Vocabulary is a strange thing. Sometimes what I think something is ends up being completely different from what you would call it, and no one ends up knowing what anyone else is talking about.
So it is, I think, with this hat knitting pattern. It's a top-down, bulky hat, that much is certain. I want to call it a tam o'shanter, but I'm not sure that's accurate. A beret? Maybe, but I don't think so. Maybe it's just a short, slouchy hat. It's cool and comfortable and will keep you warm even if it doesn't cover your ears.
I used leftover Malabrigo Rasta yarn from my giant Ridged Stockinette Scarf, and between these two projects you'll be very warm indeed without a whole lot of knitting time.
Materials:
- about 70 yards Malabrigo Rasta or similar super-bulky yarn
- set of 5 size 13 US (9 mm) double-pointed knitting needles
- scissors and yarn needle
Gauge:
Gauge is not that critical because you can stop knitting the top when you feel it's big enough, but I got about 2.5 stitches and 3 rounds per inch in Stockinette
Size:
Finished hat as shown is about 24 inches around and 3.5 inches tall. To fit a variety of heads. On someone with a smaller head it will be slouchy, while it will fit more closely for someone with a larger head.
Instructions:
- Cast on 8 stitches. Divide onto 4 needles and join in the round, being careful not to twist.
- Knit 1 round.
- Knit in the front and back of each stitch around. 16 stitches.
- Knit 5 rounds.
- Knit in the front and back of each stitch around. 32 stitches.
- Knit 5 rounds.
- Knit in the front and back of each stitch around. 64 stitches.
- Knit 3 rounds.
- Purl 1 round.
- Knit 3 rounds.
- Purl 1 round.
- Repeat steps 9 and 10 to desired length, or until you're almost out of yarn. I ended up with four purl ridges, and I chose to end with a purl round, but you can end anywhere you like.
- Bind off. Weave in end and sew top of hat shut.
