Mossy stones - that age-old symbol of the accretion of soft and beautiful layers of love and ties that blunt our sharp edges and give us purchase on the world. Knit one for a loved one to add to those layers!

A very quick and simple hat. The pattern is shaped with an easy technique of slipped stitches and caught strands that requires no special skills and creates a cable-like effect of arches. It has a cute chrysanthemum-shaped crown.

Pattern contains
Pattern is fully charted and written out.

Sizes
Choose a size approx. 5 cm (2 in) less than your actual head size for a snug fit.

Finished circumference
4 years- adult small 45cm/17 ¾ in
Adult M 50cm/19 ¾ in
Adult L 55cm/ 21 ¾ in

Needles:
5mm (US 8) for ribbing and 5.5 mm (US 9) circular needle or correct needle size to achieve gauge. You can use DPNS if you prefer. Pattern assumes magic loop, but you may substitute your preferred method for small circumference knitting when decreasing the crown.

Gauge:
20 stitches and 32 rows over 10cm/4 in over main slip stitch pattern.

Notions
tapestry needle to weave in ends.

Yarn and yardage
I used Rowan Lima in shade Titicaca: 84% Baby Alpaca, 8% Merino Wool, 8% Nylon. This is a very soft and mossy yarn and makes a hat so tactile you will hardly want to take it off. Yarns with more definition will make the pattern sing out (see the beautiful version by tester sandyvar)- take your choice! Note that Lima is sometimes listed in the UK as an aran rather than a worsted yarn. Testers did successfully knit aran yarn versions, but you are likely to want to knit a smaller size (or make a very firmly knit hat) unless you are using a yarn with a similarly soft and squashy fibre content. True worsted yarns will give you a more predictable result, particularly if using more bouncy yarn.

Yardage is for guidance only. Always allow some extra yarn.

4 years- adult S – 90m/95yds (1 50g ball)
Adult M – 100m/110 yds (1 50g ball)
Adult L – 115m/125yds (2 50g balls)