“My deer hat…” is worked in the double-knitting technique, which, while not hard to do, is done in a sufficiently painstaking process and requires absolute attention and focus! The formula is very easy: read instructions carefully, and immediately do what you’ve just read! For ease of comprehension, pattern instructions are accompanied by two helpful videos, the first one explaining the method of alternating two yarns, how to keep correct tension and how to apply these principles during the actual knitting process, while the second video shows the decrease methods used for this project.

Finished size: one, to fit a head circumference from 54 to 58 сm [21.3 to 22.9 in]. The hat will fit differently for different head circumferences. Using thinner (thicker) yarn will create a smaller (larger) hat. The pattern contains 2 length options for the hat – long version with 24 сm [9.5 in] and regular length with 20 cm [7.9 in].
Yarn:
• CASAGRANDE classic 125 m/50 g [137 yds / 1.75 oz], 100% merino wool – 2 skeins in main color (facing color used for outside layer of hat), 1 skein for embellishments and pompom;
• CASAGRANDE angora 125 m/25 g [137 yds / 0.9 oz], 70% angora, 10% merino wool, 20% polyester – 2 skeins (reverse or back color used for inside layer of hat).

Yarn recommendations: use any merino wool yarn with comparable yardage. If you are knitting loosely, or to make a finished size for a head circumference smaller than 54 cm [21.3 in] – don’t hesitate to use a thinner yarn (with a smaller yarn weight = more yardage per the same length) and a smaller needle size. Fluffy angora is not recommended for this hat – it will drown out the lovely motifs! The best yarn combination would be one slightly thicker yarn, the other slightly thinner (with a smaller yarn weight). Using two yarns of 125 m/50 g [137 yds / 1.75 oz] for both layers of the hat will result in an overall thicker hat.

Needles:
• 3.25 mm [US 3] – 2 circular needles, 40 cm [16 in] long; for the ribbing (the second needle is needed for the inside layer of the ribbing; while working this layer, the outside layer of ribbing can be parked on thinner needles);
• 3.5 mm [US 4] – 1 circular needle, 40 cm [16 in] long;
• 3.5 mm [US 4] – for crown decreases: either a DPN set, or circular with a cord length of 100 cm [40 in] for magic loop.

Adapt the needle size if needed to match the required gauge. If you are a loose knitter, use the same needle size for the ribbing and the main part of the hat.

Additional notions needed:
• stitch marker (at least 1 for BoR, 5 more to divide colorwork motifs – optional);
• (1) double-pointed needle as auxiliary needle;
• spare needle;
• tapestry needle for weaving in ends;
• pompom maker;
• scissors.

Gauge: 25 sts х 35 rows/rounds = 10 х 10 сm [4 x 4 in] in stockinette on US 4 [3.5 mm] needles.
Gauge in the actual hat varies from 23 sts to 24 sts х 33 rows/rounds = 10 х 10 сm [4 x 4 in] on US 4 [3.5 mm] needles.

The gauge swatch is worked in stockinette stitch. It should turn out rather tight. Knitting the actual hat in the double-knitting technique with the same needle size will produce a looser fabric than the sample.