My husband Dave really likes to wear a Santa hat around Christmas time. He has, to my shame, a polyester fun-fur Santa hat. I decided that thing wasn’t going to be around for even one more Christmas! This hat is constructed in a slightly different manner to most. First, you will make the cabled headband, then pick up stitches for the remainder of the hat.

Finished Size: 21-24” unstretched, up to 25” stretched (circumference), 17” length not including pompom (easily adjustable).

Yarn: Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Worsted, 100% Superwash Merino, 225 yards/114g (shown in Natural). Sample required about 135 yards (including pompom).

Stonehedge Fiber Mill Shepherd’s Wool, 100% Fine Wool, 250 yards/4 oz. (shown in Garnet). Sample required about 120 yards.

Total yardage for this hat is 250 to 260. If you choose to buy or make a pompom from a different yarn, the total needed for the headband portion will be about 90 yards.

NOTE: Red color can bleed and stain lighter colors. To ensure this doesn’t happen, fix your dye before using it with white. There are several tutorials available on the internet.

Needles: Set of size 5 US (3.75mm) double pointed needles or 16” circular needle (or size to obtain gauge), plus your preferred method to knit small circumferences in the round.

Gauge: 20 stitches/24 rows in 4” blocked stockinette.