The Prickly Pear Hats are simple colorwork hats, knit in deep, saturated shades of beautiful Pishkun yarn. I always look at the array of colors Candice has and mentally pair different combos up when I see them, and these two colors just jumped out at me. Plus, you know how I feel about a soft, rustic Rambouillet. It may be one of my favorite fibers ever - it’s round and squishy, with enough memory for a great fit, plus it’s soft enough for next-to-skin wear.

I decided to design two hats that definitely go together, but don’t feel matched. The use of reverse colors, sharp angles in both chevrons and diamonds, and a liberal smattering of small dots keep these two designs feeling like cousins, but they are actually very different - and both are super quick and fun to make.

Pattern contains instructions for both hats.

Sizes will fit an older child to an adult. Notes on modifying hats for depth or width are included, and colorwork is charted in the pattern.

If substituting yarn, note that Pishkun is a heavy DK. You could use another heavy DK weight yarn or a light worsted weight yarn to get gauge. Choose colors that will allow the pattern to show up when knit, and make sure your fiber has enough memory for a well - fitting hat.