A Week of Knitted Hats! Day 4 - Palindrome Hat

Palindrome Hat

This hat follows the same principles as the Palindrome Scarf (see A Week of Scarves - Day 5). It's got reversible cables, so will look great with the brim rolled up or left down. This is a design from Kristin Bellenhumeur and is is now available as a free internet pattern (see fine print at the bottom of this post for copyright usage compliance.)

Materials:
Heavy worsted weight yarn, approx 200 yards (130g)
Needles: Size 8 circular needle, 16 or 24 inches long. (Or size needed for gauge)
Size 8 DPNs (or longer circular for Magic Loop)
Cable needle
Gauge: 19 stitches and 24 rows in 4 inches over stockingette.

This hat is one size, but given the stretchy nature of ribbing, it will fit most teens and adults. You could reduce the yarn and needle size for a smaller hat.

Directions:
Cast on 120 stitches, place stitch marker, and join in the round.

Round 1: *K2, P2* around
Rounds 2-5: Repeat Rnd 1
Round 6: *K2, P2, C8F* repeat around.
Repeat rounds 1-6 two times more. Piece should measure approx 3 inches long.

*KEY*
C8F: Slip 4 sts to a cable needle and hold to front, K2, P2, then K2, P2 from the cable needle.

Continue in K2, P2 rib pattern (no more cables) until piece measures 8 inches long from cast on.
Next round: [K2, P2] for 20 sts, place marker. Repeat around. 6 stitch markers total.
(Note: It is wise to make the first stitch marker a different color than the rest to distinguish the beginning of the round.)

Begin decreases:
Round 1: *K2tog, P2, [K2, P2] to next stitch marker, slip marker*. Repeat around.
Round 2: *K1, P2tog, [K2, P2] to next marker, slip marker*. Repeat around.
Round 3: *P2tog, [K2, P2] to next marker, slip marker*. Repeat around.
Round 4: *K2tog, K1, P2, [K2, P2] to next marker, slip marker*. Repeat around.

Repeat rounds 1-4 until there are 8 stitches between stitch markers or 48 stitches total, switching to DPNs, 2 circulars or a Magic Loop when necessary.

Round 5: *K2tog, P2tog, K2, P2, slip marker*. Repeat around.
Round 6: *P2tog, K2tog, P2, slip marker*. Repeat around.
Round 7: *K2tog, P2tog, remove marker*. Repeat around.
Cut yarn leaving a 12" tail. Thread needle and pull yarn through all remaining stitches. Pull snug and weave in tails.

The cables on the brim are reversible so you can wear the hat with the brim folded up or down.

All content and photos are © Kristin Bellehumeur. All rights reserved.
You may print this pattern for personal, non profit use, as long as it is printed from www.cometosilver.com. And yes, you may sell your finished knitted hat! :)