Much of my creative inspiration comes from the wonderful things I find outside. I especially love our PNW native plants. Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) is one of my favorites because it’s waxy, white berries attract songbirds all year long.

The simple, modified moss stitch texture pattern in this hat reminds me of those plump little berries. It is squishy, soft, and perfectly warm! I used my favorite worsted merino yarn, Midgard, but any heavier worsted weight yarn could be used. Try your own handspun! Because the gauge on this hat is pretty flexible, this is the perfect handspun project!!!

This pattern is appropriate for beginners who securely know how to knit, purl and k2tog. Knitters will also be asked to kfb, slip stitch as if to purl and pass slipped stitch over (PSSO). Beginners--- these are easy! You can totally do this! For more advanced knitters, the pattern is quick, interesting, and offers a rewarding final product. Don’t worry about your gauge if it’s one or two stitches per inch higher (say 20 instead of 18). There is enough slouch to accommodate some variation in gauge. If your hat is more than a few stitches smaller per inch (say 15 instead of 18), consider knitting one of the smaller sizes.

Supplies needed:

200 yards heavy worsted weight yarn
US size 7 (4.5mm) needles - either double points or circulars to match your preferred method for knitting in the round
tapestry needle
stitch marker
tape measure

No instructions are given for making the pompom. It’s optional. Instructions or even premade pompoms are great options, although you will have enough yarn left to make one if you choose to add it.