Nova hat
I’ve had this fun idea buzzing around in my head for some time: a hat pattern that works with any yarn and any size.

And guess what? It’s finally here!
Nova hat pattern, designed to be used with any yarn, any fit (beanie or slouchy look), and any size.

Before the start of knitting the actual hat, a swatch is required to ensure the best result. There is no need to meet any gauge because everything is customized based on the gauge from your swatch.

If you do not like math, an Excel spreadsheet calculation model is available on request that will do the job for you. Please PM your email address to me and I will email it to you.

Experienced knitters with sufficient knowledge of their gauge for chosen yarn and similar cable patterns, may skip the swatch part, but as you know, result may not be ideal :-).

The hat is knitted in the round, from the bottom to the top. Pattern contains directions and charts for the swatch, for the hat, and Excel calculation model.

Size:
Customized
Shown sample to fit head circumference of 53 cm / 21“

Yarn:
Shown in Malabrigo Yarn Mecha, yarn weight – bulky
1 skein = appx. 100 grams / 3.53 ounces, 119 meters / 130 yards

Required yardage varies a lot based on the chosen yarn thickness and the size of the hat, but in general, 70 -150 grams should be sufficient.

Gauge:
Sample: 10 cm / 4“: 20 stitches in cable pattern used for the body of the hat

Difficulty: Intermediate

Needles:
Smaller circular for the brim, 40 cm / 16“
2 - 4 sizes bigger circular for the hat body, 40 cm / 16“
For the crown shaping use DPNs, two circulars, or a magic loop technique

Sample:
Circular needle, size 5 mm / US8, 40 cm / 16“ for the brim
Circular needle, size 6 mm / US10, 40 cm / 16“ for the hat body

Notions
DPNs (if preferred)
Cable needle (optional)
Stitch markers
Tapestry needle

Knitting skills:
Knitting in the round from the bottom to the top, cast on, cables / crossed stitches, combination knitting – purls (link to video tutorial available in the pattern), knit & purl stitches, decreases