Crimp Crimp is a hat with built-in slouch and a casual fit created by tuck stitches, which can be worn at the back or side for different looks. This simple and fun technique solves the problem of just how to scrunch your hat and keep it perfectly slouched. Alternating sections of ribbing and stockinette add interest to the crown, making Crimp a unique hat and a perfect companion to the Crimpy Mitts. Techniques & Skills Used: Cable CO, knit/purl, tuck stitch, decreasing; this pattern includes written instructions, as well as a photo and video tutorial for the tuck stitch. Size: S/M (M/L); 18 (20)” unstretched brim circumference. Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Rios (100% superwash merino wool, 210 yards/ 192m/100g), 1 skein. Size M shown in Cumparsita. 2 skeins are needed to make both the hat and mitts. Other Materials: US 7 (4.5mm) dpns or 32” circular needle if using Magic Loop, or size to match gauge; Spare US 7 dpn for tucks; Stitch markers (8); Yarn needle. Gauge: 20 st and 28 rows/4” in stockinette . . .
Well, not exactly a WIP in terms of the knitting, but then that’s the easy part. These need to be sized and then organized for test knitting, which takes more focus. I’m still loving that tuck stitch, and it’s been turning up in other places too, so it feels like the zeitgeist is right. And with winter setting in, some textural ribbing and ruckling will bring a bit of warmth with interest. Also, maybe it’s the season, but I cant get enough of rich, dark red lately; not my usual type of thing at all, but so engaging. It looks purpley here, but that’s my lighting, trying to get a good shot of the variegation. Malabrigo Rios in Cumparsita, by the way.
London Calling
Channel your inner Clash hipster, or just stay warm with this superbulky adjustable hat. The button band is knit flat in textured linen stitch, making the most of a variegated yarn and a cozy covering for your ears. Then the hat is joined and knit in the round to the crown and closed with two buttons, for a fast finished knit that looks great in both multi- and classic colors. Still free, this pattern has been reformatted and updated with new pictures. Techniques & Skills Used: knit/purl, decreasing, knitting in the round. Size: Small (Large); 21 (24)” finished circumference. Yarn: Malabrigo Rasta (100% merino wool; 90 yards/150g); 1 skein. Size S shown in Zarzamora; London Calling requires approximately 65 (70) yards of superbulky yarn. Other Materials: US 15 40” circular needle for Magic Loop, or size to match gauge; US 15 straight needle, to overlap band; Stitch markers (6); Yarn needle or 6.5mm crochet hook; 7/8” buttons (2); Matching sewing thread and needle. Gauge: 8 st and 14 rows/4” in stockinette stitch; 8 st and . . .
A soft and highly textured hat, Ruckle features a tidy hemmed brim and three-dimensional tucks all over. The structural ruckles are fun to knit and fanciful to wear, and add an original flair to any outfit. For a fun and matched set, make it with the companion Ruckowl cowl and Ruckle Mitts. Techniques & Skills Used: provisional CO, knit/purl, increasing/decreasing, knitting in the round; this pattern includes written instructions, as well as a photo and video tutorial for the tuck stitch. Size: S (M, L) to fit approximately 20.5 (22.5, 24.5)” head circumference; 18.5 (21.25, 24)” brim circumference, 7.25 (8.5, 9.5)” height, measured flat and unstretched. Yarn: Malabrigo Merino Worsted (100% Merino Wool; 210 yards/192m/ 100g); 1 skein. Size M shown in Paris Night. Other Materials: US 8 (5mm) dpns or 32” circular needle if using Magic Loop, or size to match gauge; Spare US 8 32” circular needle, for hemming brim; Stitch markers (10); Yarn needle; Smooth cotton yarn for provisional CO. Gauge: 18 st and 24 rounds/4” in stockinette stitch, after gentle blocking. . . .
Minaret Hat
Minaret Hat is part of the Sailing To Byzantium Collection. This slipstitch colorwork hat, designed in three sizes, recalls the dome and minaret shapes of Ottoman architecture. Techniques & Skills Used: cable CO, knit/purl, corrugated ribbing, increasing/decreasing, slipstitch colorwork; this pattern contains both fully written and charted instructions. Size: S (M, L): 18.5 (20, 21.5)” brim circumference and 8 (9, 10)” height, to fit 21 (22.5, 24)” head circumference. Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Merino Worsted (100% merino wool, 210 yards/ 192m/100g); 1 skein each MC and CC. Size M shown in Tortuga (MC) and Applewood (CC). Other Materials: US 8 (5mm) 16” circular needle or dpns, or 32” circular needle for Magic Loop, or size to match gauge; Stitch marker; Yarn needle. Gauge: 19 st and 38 rounds/4” in Lattice stitch pattern, after blocking. 19 st and 24 rounds/4” in Corrugated Rib; 18 st and 24 rounds/4” in stockinette st, after blocking. See it on Ravelry or on Payhip, to read more and purchase the pattern.
Eldora
A quick and easy garter stitch hat, Eldora is perfect for showing off variegated yarn. This hipster beanie is cast on provisionally and knit sideways with short row shaping, then the first and last rows are grafted together for a seamless finish. Techniques & Skills Used: Provisional CO, knit, short rows, grafting; a link is provided to my short rows tutorial, and grafting instructions are included. Size: Child (Adult); 19” circumference and 7.75 (8.5)” height; the stretchy garter stitch and single ply wool will accommodate many head sizes. Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Merino Worsted (100% merino wool; 210 yards/100g); 1 skein, shown in Deja Vu, or approximately 100 (110) yards of worsted weight yarn. Other Materials: US 9 (5.5mm) 16” circular needle or 32” circular needle if using Magic Loop, or size to match gauge; Scrap yarn for provisional CO; Yarn needle. Gauge: 16 st and 32 rows/4” in garter stitch, after gentle blocking. Row gauge determines hat circumference in this sideways knit. See it on Ravelry, to read more and download the free pattern. . . .
She-Cat, A Chic Hat
Part of the Very Chic series, She-Cat is a chic little hat with a sideways-cabled brim and sleek reverse stockinette crown, it’s interesting to knit and perfect to wear everywhere. Dropped stitches between cables create an extra soft and stretchy brim, and add just enough knitting excitement and fashion-y detail. Techniques & Skills Used: Provisional CO, knit/purl, decreasing, cables, dropped stitches, knitting in the round, grafting or optional 3-needle bind off; this pattern includes both a chart for the brim and full written instructions, and a photo tutorial for grafting the cables. Size: S/M (M/L); 20 (22.5)” circumference, unstretched, after gentle blocking. Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Merino Worsted (100% merino wool; 210 yards/100g); 1 skein, or approximately 100 (130) yards of worsted weight yarn. Size S shown in Apple Green and Size L shown in Hollyhock. Other Materials: US 8 (5mm) 16” circular needle, or 32” circular needle if using Magic Loop, or size to match gauge; Scrap yarn for provisional CO; Stitch markers (2); Cable needle; Yarn needle; Crochet hook (any size) to help with . . .