Heather's Hat

Heather's Hat

My sister is currently visiting for the weekend (possibly longer, if my children successfully execute their plan to lock her in the closet so she has to play with them indefinitely), so I thought I might knit her a hat. And after seeing something similar-ish out and getting inspired, I came up with this simple but very attractive slipped-stitch hat, knit in a textured cotton that I already had on hand. Furthermore, while I think you could reduce the hat's texture by blocking it (the tension of the slipped stitch stripes causes the knit-only portions to bulge), I kind of think the rippling is one of the hat's best features. Whatever you decide to do with yours, however, here's the pattern!

From ze back.

Yarn: Queensland Collection Pima Fresca (100% Pima Cotton; 145.4 yards [133 meters]/100 grams); #20 Limestone - 1 skein

Needles: One 16" circular needle in size US 8, one 16" circular needle in size US , and one set of double pointed needles (dpns), also in size US 8

Notions: tapestry needle, stitch marker

Gauge: 16 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette

Using your size 6 circular needle, cast on 96 stitches loosely, place marker, and join in round. Knit 5 rows around, and then switch to your size 8 circular needle. And now, let's start on the pattern! Also, remember to keep your yarn loose when you slip stitches; otherwise, your slipped-stitch stripes will close up.

Row 1: * slip 4 stitches with yarn in front, k8; rep from *

Slipped Cable Hat

Slipped Cable Hat

With the last couple of posts (specifically, the North Star Hat and the Basket Tweed Hat), I've been developing three color change hat patterns which can all be knit with the same three skeins of yarn (so, you know, you can buy three skeins and then make three hats, all with three colors!). So here's the last one, and, perhaps, the most attractive...

The finishing

Yarn: Berroco Vintage Chunky (50% Acrylic, 40% Wool, 10% Nylon; 130 yards [120 meters]/100 grams); #6167 Dewberry - 1 skein, #6123 Blush - 1 skein, and #6185 Tide Pool - skein

Needles: One 16" circular needle in size 10, and one set of double-pointed needles (dpns), also in size 10

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker

Gauge: 14 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette

Using your circular needle and your main color (in our case, #6167 Dewberry), cast on 80 stitches, place marker, and join in round. Knit one set-up row as follows:

Set-up Row 1: * k6, p2; rep from *

And now we'll start the pattern on this one, which is Slipped Cable Rib from page 106 of Barbara G. Walker's A Treasury of Knitting Patterns, except adapted for the round. And here it is:

Basket Tweed Hat

Basket Tweed Hat

As promised with the North Star Hat, I'm currently posting a series of three color change hats that can all be knit with the same three skeins of yarn. And here's the second one, which is made by creating a cabled band, and then picking up stitches along the edge for a drop stitch pattern in the body of the hat. So let's get to it!

Finished with a star design!

Yarn: Berroco Vintage Chunky (50% Acrylic, 40% Wool, 10% Nylon; 130 yards [120 meters]/100 grams); #6123 Blush - 1 skein, #6185 Tide Pool - 1 skein, and #6167 Dewberry - 1 skein

Needles: One 16" circular needle in size 10, and one set of double-pointed needles (dpns), also in size 10, cable needle (cn) or double-pointed needle for cabling

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker

Gauge: 14 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette

To knit this hat, we're going to begin with the band, for which you'll use your circular needle, although you'll be knitting back and forth (well, if you want to use your dpns for this, you could do that too). Anyway, begin by casting on 16 stitches with your main color yarn (for me, that's the blush), and then we'll move straight to the pattern:

North Star Hat

North Star Hat

Much to my dismay, I recently discovered that my local yarn store was discontinuing the Berroco Vintage Chunky. So I immediately bought these three skeins, with the idea that I would combine them into as many items as I could. And the first thing I came up with is this fairly awesome hat, which uses mostly the main color yarn, and a few scraps of the other two. But let's get to the pattern already!

