Technically seamless, and designed to be reversible, the Wilhelm hat is an interesting project that’s knit mostly flat.

Use fancier yarns—handspun, kettle-dyed or self-striping—or colorblock scraps to show off the construction a little more, or go for plainer wools like the ones used in the samples for an understated look.

Wilhelm Hat has three basic current sizes—s, m, l—and should fit average kids, average adults, and larger-headed adults respectively. For a traditional fit, choose a size with negative ease. If you want a slightly large or oversized hat, the effect is charming—the grey sample is size medium while the hat form I use is small, and I found the bunchy look of the too-large hat, when not pulled down to try to show details, to be very cute.

There are two finishing hem options—minimalist or ribbed. The k1 p1 rib makes the reversible version of the hat look nicer by emphasizing the exposed seam look, and it also compensates better for stockinette curl—but I also like the minimalist option.

This hat builds on other designs like Felsic and Mafic, so if the construction here appeals to you, they’re worth a look as well!

Materials:

• 110-190 yards soft wool worsted-weight yarn
• 1 16” circular needle in US8/5.0mm, or size needed for gauge.
• Tapestry needle
• 4 removable stitch markers
• Crochet hook for crochet cast-on

Gauge:
Gauge is 8.5 sts and 13 rows over 2”/5cm of stockinette stitch, worked flat and blocked. Please be sure to check your gauge.

Measurements:
This beanie measures about 8.9(9.25, 9.5 )“/22(23, 24)cm tall and 9.5(10, 10.5)”/24(25, 27)cm across. Note that the ribbed hem option will add about 1”/2.54cm to the height measurement.