An advanced beginner - intermediate pattern.

This hat celebrates water and the sea, its ebb and flow, and the sandy beaches where all rivers end. If we look after the quality of the water and air that goes into the sea, it will help the sea look after us.

The stitch pattern depicts water as it ripples down the rivers to the sea, and the waves of sand left behind when the tide goes out. Purl stitches reflect the grainy sand, and the reverse stocking stitch gives the hat a slight ‘slouch’. The twisted stitches framing the ripples represent shells that are so much a part of the beach, and a reminder of the fragile balance of life in the sea.

The brim is knitted with a smaller needle to keep it from stretching too much over time, and allows the hat to hug the head so it is less likely to blow off in the wind! The looser crown gauge makes a hat that is comfortable to wear and flatters the face.

You’ll need:

3.75mm (US 5) and 4.5mm (US 7) 60cm long circular needles (or, for magic loop use 100cm needles)

4.5mm DPNs for crown shaping (not necessary if you are using magic loop)

Cable needle (not necessary if you use the ‘no-cable-needle’ method)

A small tip to note about the pattern:

Please note that there is an extra purl stitch that sits between the P1, K2 rib and the ripple chart at the point where the ribbing changes to the chart. It’s only on the one side, and I put it there so that the spacing between the ribbing and the chart is consistent with the other side. You do need to watch for it when you do your first round of knitting though. Once the pattern is established, you’ll be fine. :-)