Yarn: Berroco Vintage Chunky (50% Acrylic, 40% Wool, 10% Nylon; 130 yards [120 meters]/100 grams); #6185 Tide Pool - 1 skein, #6123 Blush - 1 skein, and #6167 Dewberry - 1 skein

The finishing

Needles: One 16" circular needle in size 9, one 16" circular needle in size 10, and one set of double-pointed needles (dpns), also in size 10

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker

Gauge: 14 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette

Using your size 9 circular needle and your main color yarn (which in our case is #6185 Tide Pool), cast on 84 stitches loosely, place marker, and join in round. Next, knit 4 rows in a k2, p2 ribbing, and then switch to your size 10 needles. Knit four rows around, and then it's time to begin the main pattern, which is the North Star Pattern from page 99 of Barbara G. Walker's A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns. Please bear in mind that this is a slip stitch pattern, and yarn should be kept quite loose behind slipped stitches, especially when slipping multiple stitches together (this note goes double if you haven't knit many slip stitch patterns before - really, make it loose!). Oh, and before we get started, let's define the dip stitch as follows:

Moorish Lattice Hat

Moorish Lattice Hat

Okay, I made a very similar version of this exact hat last year, for someone's Christmas gift. And when I discovered that it had been loved to the point of falling apart, I figured it was time to make a new one, and this time write the pattern down. I hope you enjoy it as much as the recipient!

Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Baby Alpaca Grande (100% Baby Alpaca; 110 yards (100 grams); #701 Ink Melange – one skein

The back!

Needles: One 16" circular needle in size US 10.5, one set of double-pointed needles (dpns), also in size US 10.5

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker

Gauge: 12 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette

Using circular needle, cast on 72 stitches loosely, place marker, and join in round. Next, work 1.5" in a k1, p1 ribbing. Once the ribbing is done, we'll get down to business. And the pattern we'll be using is Moorish Lattice from page 232 of Barbara G. Walker's A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns, which I've adapted for the round. So let's get started!

First, we'll knit three set-up rows, which go as follows:

Set-up rows 1 - 3: * p3, k3; rep from *

Rib & Cable Hat

Rib & Cable Hat

The name isn't flashy but the hat looks pretty darn good anyway; pairing cables which jump ribs and, well, ribbing, this thing squeezes up tight until you're ready to stick it on your head. Yeah, I have no idea what I'm talking about. So let's just make a hat already!

The finishing!

Yarn: Berroco Vintage Chunky (50% Acrylic, 40% Wool, 10% Nylon; 130 yards [120 meters]/100 grams); #6176 Pumpkin – one skein

Needles: One 16" circular needle in size 10, one set of double-pointed needles (dpns), also in size 10, and a cable needle (cn) or double-pointed needle for cabling

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker

Gauge: 14 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette

Cast on 80 stitches, place marker, and join in round. Now we're going to work a ribbing row, which looks like so:

Ribbing row: * p1, k2, p1, (k1, p2, k1, p1) twice, k2; rep from *

Twisted Rib Hat

Twisted Rib Hat

Okay folks, here we have another sale yarn special, born from a great deal at the back rack of a Wisconsin Craft Market. That being said, I think this turned into a fairly attractive, gender-neutral beanie which pairs vertical ribbing with ever-so-slight horizontal stripes of slouch. And it's got a nice finishing. That counts for something, right?

The pattern, with its subtle twisted ribs

Yarn: Berroco Blackstone Tweed Chunky (65% Wool, 25% Superkid Mohair, 10% Angora Rabbit Hair; 60 yards [55 meters]/50 grams); #6607 Wintry Mix - 2 skeins

Needles: One 16" circular needle in size 10.5, one set of double-pointed needles (dpns), also in size 10.5

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker or scrap yarn to mark row

Gauge: 13 stitches = 4 inches

Note (2/03/14): Since I made this hat for my husband, I've been able to observe how it wears. And while it's his favorite hat, it's also gotten looser with time, so I recommend knitting at least the band with a smaller needle size (size 9 or 10), for fit. The whole thing could also be knit on a size 10 needle if you prefer a slightly more snug hat.

So let's get started. Using your circular needle, cast on 72 stitches loosely, place marker, and join in round. Knit five rows of the following ribbing row before moving on to the main pattern:

Diamond Pompom Hat

Diamond Pompom Hat

If you've checked out my blog before, you know that every other pattern I've posted has been free. As a small attempt at some revenue with which to keep buying yarns, I'm offering this pattern for $1. You can expect to see many more free patterns from me in the future, and I totally get it if that's all you're interested in (economy! yarn is already expensive! there are so many nice free things out there anyway!). If you like this pattern and have an extra buck to spare, though, you can purchase it on Ravelry.



Here are the basics, if you're considering it...

Blister Stitch Hat

Blister Stitch Hat

I know, I know, it's high damn time that I made a multi-color piece. And here's what I came up with: a slightly goofy, slouchy, pom-pom bedecked ski bunny hat with all kinds of fun details: a cabled band! wee bubbles! Easter colors! etc. So let's get to it.

