The Felt Tip Toque is a very simple to knit winter accessory that is felted to become extra warm. The felted fingering weight yarn creates a lightweight fabric that isn’t overly dense and is smooth with just a touch of structure. The brim can be folded up once, twice, or can be rolled.

SIZES
1 (2, 3)
To fit approx head circumference: 48-51 (53-56, 59-61) cm / 19-20 (21-22, 23-24)”

This hat has some stretch but very low elasticity and will mould to your head size after a few wears. It is best worn with negative ease or no ease for this reason.

The charcoal sample is shown in size 1 and worn with slight negative ease. The red sample is shown in size 2 with no ease.

Pre-Felted Size
Circumference: 58 (63, 66)cm / 23 (24¾, 26)”
Height (unfolded): 32.5 (33, 33.5)cm / 12¾ (13, 13¼)”

After-Felting Size (Finished Size)
Approx circumference: 51 (55, 58.5) cm / 20 (21½, 23)”
Approx height (unfolded): 27 (28, 28.5)cm / 10¾ (11, 11¼)”

Measurements can be adjusted by felting more or less!

RECOMMENDED YARN
Jamieson & Smith 2-ply Jumper Weight (fingering weight; 100% Shetland wool; 115m / 125 yds per 25g / 0.88oz)
3 (3, 3) balls

OR approx 240 (260, 275)m / 265 (285, 300)yds* of a similar fingering weight NON-SUPERWASH wool yarn

Yarn amounts include the yarn used for Felt Test swatch

Substitute Yarns
The best yarns for felting are those that are untreated 100% wool, or a blend of wool and other animal fibre such as alpaca, mohair, etc. It is imperative that your yarn choice is NON-SUPERWASH, not treated in other ways (starches, lighteners, etc.) and contains no synthetic fibres. I’ve also heard that wool that has been treated to be white does not felt well. Below is a list of some yarn substitution suggestions. Please note that I have not felt tested any of these, I’ve only just researched felted projects on Ravelry that used these yarns! All yarn felts differently, and results may vary if you substitute the yarn for this project.

Jamieson’s of Shetland Spindrift
Harrisville Shetland
Brooklyn Tweed Loft
Knit Picks Palette
Isager Yarn Tweed
Isager Highland Wool
Isager Tvinni
Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light
Drops Flora
Holst Garn Supersoft
Tukuwool Fingering
….and many more! Check out the project pages to see what test knitters used.

NEEDLES
Needle A: 3.5mm (US 4), 40cm / 16” circular needle for brim

Needle B: 3.75mm (US 5), 40cm / 16” circular needle for just above brim

Needle C: 4mm (US 6), 40cm / 16” circular needle for main body of toque AND DPNs or needles suitable for working small circumferences for crown shaping.

DPNs are recommended for I-cord tip, however a short circular needle can also be used

or needle size needed to obtain correct gauge

GAUGE (before felting)
22 stitches x 27 rows = 10cm / 4” on 4mm (US 6) needles in St st, blocked

Adjust needle size if needed to obtain correct gauge

NOTIONS
4 stitch markers (one different for BOR)
tapestry needle

FELTING TOOLS
Dish soap
Rubber gloves
Large bowl or pot
Measuring tape or ruler
Strainer (optional)
Access to hot water

NOTES
This toque is worked in the round from the bottom up on slightly larger than normal needles. The small “tip” at the centre of the crown is made using the I-cord technique. It can be left off if desired. This hat can be styled multiple in ways. The brim can be folded up once (red version) or twice (charcoal version) which is worn just above the ears.

The After-Felting measurements in this pattern are approximate and may vary depending on yarn choice and other factors. Measurements can be adjusted slightly by felting your hat more for a smaller size, or less for a larger size. A felted hat can be stretched and shaped slightly while still damp.

Changing the gauge of this pattern by adjusting the stitch tension or yarn thickness could result in a hat of unpleasant dimensions (ie. too wide and short, too long and narrow). However, small differences in gauge might be okay since you will be able to adjust the final size of your hat with felting and shaping. Please aim to get as close to the stated gauge as possible .

For this pattern I recommend felting by hand so that you have control over the finished size. I’ve made a short video tutorial with captions to quickly show the process of how to hand felt. Please give it a watch! Of course, you can felt this hat in your washing machine. Just be sure to check on it often so you don’t run the risk of over-felting, which is irreversible.

It’s very important to do a Felt Test with a swatch knitted in your yarn choice to ensure it felts well, and to give you an idea of what to expect when felting your final project. This swatch can also serve as your gauge swatch, so don’t skip it!

More info on hand-felting, doing a Felt Test, a video tutorial and a whole lot more about this pattern can be found on my website.

A Little Disclaimer Before You Begin (because I have to say it!) I have done my best to provide clear guidelines and tips for your success in this project. However, I cannot guarantee that you will achieve the same results as I did, as felting can be unpredictable sometimes. By choosing to use this pattern, you are responsible for the final end result. Please proceed with caution, with an open mind, and do a Felt Test before beginning. Thank you! - Kiyomi :)