This pattern includes a second PDF version that is formatted for knitters with low vision. It has black text, size 22 or larger text in a sans serif font, no italics, no columns, and fully-written directions. The chart is still included but is not needed to work the pattern. Many thanks to Gemma Thompson (gemmabelle here on Rav) and the Accessible Patterns group for their guidance in formatting patterns in a more accessible way.

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The Santa Barbara Hat is named for Santa Barbara Island, part of the Channel Islands National Park just off the coast of my hometown in California. It’s the smallest of the Channel Islands, windswept and a bit isolated. For large parts of the year, if you visit, you’ll want a good hat to keep cozy—so this hat has you covered!

This hat comes in four sizes and is knit from the brim up to the crown. The columns of twisted stitches add visual interest and make it a little more engaging than a plain stockinette hat, but the detail is simple enough that this hat is suitable for newer knitters or as a relaxing evening knit for more experienced knitters.

SIZES

S, M, L, XL

Finished hat circumference: 16.5 (18.25, 20, 21.5) in / 42 (46.5, 51, 54.5) cm
(Note: most people like their hats snug, so if that’s what you’re looking for, choose a finished hat size that is somewhat smaller than your actual head.)

MATERIALS

DK weight yarn, 140 (165, 190, 215) yds / 128 (151, 174, 197) m

Sample shown knit in Kettle + Hearth Fibers Flame DK, 100% superwash merino, 231 yds (212 m) per 3.5 oz (100 g), colorway Garnet

GAUGE

4” (10 cm) square = 24 stitches x 30 rows in stockinette

NEEDLES

One set of needles for your preferred style of small-circumference knitting in a size to match gauge listed above, plus one set of needles two sizes smaller (for the brim)

Suggested needle sizes: US 5 (3.75 mm), US 7 (4.5 mm)

TOOLS

One stitch marker for beginning of round; optional additional markers between pattern repeats

Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

SKILL LEVEL

Adventurous beginner to intermediate

Techniques: increases, decreases, knitting in the round, twisted stitches