Yarn: Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash (100% Superwash Wool; 220 yards [200 meters]/100 grams); #910A Winter White - one skein (main color), #1973 Seafoam Heather - just a bit (accent color 1), #834 Strawberry Pink - just a bit (accent color 2), #1942 Mint - just a bit (accent color 3), and #820 Lemon - just a bit (accent color 4)

Dude! Let's view it from the back.

Needles: One 16" circular needle in size 6, one set of double-pointed needles (dpns), also in size 6

Notions: Tapestry needle, cable needle (cn) or double-pointed needle (dpn) for cabling, 3 stitch markers or yarn scraps, 3 1/2" or 5/8" buttons, and a needle and thread with which to attach them

Gauge: 20 stitches = 4 inches

Okie-doke, so this hat is a two-parter, and we're going to begin with the band, which is knit back and forth. Of course, I'm still using my circular needles, but that's a matter of personal preference.

ANYWAY, to knit the band you'll start by casting on 18 stitches with your main-color yarn. Also, we'll be knitting a very tiny variation on the loose five-rib braid from page 169 of Barbara G. Walker's A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns. So we'll start with some notation, move on to a couple of set-up rows that include buttonholes, and then we'll get down to business.

Arrow Hat

Arrow Hat

Once again, I bought this yarn because it was on sale, and once again, I'm thrilled with my decision! Not only does this yarn knit up nicely, and with a good drape-y texture, after all, but it also doesn't chafe the fingers despite being all animal fibers. Furthermore, there's enough on the skein for a good project, so much so that I totally wasn't even close to running out by the end of this hat. Huzzah!

Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca Tonal (50% Alpaca, 50% Wool; 215 yards [198 meters]/100 grams); #6321 (purple) - one skein

Needles: One 16" circular needle in size 8 (go to a size 7 if you want a tighter band), one 16" circular needle in size 10, and one set of double pointed needles (dpns) in size 10

The pattern

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker or yarn scrap to mark end of round 

Gauge: 20 stitches = 4 inches on size 8 needles

So let's get started! Using the size 8 (or 7) circular needle, cast on 108 stitches loosely, place marker, and join in round. Next, knit in a k1, p1 ribbing for 1 inch, then switch to your size 10 circular needle and we'll move on to the main pattern, which is an adaptation of Arrow Pattern from page 273 of Barbara G. Walker's A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns (I added a stitch, and rewrote it for the round). Anyway, it goes as follows:

Row 1 (and all other odd rows): knit

Row 2: * yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k2 *

Chunky Triangle Rib Hat

Chunky Triangle Rib Hat

I've been eyeing this yarn for a while, but it took it finally going on sale for me to buy it (I think this color is discontinued). And once I brought it home, I knew that I needed to make a pattern simple enough that the variegation and chunkiness wouldn't hide the design. So here's what I came up with. Incidentally, I gave it the slouchy shape because I had enough yarn to do it; if you prefer a more traditional beanie shape, repeat the main pattern 6 times instead of 9, and the work the decreases as stated. Also, if you have a 16" circular needle in a 10 1/2 or a 10, you may want to work the ribbed band in that instead of the size 11, if you want it to fit tighter.

Yarn: Berroco Borealis (60% Acrylic, 40% Wool; 108 yards [100 meters]/100 grams); #5079 Hekla - 1 skein 


A close-up of the pattern.

Needles: one 16" circular needle in size #11, one set of double-pointed needles (dpns), also in size #11

Notions: tapestry needle

Gauge: 12 stitches = 4 inches

Using circular needle, cast on 70 stitches, place marker, and join in round. Knit 4 rows in a (k1, p1, k1, p2) ribbing. Then we'll move on to the main pattern, which goes like so:

Row 1: * yo, k3tog, yo, p2; rep from *

Rows 2 & 3: * k3, p2 *

Tilting Ladder Hat

Tilting Ladder Hat

Okay, so I made a hat like this for myself nearly a year ago, but, like a genius, I didn't write down the pattern. Then I didn't have any chunky yarn. Finally, however, I bought some and recreated the hat, as I think it's a really fun to knit, fast, and interesting pattern that's a nice weight for fall (with the holes and all). So let's get to it!

