Click here for my blog post on this design.

Three different size hats can be knit using the same one set of instructions, simply by altering the gauge slightly:

I used Hegre for all 3 size hats. It’s a high-quality, soft, smooth wool which compresses nicely, yet stays even-looking with colorwork, even at denser gauges. The XL size was knit at its ballband gauge (4 sts/in), the avg adult size was compressed slightly (4.5 sts/in - see blue sample) and the youth size was compressed even more(5 sts/in - see olive sample).

One of the things I love about such organic, vine-like motifs is that the end-of-round nearly disappears. In the photo with the blue hat worn, and on the olive hat in the other photo, the end of the round is smack dab in the center back, yet in both cases, I think it’s barely perceptible. Do you get as much of a kick out these little things as I do?? Anyway, I hope you enjoy it, and never hesitate to contact me with any questions, either here in Ravelry, through my Two Strands group, or by emailing me directly, at mas “AT” kidsknits “DOT” com.

Happy knitting!