A Week of Knitted Hats! Day 7 - The Unoriginal Knit Hat

Sometimes you gotta try something new! Stephanie Pearl-McPhee of the Yarn Harlot designed this cute hat she calls An Unoriginal Hat. She's made her pattern available as a free download. Stephanie's picture and pattern follows... Looks like an easy cable hat project - can't wait to try it.

An Unoriginal Hat

Materials: I skein Blue Moon Fiber Arts "Leticia" (Mine is in the colourway "Rooster Rock")
5 double pointed needles, size 7mm.

Gauge: about 12 stitches to 10cm, measured over cable pattern.
Size: It fits me (ladies small) and Meg (ladies medium) If you wanted a bigger one, you could go up a needle size.

Hat: Cast on 56 stitches, and distribute evenly (14 stitches on each needle) over 4 needles. This hat is worked in the round.

Set up row: *K4, P3, K4, P3 repeat from * around. (The set up and cable pattern runs over 14 stitches, so if you divide it onto 4 needles you will work the set up sequence and the chart once on each needle. Simple)

Work rows 1-16 of the chart twice, then the rest of the chart.
Break yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight and fasten off. (Note: Until I can figure out how to fix it on the chart, please note that on row 20 , stitch 9 should be "no stitch". You'll end up with 4 stitches across the row.)

Click for Cable Chart (hold the CTRL key and use your mouse scroll button to make image larger)

A Week of Knitted Hats! Day 6 - The Thorpe

Now THIS is a hat for our cold Minnesota winters! As the temps this week may not make it up to zero, I decided this had to be my next hat project. I whipped this up in an evening - a really fast knit with the bulky yarn. Kristen Kapur designed this adorable "helmet" style hat. Her cool hat pattern follows. . . . . .
(See fine print at the bottom of this post for copyright usage compliance.)

The Thorpe

MATERIALS:
Yarn : Malabrigo Chunky 1(1, 2) Skeins
Contrast band and braids about half a skein

Needles: One pair US 9(5.5mm), 16” circular and one set of 5 US size
9(5.5mm) DPN’s or size to obtain gauge.
Crochet Hook: G (4.5mm)

GAUGE:
Hat: 14.5 stitches = 4” in stockinette

SIZE:
S, M, L

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS:
17.5(20, 22)” /44(50,56) cm

PATTERN DIRECTIONS:

Crown
Using DPN’s, cast on 4 stitches. Place one stitch on each of 4 needles, Join to work in the round.

Round 1: Knit into front and back (Kfb) of each stitch (8 stitches total) You may place stitch markers between each stitch at this point to mark the location of your increases.
Round 2: Kfb of each stitch (16 stitches total)
Round 3: *(Kfb, knit 1) repeat from * to end of round (24 stitches total)
Round 4: *(Kfb, Knit 2) repeat from * to end of round (32 stitches total)
Round 5: Knit
Round 6: *(Kfb, Knit 3) repeat from * to end of round (40 stitches total)
Round 7: Knit
Round 8: *(Kfb, Knit 4) repeat from * to end of round (48 stitches total)
Round 9: Knit
Round 10: *(Kfb, Knit 5) repeat from * to end of round (56 stitches total)
Round 11: Knit

When the hat gets too big to work easily on the DPN’s you may switch to the circular needle.

Round 12: *(Kfb, Knit 6) repeat from * to end of round (64 stitches total)
**Stop increasing here for size small.
Round 13: Knit
Round 14: *(Kfb, Knit 7) repeat from * to end of round (72 stitches total)

**Stop increasing here for size medium.

Round 15: Knit
Round 16: *(Kfb, Knit 8) repeat from * to end of round (80 stitches total)

**Stop increasing here for size large.

All Sizes: Continue to work in the round in stockinette stitch until the hat measures 6 (6.5,7)” from top.

Brim
Begin to work in garter stitch (one row knit, one row purl) until you have 4 (4,5) garter ridges. (A garter ridge is made up of two rounds, one knit and one purl.)

Next round (on a knit round): bind off 24(28, 30) stitches, knit to end of round.

Begin to work back and forth. Note that the slipped stitches at the beginning of the following rows will give you a clean edge to crochet into.

Next row (WS): Slip 1, knit to end.
Next row (RS): Slip 1, ssk, knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1.
Next row (WS): Slip 1, knit to end.
Next row (RS): Slip1, ssk, knit 10(11,12), place these 12(13,14) stitches on a holder, bind off 12(14,18), knit to 3 stitches from the end, k2tog, k1. 12 (13, 14) stitches remain on the needle.

Earflaps
Continue in garter stitch, slipping first stitch and working back and forth on the 12(13,14) stitches that remain on the needle for a total of 10(11,11) garter ridges (including the ridges in the brim).

Next row (RS): Slip1, ssk, knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1. Next row (WS): Slip 1, knit to end.
Next row (RS): Slip1, ssk, knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1.
Next row (WS): Slip 1, knit to end.
Next row: Bind off.

Place remaining stitches on needles, attach yarn and make second earflap. Weave in ends.