Yarn: Bernat Alpaca (70% Acrylic, 30% Alpaca; 120 yards [110 meters]/100 grams); #93310 Plum - 1 skein 


Needles: one 16" circular needle in size #10, one set of double-pointed needles (dpns), also in size #10, cable needle (cn) or dpn for cabling

The finishing

Notions: tapestry needle

Gauge: 15 stitches = 4 inches

Using circular needle, cast on 78 stitches, place marker, and join in round. Work 6 rows in a ribbing, which goes like so:

Ribbing row: * (k1, p1) five times, k1, p2 *

Once your six ribbing rows are complete, it's time to move to the Tilting Ladder pattern, which comes from page 210 of Barbara G. Walker's A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns. It also goes as follows (after being adapted for the round, of course):

Row 1: * k5, p1, k5, p2 *

Row 2: * k5, p1, k1, (yo, k2tog) twice, p2 *

Dimpled Eyelet Hat

Dimpled Eyelet Hat

Okay, so here's the deal.  I made the Dimpled Eyelet Cowl and really liked the tiny section of the pattern that wasn't fully eyeleted (which came as a result of the circular knitting and such).  I've also had this sock yarn kicking around my stash for years now, and this seemed like a perfect opportunity to use it.  Of course, as soon as I started making it, my four-year-old claimed it as his, which is why he insisted on being in many of the photos.  Even better, due to his enormous head and the hat's natural slouchiness, it fits everyone from a four-year-old to an adult!

Yarn: ShibuiKnits Sock (100% Superwash Merino; 191 yards [175 meters]/50 grams); #51305 Zinnea - one skein, but I got WICKED close to the end on this one, so you will probably want slightly more yarn, or two skeins just in case


Needles: One 16" circular needle in size 3, one set of double-pointed needles (dpns), also in size 3

A close-up of the pattern

Notions: one stitch marker or scrap of yarn, tapestry needle

Gauge: 28 stitches = 4 inches

Cast on 160 stitches, place marker, and join in round.  Next, knit one inch in the following ribbing pattern:

Ribbing pattern: * k1, p2, k1; repeat from *

And now it's time to switch to the main pattern, which goes as follows:

Row 1: * k2tog, (yo) twice, ssk *

Row 2: knit all stitches except double yo's, where you will p1 in first yo, and k1 in back loop of second yo

Rows 3 & 4: knit

Peaks & Cables Hat

Peaks & Cables Hat

Okay, so I lost track sometime during last week's vacation, but I ripped this hat out either three or four times before I finally left it sitting around as nothing more than a band of ribbing (luckily, I didn't have to finish it three or four times before I realized each of those times was ugly).  Then I made the cowl for my mom and forgot about the hat entirely.  But since I'm trying to finish the projects I start (except for that quilt from 7 years ago, of course), I finally got some inspiration and hammered through.  And I have to say, my husband thinks it's my best one yet (on a completely unrelated note, I just remembered that my post-apocalyptic New Orleans dream last night featured a whole segment where the tops of my hats, where I pull the stitches together y'know, were starting to tug undone and it was IMPERATIVE that I fix them all right then despite the chaos.  not that I have knitting anxiety dreams or anything...).

Update (4/24/14): For anyone out there who prefers to knit with charts, Raveler bebamima was kind enough to whip some up and then pass them along. You can find charts for both the main pattern and the decreases at the bottom of this post, or shoot me an email if you'd prefer jpgs (ballstothewallsknits@gmail.com). Thanks bebamima!

Yarn: Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Paints (100% Superwash Wool; 220 yards [200 meters]/100 grams); #9863 Spring Meadow - one skein

Needles: One 16" circular needle in size 8 and a set of double-pointed needles in size 8

The pattern.  A cable, and then a peak.

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker

Gauge: 18 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette

Using size 8 needles, cast on 112 stitches, place marker, and join in round.  Knit 1" in k1, p1 ribbing.  Now it's time to begin your main pattern, for which you'll need the following notation:

bc (back cross): slip two stitches to cn and hold in back; knit two stitches, knit two stitches from cn

So let's get to it!

Row 1: * k4, yo, ssk, k6, k2tog, yo; rep from *

Row 2 and all even rows, including final row 8: knit

Row 3: * bc, k1, yo, ssk, k4, k2tog, yo, k1 *

Italian Wheat Hat

Italian Wheat Hat

Um, so it's a hat?  Yes, definitely a hat.  I got the idea for this after knitting the Wheat Ear Cuff, since I thought the cabling could be retooled into a cool hat.  And that's pretty much all I've got for this one...

