The Embossed Leaf hat is all about contrast - both color and texture. The hat starts with a 2-color cast on that’s been designed to provide some give, an important feature for hat brims. The color continues in the Showy Decreases. If you haven’t tried our Showy Decrease yet it’s a modification of the k2tog decrease that adds height and texture to stockinette. When knit in a contrasting color it really adds punch.

The Showy Decreases are also used in the crown shaping to create a decorative vaulted hat top that ends with a Double Decker hat top that adds real interest to the top of hats. Free tutorial downloads foe all new techniques are available on our web site. Best of all, they are all straight forward modifications of existing techniques and not overly complicated.

The pattern includes both written instructions and charts as well as links to additional online help including a free tutorial download and related blog posts. If you’d like to play around with some of these new techniques we’ve included three of our introductory patterns in a free Ravelry eBook. They’re a great way to get started. The Manchester Scarf with it’s k2tog and ssk decreases would be helpful.

More information on Gauge and Yarn

• Size is determined by gauge. There are 88 working stitches in the pattern.
• You will need about 20 yards of contrasting color yarn to knit cast on and leaves.
• Almost any smooth yarn will work, but you want one with some structure (merino, cotton blends) or some loft to highlight the raised design.

What’s different about this hat pattern?

• 2-Color Resilient Cast On
• Raised Showy Decreases in contrasting color
• Vaulted crown shaping
• Double Decker Hat Top

There’s more information available on the KnittingNuances.com web site where you can download free sample pages of the pattern and find links to our Photobucket site which has more detailed pictures of the project and skills used