DESIGN INSPIRATION

In Chemistry, when solvent molecules interact closely with molecules of solute, the interaction is called “solvation.” For example, when you dissolve table salt in water, the water molecules surround the sodium ions and chloride ions, separating the two and allowing for a solution to form. When I was designing the Solvation Hat, I wanted to surround the braided cables with garter stitch so that the cables would pop against the background, but much like the positively charged sodium ion needs to be balanced by the negatively charged chloride ion in solution, I added the rib columns to balance out the cables.

CONSTRUCTION

The Solvation Hat is knit from the bottom to the top, beginning with a German Twisted Cast-On and 1x1 rib. A double lateral braid transitions nicely from the brim to the body of the hat, where braided cables and a faux rib texture highlight your yarn choice. Carefully placed increases keep the cables from bunching the brim, and the cables and texture are continued into the crown decreases. With plenty of rest rounds and an easy-to-memorize pattern repeat, this hat will fly off of your needles.

PATTERN INFORMATION

Difficulty Rating
INTERMEDIATE: Project is worked in the round and includes cables, a lateral braid, increases, and decreases.

Recommended Yarn
Pinto Bean by LolaBean Yarn Co., 100% superwash merino wool, 250 yds (229 m) per 4 oz (115 g): 1 {1, 1, 2, 2} skein(s) (shown in Strawberry Milk and Forgiveness) OR approximately 120 {149, 205, 300, 400} yds (110 {136, 187, 274, 366} m) DK weight yarn.

This pattern will play nicely with any DK weight merino/merino nylon blend yarn in solid, tonal, or lightly speckled colorways.

Needles/Notions

• US #5 (3.75 mm) needles for working a small circumference in the round OR size needed to obtain gauge.
• US #3 (3.25 mm) needles for working a small circumference in the round OR two sizes smaller than gauge needles.
• US D-3 (3.25 mm) crochet hook OR size appropriate for DK weight yarn.
• Tapestry needle for finishing and weaving in ends.
• 10 stitch markers and 1 locking stitch marker or progress keeper.
• Cable needle.
• Faux Fur pompom (optional).

Gauge
One cable pattern repeat (20 sts and 10 rounds) = 2.75” (7 cm) wide and 1” (2.5 cm) tall on US #5 (3.75 mm) needles. Pattern gauge was measured after washing and blocking.

Sizes Available
Baby {Toddler, Child/Adult S, Adult M/L, Adult XL}
To fit head circumference: 14-16.5 {16.5-19.5, 19.5-22, 22-25, 25-28}” (35-42 {42-50, 50-56, 56-63, 63-71} cm)

Finished Measurements
Circumference, unstretched: 13.75 {16.5, 19.25, 22, 24.75}” (35 {42, 49, 56, 63} cm)
Height, unstretched: 5 {6, 7, 8, 9}” (13 {15, 18, 20, 23} cm)

The model wearing the pink hat has a head circumference of 20” (51 cm) and is wearing the Child/Adult S size. The model wearing the gray hat has a head circumference of 23” (58.5 cm) and is wearing the Adult M/L size.

This pattern has been tech edited and test knit.