A simple change in size transforms this hat from beanie to cloche due in part to the amazing drape of this alpaca-silk blend. Either way the fully fashioned fit, through the use of short rows, means this design will stay put even on the windiest of days while the light texture prevents dreaded hat head. The unique side-ways construction of this hat allows you to adorn the closed edging with decorative buttons. Shop for the perfect vintage flare or create your own shanked buttons from beads (instructions included).

Purple hat, knit in Alpaca Silk color 129 Amethyst in the 23.75” size modeled on a head circumference of 22”; aqua hat knit in color 137 Sapphire in the 22” size on a 21.5” head; grey hat, knit in Alpaca Silk color 134 Iron (discontinued) in the 22” size on a 21.5” head; red hat, knit in Alpaca Silk color 123 Ruby in the 20” size on a 21.5” head.

The PDF is 4 pages and contains both written and charted directions for the edging and there are four full-color pictures. Also included are written instructions for creating your own shanked buttons from single-vertical-hole beads.

Notes on Yarn Selection and Sizing
The drape and lightness of this hat rely on the alpaca-silk blend yarn, especially when worn in a cloche style. When substituting yarn be certain to achieve both stitch and row gauge and have a fabric with a soft and open hand.

While the halo of the alpaca causes this yarn to often be classified as a DK weight yarn, Blue Sky Alpacas Alpaca Silk’s core diameter and gauge is closer to that of a light sport or heavy fingering weight yarn. Substituting the same 50% blend of alpaca and silk would be preferable, but a wool blend yarn that contains 30% or more of silk, rayon, bamboo, or other engineered fibers should provide satisfactory drape.

For a beanie like fit choose a size roughly 10% smaller than your actual head circumference. For a cloche like fit choose the size just larger than your actual head circumference. The drape of the hat prevents it from slipping or falling off, even when knit larger.

Directions for additional embellishment at the brim is not offered explicitly. However, adding a sewn on ribbon at a circumference to match the brim, or slightly shorter can broaden the fit options.