This basic style of hat can be knit for any adult. It is an easy project that results in a warm winter hat. It is made using two basic stitches: the garter stitch, knitting all rows, and the stocking stitch, which is knitting on the right side and purling on the wrong side. Each is simple and easy to do. Beginners can expect to complete this project in a day or weekend’s time, and experienced knitters will be able to complete this project quickly, in a matter of hours. In any case, this project can be completed by any level of knitter, beginner or expert.
Materials
- 1 skein medium weight wool yarn, such as Patons Classic Wool
- Size 10.5 knitting needles
- Yarn needle
Instructions for Cuff: Work in Garter Stitch
- Cast on 60 stitches
- Rows 1-10: Knit
For Crown: Work in Stocking Stitch
- Row 11: Knit
- Row 12: Purl
- Rows 13-28: Repeat Rows 11 and 12 8 more times
- Row 29: Knit
Shape Top of Hat
- Row 30: (Knit 4, Knit 2 together) across row. 50 stitches.
- Row 31: Purl
- Row 32: Knit
- Row 33: Purl
- Row 34: (Knit 3, Knit 2 together) across row. 40 stitches.
- Row 35: Purl
- Row 36: Knit
- Row 37: Purl
- Row 38: (Knit 2, Knit 2 together) across row. 30 stitches.
- Row 39: Purl
- Row 40: Knit
- Row 41: Purl
- Row 42: (Knit 1, Knit 2 together) across row. 20 stitches.
- Row 43: Purl
- Row 44: Knit 2 together across row. 10 stitches.
- Row 45: Purl
- Row 46: Knit 2 together across row. 5 stitches.
Finishing
- Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail.
- Using the yarn needle, pull yarn through remaining 5 stitches on the needle, pulling tight.
- Sew seam.
- Weave in any loose ends.
This hat works well for men due to the simplicity of the design, but it can also be a unisex hat. It is designed to fit the average adult’s head. The pictured hat was knit in dark grey wool, but any color wool may be used. The pictured hat is not designed for the cuff to roll up, but if that is desired, simply switch which side the seam is on when sewing the cuff’s seam. That way, the cuff can be turned up and the seam will not show.
For other variations of this project, consider using more than one color of wool and creating a striped pattern by changing colors every several rows. Be sure to join new yarn on a knit or right side row. A pom pom could also be sewn on top for a more whimsical look. The hat could also be made with any medium weight yarn for a varied result.
Jeris Swanhorst - After earning a Bachelor's degree in English, Literature from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2005, Jeris Swanhorst went on to earn ...
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