The GAS (Get A Swirly!) Hat is the closest you can be to getting a Swirly without getting your hair wet! Solid vertical bands swirl with striped bands and meet at the top in this hat, which knits up quickly in bulky yarn, and is extra warm thanks to the slip stitch pattern. The beauty of slip stitch patterns is that, not only do they increase the thermal properties of the fabric, they also create color designs using only one color/yarn at a time on each row — there’s none of the fussiness of carrying two colors across a row, but all of the interest!

The pattern gives instructions for two different brim options: a Latvian Braid option in the Medium and Large sizes, and a 2x2 ribbing option in all sizes. There are links to a YouTube video and a photo tutorial for learning Latvian Braid, or try my BAG Hat pattern to learn by doing!

The GAS hat is very stretchy, and will fit a wide range of head sizes, from child to adult. It makes a very warm hat for charity giving, or for anyone needing a fun head topper in a cold climate!

You’ll need bulky yarn in one Main Color for the solid swirls, and in one Contrasting Color for the striped swirls, with more of the Main Color yarn than the Contrasting Color. The hat takes less than a (100g.) skein for the MC, and less than a (50g.) skein for the CC.

Alternate yarn weight information is available in the variations section.

This pattern has been graciously test knit by really awesome knitters, and has been benefited by the amazing design and layout skills of clairvoyance.