials for grafting and the provisional cast-on, photo details about the sideways edge cast-on technique, all the info you need about the different styles and custom options.

Note: This PDF had a huge update in 2020, with lots of editing/rewriting/improvements to usability.

Size: completely custom fit to any size; pdf includes a list of standard head sizes, to use for gift knitting

Yarn: enough yarn of any weight for a hat; yardage depends on gauge and style; for most weights/yarns/styles, one skein should probably be enough

Needles: sized to match yarn, to get a fabric you like
- your choice of needles for knitting a hat in the round (16” circulars plus DPNs or longer for magic loop, etc)
- optional: long circulars, 32” or longer, for the brim, to be able to measure the fit around your head
- 2 double pointed needles (slightly smaller size is fine)

Gauge notes: This pattern is for any gauge and it’s sized to fit as you make it. You may check to see if you like the fabric you’re getting as you begin the brim, treating it like a gauge swatch; just start over with larger or smaller needles if you’re not happy with it. Keep in mind, the brim is in garter stitch, worked flat, and the body is in stockinette, in the round, so if you know your knitting tension varies between those two patterns you may want to change needle sizes for the body.

Techniques used/learned: crochet provisional cast-on (photo tutorial included), grafting garter stitch (photo tutorial included), basic short rows (no wrapping) for the sideways edge construction (photo help included), knitting in the round.