With a bit of nordic style, the Solstice Horse Hat is an engaging knit with seven prancing horses around its circumference. Add an easy colorwork border and an ­interesting decrease to evenly distribute the stitches above your herd and your horse hat will be ready for your next wintry ride whether on horseback or skis.

This pattern has been professionally tech edited and test knit to reduce the potential for error.

CONSTRUCTION

Hat is cast on using a crochet provisional cast-on that is the basis for a tubular cast-on. Ribbing is then worked in the round. A change to larger sized needles is made and the work then continues in the round and transitions to the body of the hat.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Tubular Cast On (explained), Longtail or Cable Cast On (optional)
• Knit and purl stitches
• Slipped stitches
• Decrease stitches - K2TOG, SSK
• Knowledge of color work (2 colors at a time)

INSTRUCTIONS

Colorwork and crown shaping are charted (ribbing is not). Includes complete written directions so the ability to read a chart is not necessary to work this pattern.

YARN NOTES

Select a yarn with good stitch definitional and little to no halo so that your color work is shown to its best advantage.

ADDITIONAL NOTIONS

You will also need:
G-6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook (for provisional cast-on)
2.7 yds (2.5 m) scrap contrasting color worsted yarn (for crochet provisional cast-on)
Stitch marker
Tapestry/blunt yarn needle
Clover blue (large) pompon maker or 3-3/8” (8.6 cm) piece of cardboard (optional)