About:

I designed this hat for my sister-in-law, but have loved each one I’ve knit so much that not one has managed to make it out of my house. For me, the perfect gift knit offers just enough challenge, a quick work up, and the opportunity to stack on an enormous plush pom.

With a fit like a very relaxed beanie, this hat offers just the right amount of slouch on which to pillow a big pom (if that’s your style), and a nice snug brim to keep it on your head, out of your eyes, and fitting well for many seasons. A tubular cast on keeps that brim nice and stretchy and creates an elevated rolled hem look.

This pattern is adaptable to various skill levels (modifications for the cast on and the colorwork are noted below) and the bold pattern showcases rich colors and yarns with crisp textures. Hat is knit from the bottom up and increases are worked after ribbing before beginning the colorwork. Symmetrical decreases make up the crown.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Skills Required/Techniques Used:
-Knit & purl
-increasing and decreasing stitches
-Tubular cast on (modification - long tail cast-on and 2 x 2 rib)
-Stranded color work with up to 3 colors in one row (modification: use one contrast color)
-Making poms (optional)

Materials
Yarn:
Knitted Wit DK
100% Superwash Merino; 280 yards per 4 oz skein
C1: Madge 45 (50, 55) yards
C2: Dusty Rose 60 (75, 85) yards

Indiecita DK 100% Luxurious Baby Alpaca Yarn
100% Alpaca; 122 yards per 1.76 oz skein
C3: Ivory 45 (50, 55) yards

Sueno DK by Hikoo
80% Merino and 20% Rayon from Bamboo; 255 yards per 3.53 oz skein
C4: Caramel 15 (15, 15) yards

Needles:
Size 5 US circular needles, 16” - or needed to achieve gauge
Size 5 US double pointed needles (or use magic loop) - or needed to achieve gauge
Size 3 US circular needles, or 2 sizes smaller than size needed to achieve gauge

Notions:
1 Stitch marker in color A, 5 stitch markers in color B
Darning needle for finishing
Purchased pom or pom maker and additional yarn, if desired

Size Information
Gauge: 27 stitches and 26 rows over 4” square - in pattern, in the round, after blocking

Size: Small (medium, large)
To fit head circumference: 18.5-20 (20-22, 22-24)
Finished measurement around body of hat: 17(18.75”, 20.5”)
(body of hat has negative ease of roughly 2”)