This hat pattern includes instructions for knitting and felting three different styles of bowler hats. The first pattern is a standard bowler with a round regular style brim which measures 1.5 inches and sits away from the hat .75 inches. The second pattern is a wider and higher brim bowler. The brim is approx. 2 inches and sits away from the hat 1.5 inches. It lends itself well to embellishments such as ribbons, brooches, and flowers. The third pattern is a semi-bowler which has a flat brim and a slightly turned up edge. Edge turn up is .5 inches and sits away from the hat 2.25 inches. It is a wonderful style for big bands of fabrics and bows. Information on felting and recommendations for yarns are included.

Please read through this pattern to become familiar with the pattern, types of yarn, and the felting process. The Notes and Felting Sections have information that is important to successfully knitting and felting hats.

Materials:
U. S. Size 11 24-inch circular needles and dpns
1 stitch marker
For standard bowler – a total of approximately 440 yards worsted weight
For both wide brim bowler hats – a total of approximately 525 yards worsted weight
Purchase yarn that is felt-able. Do not use super wash or washable wool. For this specific pattern, I recommend 100% wool and not a wool combination. When you knit your hat, you will hold two strands of yarn together.
Optional – Hat Shaper from Hatshapers.com or other form to shape your hat. I like the Medium Plus Plus and the Large Classic Dome for most of my hats.

If you would like to knit a felted hat using Lamb’s Pride worsted weight yarn, or a combination of wool and mohair, purchase my pattern specific to that yarn. That yarn felts entirely different from 100% wool and pattern adjustments are made to account for that difference.

Measurements: The hat is knitted in one size fits many teens/adults. The drying form that you use will determine the finished size of your hat.

Gauge: Purchase a yarn that gives a gauge on the wrapper of approximately 20 stitches and 26 rows to a 4 inch by 4 inch gauge when knitted with U.S. Size 7 needles. Your unfelted gauge with double strand on U.S. Size 11 should approximate 12-14 stitches to 4 inches. Since the hat will be felted to size, an approximation will work.