KNIT HAT

KNIT HAT (for anyone!) – in 4 sizes

Skill level: Easy

Sizes: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large

Materials:

150 yds. worsted weight wool, acrylic, or blend
Size 8 (5 mm) circular needle (16” length) & set of four size 8 (5 mm) double-point needles (dpn)(for circular knitting)

OR - Size 8 (5 mm) straight needles (for flat knitting back and forth)

Gauge: 9 sts = 2" in stockinette stitch

NOTE: If knitting in the round, change to dpn when stitches no longer fit comfortably on circular needle.

Medium size (see instructions for additional sizes at end of pattern)

Cast on 72 sts. If knitting on circular needles in the round, join for circular knitting, making sure that sts are not twisted on needle. Place marker to note beginning of rnds.

If knitting flat, knit in rows back and forth on straight needles.

Ribbing:

Row/Rnds 1-8: *K1, p1, rep from * around (or across)

Hat body:

Continue knitting around (if working circularly), or knit 1 row, purl 1 row for stockinette stitch (if knitting flat). When hat measures approx. 6.5" from beginning, work top decreases for crown (8-point decrease) as follows:

*K7, k2tog, rep from * around (or across)(64 sts)

Knit 1 round plain (if working circularly) - OR - Purl 1 row plain (if knitting flat).

*K6, k2tog, rep from * around (or across)(56 sts)

Repeat plain round (or row).

*K5, k2tog, rep from * around (or across)(48 sts)

Repeat plain round (or row).

*K4, k2tog, rep from * around (or across)(40 sts)

Repeat plain round (or row).

*K3, k2tog, rep from * around (or across)(32 sts)

Repeat plain round (or row).

*K2, k2tog, rep from * around (or across)(24 sts)

*K1, k2tog, rep from * around (or across)(16 sts)

*K2tog, rep from * around (or across)(8 sts)

Leaving 12" to 18" tail, cut yarn, thread into yarn needle, draw needle through remaining stitches to gather them, fasten off and weave in ends - OR - if knitting flat, sew back seam as invisibly as possible.

X-Small size

Work pattern for Medium size but cast on 64 sts and work to only 5.5” before crown decreases. Begin decreases with *K6, k2tog instruction for Medium size & follow rest of decreases as written.

Small size

Work pattern for Medium size but cast on 68 sts and work to only 6” before crown decreases. Begin decreases with one round of *K15, k2tog, rep from * around to get to 64 sts. Knit (or purl) 1 rnd/row. Continue decreases with *K6, k2tog instruction for Medium size & follow rest of decreases as written.

Large size

Work pattern for Medium size but cast on 80 sts and work to 7” before crown decreases.

Begin decreases with:

*K8, k2tog, rep from * around (across)(72 sts)

Knit 1 round plain (if working circularly) - OR - Purl 1 row plain (if knitting flat).

Continue with *K7, k2tog instruction for Medium size & follow rest of decreases as written.

Knit Hat Swedish Color Scheme

"Inspired by the color scheme on the crocheted hats worn by the Olympic athletes from Sweden (blue/yellow/black/off-white). This version was worked in a combination of chunky & worsted wt. yarns on a size 10 circular needle, so the X-Small cast-on number of 64 sts was used. The hat was knit a little longer for a slouchy/bunchy look at the top and, due to the chunkier yarn and larger needles, resulted in an adult size large with a slightly looser fit." _{--

Kathy North}