A few people have been asking for a pattern, so here it is! This is a modified (fairly simple) version of a South American type Chullo hat, written for aran weight yarn.

This is intended to be adaptable for different color charts, so the decrease instructions for the top are more “decrease 12 stitches spaced as evenly as possible” (wherever they fit best in the color pattern) rather than exact counts. It’s intended for people who are somewhat familiar with colorwork and decreases - maybe not your first-ever hat.

Charts are included for the ‘swirly’ colorwork, but the band of a different design (sample picture: sphinx moths) is optional and not included. (If you want a different design here, just find something with a repeat that divides evenly into 120 stitches.)

… after a couple requests for the bats, I added a photo of the “bat chart” to the pattern page. You’ll want to twist and “catch” the yarn in back to avoid long loops.

This pattern is free to use, but please consider making a donation to Bat Conservation International. If you’re shopping for yarn rather than using your stash, please consider ordering from my local yarn shop (Blue Heron Knittery in Decorah IA).

Blue Heron on Ravelry

Blue Heron on Facebook

Blue Heron online

I don’t mind if you knit items to sell using this pattern, or modify it and publish your own version. Have fun!