What woolly hat would Jane Austen’s Emma Woodhouse wear?, I wondered anachronistically (being someone given to thinking about both literature and things knitterly). Obviously, it would be of a luxury yarn; and obviously, it would be decided stylish yet understated. She would also, of course, demand crown decreases that were something a bit special (do check out the delightful little vortex effect I’ve given this one - I’m now wondering if Emma has climbed aboard the Tardis, and that explains the anachronism…).

I give you the result of my ponderings: the Highbury hat!

This is one of those designs that looks far more complicated to achieve than it actually is. The detail is created purely from slipping stitches - and it is a very simple repetitive stitch pattern at that!

Designed to be worn slouchy with the brim turned down or as a beanie with it turned back.

Pattern contains
Pattern is fully written out and charted. Links to tutorials for suggested cast on.

Sizes
Sizes are finished garment:

Choose a size approx. 7-10 cm (3 ½ -4 in) less than your actual head size for a snug fit or 3-5cm/1 ¼ -2in less for more relaxed slouchy fit (work the length of the next size up if choosing the greater amount of ease) Shown modelled with 5cm/2 in of negative ease in the adult M on a 53cm/20 ¾ in head.

Finished sizes:
18 mo-4 years: 40cm/15.75 in circ. and 20cm/ 8 in tall
Age 4-adult S: 44cm/ 17 ¼ and 24cm/9 ¼ tall
Adult M: 48cm/19in and 25.5cm/10in tall
Adult L: 52 cm/20 ½ in and 26cm/10 ¼ tall

Needles:

4.5mm-5mm (US 6-8) needle or correct needle size to achieve gauge. Bear in mind that you may need different needles for stockinette and slipped st sections (I didn’t, but this will depend on your individual gauge)

Gauge:
20 stitches and 36 rows over 10cm/4 in over slipped stitch pattern AND 20 sts over stockinette (change needles if necessary). You’ll note this is a tight gauge for an aran yarn; but this very soft yarn is easily knit at this gauge - a worsted or DK yarn may be a possibility at the same gauge.

Skills assumed:
Knitting in the round
Decreasing
Slipping stitches

Notions
• Stitch markers
• Tapestry needle

Yarn and yardage
Luxury Alpaca Superfine Aran by Rico Designs in 003 (light grey) for the main yarn and 004 (dark grey) for the contrast yarn.

18 mo-4 years: 47m/51 yds of main yarn and 10m/11yds of contrast
Age 4-adult S: 61m/66yds of main yarn and 13m/14yds of contrast
Adult M: 71m/77yds of main yarn and 15m/16yds of contrast yarn
Adult L: 78m/85yds of main yarn and 16m/18yds of contrast yarn