HAYMAKER HAT:
This hat is designed to be a functional and simple way to learn and enjoy basic Brioche Knitting. Most English style knitters have trouble with Brioche, as instructions are more conducive to Continental knitters. The hat is named after a local eatery that makes amazing BRIOCHE baked goods.

YARN:
This Brioche Hat is designed to be knit in BULKY weight yarn. I have used a lighter weight, yet still BULKY, Chainette yarn for one version, a nylon tube form, brown with fiber for a second, I have also used a more traditional BULKY. This pattern should universally work for BULKY yarn. If you are substituting a yarn, be mindful of the RIBBING size, as the BRIOCHE gauge is often much different. The ribbing will impact the fit the most, the brioche should be loose and easy in fit. The yarns I used ARE a little different in “weight” (yards to grams).
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NEEDLES & GAUGE:
US 9.0’s/5.5mm rounds or dpn’s. I like using rounds with longer cables, employing magic loop. GAUGE uses US 9’s/5.5mm, before BLOCKING.

RIBBED GAUGE 17 sts to 4” and 24 Row PAIRS to 4”
BRIOCHE GAUGE 15 sts to 4” and 18 Row PAIRS to 4”

SIZES: This hat is knit primarily in BRIOCHE. The hat ribbing & brioche will look small yet stretch a lot; lots of negative ease.

The hat has a lot of discretion in fit. You can wear it larger and looser, or tighter and more fitted. When using a heavier yarn (more grams, less yardage), you need to be mindful of the hats weight and it pulling off the back of your head or falling into your eyes. If using a lighter (more yardage, less grams) the hat can easily be made taller, but not be as heavy. The height of the original (9” high) can easily be worn pretty large, but still fit a smaller head by pushing it back for more of a slouchy look.

Approximate Circumference
XS: 14.5”, S: 16.5”, M: 19”, L: 21”, XL: 23.5”
(hats will have a LOT of stretch)

Height of all hats 9”. (or your choice, if you extend the hat)

The height can easily be extended by increasing the rows of RIB at the beginning or the number of BRIOCHE rows before decreasing. Considering that a very loose fit and more height can cause a hat to either fall into your eyes or off the back of your head.

NOTIONS:
Stitch Markers (less than 20) to mark the beginning of the round (BOR) and to assist in the decrease section. Scissors for snipping yarn. A yarn sewing needle for tucking end.

SIMPLE, introduction to Brioche in a QUICK KNIT hat (or cowl). Perfect for an introductory class on a technique many find confusing and intimidating. This is aimed at English/American knitters, such as myself. The pattern will be different than some videos and some other patterns. The goal here is to help you find success in understanding how the technique works. Once you have mastered the basics, using any pattern should work, as you will have some experience with the technique. Although the pattern works best for English style knitters, Continental knitters can use it too.

Please review all pages of the pattern to see what is offered here. There are more in-depth, teaching instructions and more bare bones, simplified instructions. You will see which appeals to you and how you think!

This piece is knit in BULKY weight yarn. This weight of yarn has some variance in weights and yardage per skein. The Brioche hat is fairly forgiving with its negative ease. So, you may have some trouble achieving gauge is substituting yarns. I would not fret but consider (based on your gauge) if you want your hat to be tighter or looser. I often charge ahead with a project without checking gauge. Risking pulling out my start to adjust needles. This will also make sure your gauge is true to the project as well. Gauges in different stitches, or in the round, or flat can be different.

“TAKUMI” HAT – Size MEDIUM – Yarns, Lana Grossa, Chainette
KNIT Color: Lana Grossa, Alta Moda Cashmere 16, 78% Wool, 12% Cashmere, 10% Nylon – CHAINETTE constructioncolor “#11, Dark Navy” 50g – 120 yds ~ HAT 38g / 90 yards
PURL Color: Lana Grossa, Alta Moda Cashmere 16, 78% Wool, 12% Cashmere, 10% Nylon – CHAINETTE construction color “#10, Dark Red” 50g – 120 yds ~ HAT 33g / 78 yards

“CLOUD - RAINBOW” HAT – Size MEDIUM – Lang Yarns, worked from BOTH ends of HANK
KNIT Color: Lang Yarns, CLOUD, 90% Merino, 10% Nylon – NYLON TUBE, blown / filled with fiber color “#8, BRIGHT” 100g – 284 yds ~ HAT 49g / 170 yards
PURL Color: Working from the SECOND end of the yarn above to create a 2-color look in this ‘striped’ yarn.

“EMILY” BERET – Size LARGE – Lang Yarns, worked from BOTH ends of HANK
KNIT Color: Knit Picks, SWISH BULKY, 100% SW Merino – Standard Spun & Plied yarn color “Rainforest Heather” 100g – 137 yds ~ HAT 55g / 76 yards
PURL Color: Knit Picks, SWISH BULKY, 100% SW Merino – Standard Spun & Plied yarn color “Estuary Heather” 100g – 137 yds ~ HAT 60g / 83 yards