The original customizable, slouchy, textured hat with just the right amount of slouch. A perfect pattern for variegated and mottled yarns, the moss stitch creates beautiful texture without distracting from the subtleties of hand-dyed yarn. Increases and decreases are worked in pattern for a seamless aesthetic and reversible comfort.

Sizing: The extra small will fit most children (age 4 and up) and the large will fit an adult male (hat size extra large).
Extra-Small (Small, Medium, Large)
Extra-Small will comfortably fit 20 - 22 in (51 - 56 cm)
Small will comfortably fit 21 - 23 in (53 - 58 cm)
Medium will comfortably fit 22 - 24 in (56 - 61 cm)
Large will comfortably fit 23 - 25 in (58 - 63 cm)
Each size will fit a range of head sizes, consider if you want loose and slouchy or more fitted when choosing a size.

A Note on Slouch: The pattern was written to be loose and slouchy, if you want more of a beanie fit consider knitting a smaller size and starting decreases earlier. For notes on the less slouchy version see project Whitman in Grey Gardens, for notes on more slouchy see Whitman Prototype. You can also adjust the length of the ribbing, if you like a snug hat consider longer ribbing. If you really don’t want any slouch you can omit the increases, but be prepared to consider that when you get to the decreases. Depending on head size, decreases can start anytime after 6.5” from ribbing

Yardage: 160 (170, 180, 190) yards / 145 (155, 165, 175) meters.

A note on gauge: Please consider swatching with a US 7 if you are a tight knitter. You will need two needle sizes. The recommended sizes are either: US 5 (3.75mm) and US 6 (4mm) or US 6 (4mm) and US 7 (4.5mm).

A note on yarn: You can use virtually any DK weight yarn, however this design loves to be paired with a plied, superwash wool. Please keep in mind superwash will bloom.

Medium shown in madelinetosh Tosh DK, Stephen Loves Tosh (gold & purple) on head size 21.5”. Small shown in Cephalopod Yarns Traveller, Doune Castle (blue) on head size 21.5”. Extra small shown in madelinetosh Tosh DK, Grey Gardens (green) on adult head size 22” and child head size 21”.

Whitman Fingerless Mitts are available for just $2 more! Use discount code songofmyself for a $3 discount off both patterns.

I know I have the best of time and space - and that I was never measured, and never will be measured.

             - Walt Whitman, Song of Myself