Crochet Border
Using contrast yarn, half double crochet into each stitch all the way around, join the last stitch to the first and weave in the ends.

Braids
Cut 6 pieces of yarn 40” long. Loop the pieces through each of six crochet stitches at the bottom of the earflaps. Braid the pieces to desired length, and trim the ends neatly.

Copyright 2007 by Kirsten Kapur for Through the Loops. This pattern is intended for private use only. The pattern, photos and products made from the pattern may not be used for commercial purposes with out the written consent of the designer.

A Week of Knitted Hats! Day 5 - Three Tams

Angela Sixian Wu designed three adorable tams. My version of her Tam C is pictured above. These are free internet patterns available from knitty archives. I've made two of the tams and love them - definitely one of my favorite hats! Because you use a self-striping contrast color yarn, it's a really easy "fair isle" look.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS:

Brim Circumference (unstretched, before blocking): 18 inches
Tam Circumference (unstretched, before blocking): 24 inches
After blocking with a 10.5 inch diameter plate, the finished tam will have a circumference of 33 inches (10.5 inches in diameter).

MATERIALS:

Worsted weight yarn - 1 skein (I used Blue Sky Suri Merino)

Noro Silk Garden yarn - 1 skein

RECOMMENDED NEEDLE SIZE:
(1) 16-inch US#4/3.5mm circular needle
(1) 24-inch US#6/4mm circular needle
US#6/4mm double-point needles
(Always use a needle size to give the gauge listed)

Stitches:

S2KP: Slip next 2 sts together knitwise, as if working a k2tog; k next st, pass slipped sts over. Forms a centered double decrease.

Corrugated Rib (Worked in the round over an even number of sts):
Set-up Round: [K1 using MC, k1 using CC] to end.
Pattern Round: [K1 using MC, p1 using CC] to end.
Repeat Pattern Round for Corrugated Rib

PATTERN:

Using 16-inch US#4/3.5mm circular needle and MC, CO 96 sts.

Place marker and join to begin working in the round, being careful not to twist.

Work 7 rounds in Corrugated Rib.

Next Round: Using MC, [k4, m1] to end.

Switch to 24-inch US#6/4mm circular needle and work all rounds of chart.

Except where otherwise noted, chart is worked 6 times in each round.

When last round of chart is complete, 6 sts remain. Break yarn.
Draw tail through remaining sts and pull tight.

PATTERN NOTES:
The decreases are a bit tricky....the decrease is a centered double decrease. You need to slip two stitches to the working needle as if you were going to knit them together (insert from the side of the second stitch), then knit the next (third) stitch and pass the two slipped stitches over the knitted one. Before you do this maneuver, you need to slip the last stitch of the previous row over before you knit it; the previous row is one stitch shorter than it would otherwise be. It's helpful to identify the exact stitch that needs to be on top for the decrease and ensure that it's that stitch that you insert the needle through when you slip two as if to k2tog. Rearrange the stitches as the row juncture to make it happen.

FINISHING:
Soak tam in water with a small amount of a gentle soap. Rinse, and squeeze gently to remove excess water.

Stretch tam over 10 1/2" dinner plate, positioning the tam carefully so that the pattern is centered. Allow to dry completely.
*** I find the 10 1/2" dinner plate is a wee bit large. I'd go 9 1/2" to 10".

A Week of Knitted Hats! Day 3 - Calorimetry Knit Headband

This buttoned headband would look great on those who have long hair. Although my hair is not long, I still think this is one of the coolest hats! This will definitely be one of my winter projects this year. This is another knitty archive hat and is available as a free internet pattern. Pattern & images © 2006 Kathryn Schoendorf.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS:
Length: Stretches to 24 inches

MATERIALS:
1 skein worsted weight yarn
1 pair US #8/5mm straight needles or size to give correct gauge
2 stitch markers
Safety pin (optional)
Tapestry needle
1 button (Buy the button after the project is completed, to determine the size needed.)

GAUGE:
20 sts / 22 rows = 4 inches in 2x2 Rib, lightly stretched

PATTERN NOTES:
The project is worked using short rows. To work short rows, work to the point indicated in the pattern, then turn your work around and begin working back in the other direction. Holes will form in your work at the turning points of the short rows; don't worry! This is to be expected. One of these holes will be used as a buttonhole when the project is completed.

The pattern uses 2 stitch markers to help you keep track of your short rows. The first half of the piece is worked in short rows which progressively decrease in length, the second half in short rows which progressively increase in length.

2x2 Rib (Worked back and forth over a multiple of 4 sts):
Row 1: [K2, p2] to end.
Repeat this row for 2x2 Rib.

*** It is very important to obtain the correct gauge for this piece. If worked to the gauge stated above, your Calorimetry will be 24 inches long. If you want a shorter piece, you can either cast on fewer stitches, or work at a smaller gauge. For example, using sport weight yarn (on smaller needles) worked at a gauge of 24 sts = 4 inches will yield a piece that is 20 inches long.

It is also very important to consider the characteristics of the yarn you are choosing. Best results will be obtained from a yarn that is springy and resilient, which will retain the elasticity of the ribbing. Do not use a yarn which will lose its shape, becoming drapey and flaccid with wear.

