This pattern is knit from the top down, using paired increases and decreases to shape the stitches and create the design. In a self-striping yarn, the six increase sections look like the petals of a flower.

The name “Flower Hat” was already taken, so the pattern gets its name from the botanical word used to describe a six-petaled flower: hexamerous. And then I played a little with the spelling, because who doesn’t love a hexagon, and hex“amorous” sounded a little more fun.

The pattern has both charted and written instructions, as well as design notes to help you modify your project to suit your needs. Only one size is included, though I’ve found that this size is comfortable for most people. Notes are included about options for adjusting the size if necessary.

The total yardage for the hat is about 175 yards (two test knitters reported using less - about 160 yds). It can be worked all in one color, in stripes of many colors, or in a solid/variegated pair as shown. For the patterned crown and solid base, I used about 75 yards of patterned yarn and 100 yards of solid.

Point-to-point distances for pattern and test knit hats are given below. Gauge values are given in parentheses:
Pattern (4 x 4” 21 sts, 26 rows) - 12”
Test knitter 1 (4 x 3.75” 21 sts, 26 rows) - 11.75”
Test knitter 2 (4 x 4” 24 sts, 28 rows) - 10.5”
Test knitter 3 (4 x 4” 20 sts, 30 rows) - 14.5”