Hunterdon County is the home of the NJ Sheep and Fiber Festival which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Held in simple open barns among green pastures and hills, the show combines the charms of enthusiastic 4-H kids, heritage sheep breeds, and rows of vendors selling beautiful handmade products.

The Hunterdon Hat pattern offers sizes from baby to adult, and all sizes (but the very largest) use just one skein of the new, super-soft Gusto base from Marianated Yarns. A fluffy pom-pom is the perfect topper!

This pattern contains both fully charted and written instructions.

Recommended Yarn:
Marianated Yarns Gusto — 100% superwash merino — 109 yds (100 m) to 100 g per skein. Shown in size L on adult head (colorway Hunterdon), in size S on child head (colorway Indigo Bunting), and in size XS on baby head (colorway Cassiopeia). Yardage estimates include a 10% cushion for gauge differences.

Yardage per size —
XS: 55 yds (50 m)
S: 75 yds (69 m)
M: 90 yds (82 m)
L: 105 yds (96 m)
XL: 125 yds (114 m)

Sizing (unstretched):

XS (3-6 month-old baby): 11” (28 cm) around and 6.25” (16 cm) high, to fit head sizes 16-17” (41-43 cm).

S (4-6 year-old child): 13” (33 cm) around and 7.5” (19 cm) high, to fit head sizes 18-19” (46-48 cm).

M (older child/teen/adult): 15” (38 cm) around and 8.5” (22 cm) high, to fit head sizes 20-21” (51-53 cm).

L (teen/adult): 17” (43 cm) around and 8.5” (22 cm) high, to fit head sizes 22-23” (56-58 cm).

XL (adult): 19” (48 cm) around and 9.5” (24 cm) high, to fit head sizes 24-25” (61-64 cm).

Size is best chosen based on head circumference as height of hat can be easily adjusted for fit.

Gauge:
17 sts and 22 rows over 4” (10 cm) in Main Body Repeat, worked in the round and blocked.

PLEASE NOTE: Samples were worked with US 9 (5.5 mm) and US 10 (6 mm) needles, but as I tend to knit fairly tightly, I’ve listed needles one size smaller. Changes in gauge will affect finished size, look of motifs, and amount of yarn used. To meet given dimensions and ensure enough yarn, use needle size that gives gauge.

Needles:
Larger sizes use US 8 (5 mm) and US 9 (5.5 mm) circular needles in 16” (40 cm) length, plus US 9 (5.5 mm) DPNs for crown. Smaller sizes can be done with DPNs in these sizes or with longer circular needles for Magic Loop. Sharp needle tips are recommended for working double decreases.

Other Materials:
Stitch marker, tapestry needle, optional pom-pom.

Many thanks to Marianated Yarns for her support! This pattern was professionally tech edited by the excellent Lisa Beth Houchins (Meanest Mommy Knits).