This is the first in a series of hats designed during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020.

The complete series includes one hat in each colour of the rainbow, a symbol representing hope during a dark time in our lives, made bearable by the spirit of resilience and fellow feeling of family, friends, neighbours and complete strangers.

Knit in cotton DK yarn, this hat is quite straightforward and suitable for a confident beginner. It includes instructions for alternative flowers.

It is available in 5 sizes: baby, toddler, child, average adult, large adult.
To fit a head circumference of approx:
16”( 18”, 20”, 22”, 24”);
40 (45, 50, 56, 61)cm

Note on sizing
Most knitted hats are smaller in circumference than the actual head size (negative ease), because of the stretch in wool and to give a snug fit. This hat is cotton, so less stretch than wool, and sun hats do not usually fit so snugly. Hence the finished sizes are larger than in most hat patterns and have very little negative ease.

It is important to check your tension

Tension
4” (10cm) = 22st and 28 rows in stocking stitch on 4mm needles.
4” (10cm) = 22st and 28 rows in staggered rib on 3.75mm needles.

Materials
1(2, 2, 2, 2, 3) 50g balls DROPS Cotton Light DK yarn. Scraps of contrasting colour for flowers.
3.75mm short circular needle for main body of hat.
4mm short circular needle for brim
3.75mm double pointed needles (dpns)
1 stitch marker
Darning needle