Yarn: Cascade Yarns Quatro (100% Peruvian highland wool; 220 yards [200 meters]/100 grams); #5019 Green Tea - I used what was left after I made the Zig Zag Legwarmers, which was almost exactly 3/4 of a skein

Needles: One 16" circular needle in size 8, one 16" circular needle in size 10, one set of double-pointed needles (dpns) in size 10, cable needle (cn) or extra dpn

The finishing.

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker or scrap of yarn

Gauge: 18 stitches = 4 inches on size 8 needles

Cast on 108 stitches, place marker, and join in round.  Knit one inch in a k1, p1 ribbing.  Now it's time to switch to your size 10 circular needle, and your main pattern, which is a mash-up of Italian Chain Ribbing (from page 47 of Barbara G. Walker's A Treasury of Knitting Patterns) and the Wheat Ear Cable (from page 244 of the same).  You'll need the following notation to get 'er done:

fc (front cross): slip 3 stitches to cn and hold in front; knit 3, knit 3 from cn

fc-2: slip 2 stitches to cn and hold in front; knit 2, knit 2 from cn

Lace Butterfly Hat

Lace Butterfly Hat

Okay, so this hat is for the same person who requested the Mesh Flower Hat, and she wanted something that was similar and in the same yarn, but that had larger holes.  And that pretty much covers it, although I will note that this hat is slightly slouchier, and I had more yarn left over, so it didn't get quite as scary at the end.  Oh, and I think the "butterfly" aspect of the lace would show up better in a lighter-colored yarn, but I still like the vine-y nature of the pattern.

Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light (50% Super Fine Alpaca, 50% Peruvian Wool; 144 yards [133 meters]/50 grams); #4277 Peat Mix - one skein

Needles: One 16" circular needle in size 5, one 16" circular needle in size 8, one set of double pointed needles (dpns) in size 8

Close-up of pattern

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker or yarn scrap to mark end of round (the scrap might work better, given the gauge)

Gauge: 23 stitches = 4 inches on size 5 needles

So let's get started!  Using the size 5 circular needle, cast on 120 stitches loosely, place marker, and join in round.  Work one inch in a k1, p1 ribbing and then switch to your size 8 needle; now it's time to begin the main pattern, which is Lace Butterfly from page 189 of Barbara G. Walker's A Treasury of Knitting Patterns, except adapted for the round. 

Row 1: * (yo) twice, ssk, k2tog; rep from *

Oopsie Daisy Diagonal Hat

Oopsie Daisy Diagonal Hat

Okay, so before we get any further - pretty much the only reason I made this hat was to see if I could make both the hat and the Lady Lawyer Arm Warmers with one skein of yarn.  And guess what?  It totally worked, and my children are rejoicing as we speak (that's a lie.  they're actually just yelling at me).  And besides that - well, the reason I called it the "Oopsie Daisy Diagonal Hat" was because the stitch pattern was a total accident, a cock-up if you will, since I meant to do something else.  By the time I realized it wasn't working out, though, I was too far along to care.  And I ended up liking the textured diagonals anyway, so it all worked out.  Especially the whole one-skein business.  So let's get to it

Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine (50% Peruvian wool, 20% Super Fine Alpaca, 30% Nylon; 433 yards [400 meters]/100 grams); #12171 Berry Pie Mix - one skein

Needles: One 16" circular needle in size 3, one set of double pointed needles (dpns), also in size 3

Close-up of the accidental pattern

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker or scrap yarn

Gauge: 30 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette on size 2 needles

Using circular needle, cast on 154 stitches, place marker or scrap yarn, and join in round.  Knit 1 inch in k1, p1 ribbing.

Now it's time to begin the main pattern.  Here goes!

Row 1: * k1, yo, ssk, yo, sl1-k2tog-psso, yo, k1; rep from *

Mesh Flower Hat

Mesh Flower Hat

Alrighty!  First of all, I have to admit that I am super excited about this hat, pretty much exclusively because I knit it to specification for a friend.  Or in other words, she wanted something black, slouchy, and light-weight that would serve for multiple seasons.  And this hat is all of those things, and is even knit in a mesh (although I wasn't able to get a good close-up, so you're just going to have to trust that there are little holes between all of those nubblies).  Plus, a flower!  Awww....

Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light (50% Super Fine Alpaca, 50% Peruvian Wool; 144 yards [133 meters]/50 grams); #4245 Pitch Black - I used one skein but I only had 15 feet or so left by the end - so you may need two skeins, ESPECIALLY if you decide to make this hat a bit slouchier

Needles: One 16" circular needle in size 5, one 16" circular needle in size 4, one set of double pointed needles (dpns) in size 4

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker or yarn scrap to mark end of round (the scrap might work better, given the gauge)

Gauge: 23 stitches = 4 inches on size 5 needles

So let's get started!  Using the size 5 circular needle, cast on 120 stitches loosely, place marker, and join in round.

Knit in k1, p1 ribbing for 1 inch, then switch to your size 4 circular needle and the mesh pattern, which is as follows:

Row 1: * yo, ssk; rep from *

Row 2: * yo, p2tog *

Repeat rows 1 & 2 until piece measures about 6 inches in length (if you want to make sure you can knit it with one skein, maybe only knit until it measures 5 1/2" here) and you've just completed row 2.  You can add another inch or so if you have another skein and want it extra-slouchy.  Then, to continue, you'll need the following notation:

Slouchy Baby-Cabled Stocking Hat

Slouchy Baby-Cabled Beanie.  To the stars.

All right!  So I had this yarn left over after finishing the Two-Tone Marrowbone Hat, and I wanted to make something that screamed '80s ski bunny, while also being versatile.  And hence this hat was born.  Basically, it's a hat with a little more give than your average beanie, which makes it perfect for multiple styles or big hair, and the pom pom is an optional accent.  I love the way this yarn's variegation knitted up in this pattern, too!

Yarn: Cascade Yarns Pacific (40% Superwash Merino Wool, 60% Acrylic; 213 yards [195 meters]/100 grams); #505 Caribbean blue - one skein

Needles: One 16" circular needle in size 8, one set double-pointed needles (dpns), also in size 8

Hey look!  You can fold the edge up too, if you want!

Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle

Gauge: 18 stitches = 4 inches

Cast on 104 stitches, place marker, join in round

Knit in k2, p2 ribbing for 4 inches, and then you're going to switch patterns.  You'll need the following notation to proceed:

rt (right twist): knit two together, leaving stitches on left-hand needle; next, insert right-hand needle from the front between the two stitches just knitted together, and knit the first stitch again. Finally, slip both stitches from left-hand needle together

lt (left twist): with right-hand needle behind left-hand needle, skip one stitch and knit the second stitch in back loop; then insert right-hand needle into the backs of both stitches and k2tog-b (knit two together through back loops, inserting right needle from the right)

Now let's get to it!

Two-Tone Marrowbone Hat

Two-Tone Marrowbone Hat

Okie dokie!  First of all.  The reason I started knitting this hat was to test my hypothesis that I could knit two of the beasts out of the same ball of yarn (since this is the same stuff I made the Twisted Check Hat out of).  And guess what?  It couldn't be done!  However, instead of going the boring route and buying yet another ball of the same color, I decided to switch it up and change colors, partially so that I wouldn't have to knit a THIRD hat out of the gray (I've got big plans for the blue, though, let me tell you).  Obviously, you wouldn't have to change colors to make this hat, if you didn't want to, or you could even stripe it every six rows, since if you look closely at the color change (there's a better picture below), the way the fabric tugs into the cables actually looks pretty good.  Or you could trim it with a crochet stitch on the bottom, if you wanted to tie the blue back in, or even add a tassel or a pom-pom of the gray.  So many options!  Any way you do it, I think this is a gorgeous texture for a hat.  So let's get this party started!

Yarn: Cascade Yarns Pacific (40% Superwash Merino Wool, 60% Acrylic; 213 yards [195 meters]/100 grams); #500 Duo Tone - one skein, and #505 Caribbean blue - one skein

Needles: One 16" circular needle in size 8, one set double-pointed needles (dpns), also in size 8, cable needle (cn) or extra dpn

And... from the back!

Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle

Gauge: 18 stitches = 4 inches

Cast on 96 stitches, place marker, join in round

Knit in k1, p1 ribbing for 1 inch

Now, before we begin the main pattern, which is adapted to the round from the Marrowbone Pattern from page 204 of Barbara G. Walker's A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns, let's do a little notation note:

fc (front cross): slide 3 stitches to cn and hold in front, k3, then k3 from cn

fc2 (front cross 2): slide 2 stitches to cn and hold in front, k2, then k2 from cn

fc1 (front cross 1): slide 1 stitch to cn and hold in front, k1, then k1 from cn