*** Some who have made this pattern have used a smaller needle size and cast-on fewer stitches (80-100 instead of 120.) If you want this headband narrower, repeat row 5 and 7 fewer times.

DIRECTIONS:

CO 120 sts.
Row 1: Work all sts in 2x2 Rib.
Row 2: Work in 2x2 Rib as set to last 2 sts, turn work.
Row 3: Sl 1, work 3 sts, place marker, work to last 2 sts, turn work.
Row 4: Sl 1, work 3 sts, place second marker, work to next marker, turn work.
Row 5: Remove marker, sl 1, work 3 sts, replace marker, work to next marker, turn work.
Repeat Row 5 fifteen times more.
Row 6: Do not remove marker. Sl 1, work to next marker, turn work. 44 sts between markers; 38 sts at each side of piece, outside of markers.
Row 7: Sl 1, work to marker, remove marker, work 4 sts, replace marker, turn work.
Repeat Row 7 seventeen times more. 2 sts remain outside markers at each end of the piece.
Row 8: Sl 1, work to marker, remove marker, work last 2 sts.
Work 1 more row, removing final marker.

Loosely BO all sts.

A Week of Knitted Hats! Day 2 - Clamber (Irish Hiking Scarf companion)

The Clamber hat was designed by Laura Wilson-Martos to compliment the Irish Hiking Scarf (see A Week of Scarves - Day 1.) Adorable! Like the scarf, it looks much more difficult than it really is. This is a free internet pattern - see fine print at the bottom of this post for copyright usage compliance.

Clamber©

Materials:
Yarn: Misti International Misti Alpaca Sport [100% baby alpaca; 50g. 146yds/ball] 1 ball; Red Fiesta Melange
Needles: 1 set US size 4 [3.50 mm] DPNs and/or
1 US size 4 [3.5mm] 16”circular or
1 US size 4 [3.5 mm] 32” cable for magic loop
Gauge: 24 sts = 4" stockinette stitch

Terms & Stiches:
pm - place marker to indicate beginning of round
C6F - Slip 3 sts to cable needle and hold in front. K3, then knit the 3 sts off cable needle
C4F - Slip 2 sts to cable needle and hold in front. K2, then knit the 2 sts off cable needle
C2F - Slip 1 stitch to cable needle and hold in front. K1, then knit the stitch off cable needle
SSK - Slip one stitch as if to knit, slip the next stitch as if to purl, knit the two together through the back loops.
K2tog - Knit 2 together
P2tog - Purl 2 together

Directions:
• Provisionally CO 16 stitches
• Begin Brim Cable Repeat as follows:

Row 1 (WS) P3, K2, P6, K2, P3
Row 2 (RS) K3, P2, K6, P2, K3
Row 3 Repeat row 1
Row 4 K3, P2, C6F, P2, K3
Row 5 Repeat row 1
Row 6 Repeat row 2
Row 7 Repeat row 1
Row 8 Repeat row 2

• Repeat rows 1- 8 until piece measure 21” or approximate head circumference, ending on row 7.
• Remove provisional cast-on and graft ends to form a band.
• Pick up and knit 132 stitches completely around one of the outside edges of the band you just made
• Begin Hat Cable Repeat:
Round 1: pm [K2, P2, K6, P2] 11 times
Round 2: [K2, P2, K6, P2] 11 times
Round 3: Repeat row 1
Round 4: Repeat row 2
Round 5: Repeat row 1
Round 6: Repeat row 2
Round 7: Repeat row 1
Round 8: [K2, P2, C6F, P2] 11 times

• Repeat Rounds 1-8 until piece measures a total of approximately 6”, ending on row 3

Next Row: [K2, P2, SSK, K2, K2tog, P2] 11 times (110 sts)
Row 2: [K2, P2, K4, P2] 11 times
Row 3: [K2, P2tog, C4F, P2tog] 11 times (88 sts)
Row 4: [K2, P1, K4, P1] 11 times
Row 5: [K2, P1, SSK, K2tog, P1] 11 times (66 sts)
Row 6: [K2, P1, K2, P1] 11 times
Row 7: [K2tog, P1, C2F, P1] 11 times (55 sts)
Row 8: [K1, P1, K2, P1] 11 times
Row 9: [K1, P1, SSK, P1] 11 times (44 sts)
Row 10: [K1, P1, K1, P1] 11 times
Row 11: K2tog all around (22 sts)
Row 12: K2tog all around (11 sts)
Row 13: [K2tog] 5 times (6 sts)

• Break yarn and thread through remaining loops twice, removing them from needle.
• Snug it up tight and secure ends.
• Weave in ends and block lightly, being careful not to overblock. Overblocking will eliminate the 3-dimensional look of the cap.

Pictures and pattern by Laura Wilson-Martos - © Copyright 2008 Laura Wilson-Martos and Dizzy Blonde Designs all rights reserved. This pattern is provided for your personal use only. You may not sell this pattern, nor sell the items made using this pattern.