I was inspired by traditional Swedish Bohus stranded knitting for this and wanted the brim to be something different than the usual rib.  I was led to the Latvian Braid through various Google image searches and found myself learning this new and fun technique, which I quickly decided would be the main feature of the hat.

After the braid is complete the hat knits up reasonably quickly in the round on 3.5mm needles and the pattern is fun to follow.  Milla Mia Naturally Soft Merino works so well in Fair Isle, not only is it soft and nice to knit with, the stitches are well defined and it doesn’t seem to pill too quickly.

SIZES
To Fit Head Circumference
Age 2-10 (Adult S: Adult M: Adult L)
50 (54.5: 58: 61)cm
19.75 (21.5: 22.75: 24)in

Actual Hat Circumference at Braid
44.5 (49: 51.5: 56)cm
17.75 (19.5: 20.25: 22)in

Actual Hat Circumference Colourwork Section
46.5 (51: 53.5: 58.5)cm
18.25 (20: 21: 23)in

Length Crown to Hem
23 (29: 29: 34.5)cm
9 (11.5: 11.5: 13.5)in

YARN
Sample uses
Milla Mia Naturally Soft Merino (DK weight: 100% extra fine merino, 50g/125m/137yds)
1 (2: 2: 2) balls of Putty Grey (121)
1 (2: 2: 2) balls of Cobalt (180)
1 (1: 1: 1) ball of Storm (102)
1 (1: 1: 1) ball of Lime (181)
For stockists contact: LoveCrafts 01409 404 010 www.lovecrafts.com

NEEDLES
A set of 3.5mm (UK 10-9/US 4) double pointed needles (DPNs) or a circular needle, 40cm long
NOTIONS
Stitch marker

TENSION
25 sts and 32 rounds to 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt using 3.5mm (UK 10-9/US 4) needles
26 sts to 10cm (4in) over braid pattern using 3.5mm (UK 10-9/ US 4) needles