Super Simple Hat Pattern How-To

Hats, hats and more HATS!!!! Yes, that's right, with the cold weather there comes a need for head warming devices and to be honest I've lost count of the number of hats I've made this Winter... I made the pattern up for the little blue number below and its been a great 'go-to pattern' ever since. It's so simple to create and whips up in less than an hour, perfect for last minute gift giving.. I thought I'd share my super simple hat how-to with you all.....Step 1

First arm yourself with the tools needed, I used well under 1/2 a skein of Magnum 20ply pure wool (available in my store but not on-line as yet) and some 10mm bamboo needles (a 50cm circular and dpn's).

Step 2

Measure your head in inches and cast-on 2 stitches for every inch, mine was 22 inches so I cast-on 44sts. My most favourite cast-on method is the long-tail, but use what ever works for you.

Step 3

If you want the end of your hat to roll up you can skip this step but if you want a brim continue on..... For the hat above I've worked in garter stitch (knit 1 round, purl 1 round) for 6 rounds but you could just as easily work in a rib pattern for the brim. For a K1, P1 ribbing, cast on 2sts less then required, then increase to the correct # of sts after the ribbing. For a K2, P2 rib, cast on 4sts less then required, then increase to the correct # of sts after the ribbing. 6 rounds for a brim in this chunky wool is plenty.

Step 4

Once you have completed your brim you will need to work in stocking stitch for approx 6-7 inches before starting your decrease. My hat measured 6 1/2 inches from the cast-on edge before I started my decrease. Try the hat on as you're making it if you're unsure, this always seems to work for me...

Step 5

Time to decrease.... This is super easy, change to your dpn's and work as follows...

Round 1 - *K2, k2tog repeat from * round.

Round 2 - Knit 1 round without decreasing.

Round 3 - *K1, k2tog, repeat from * round.

Round 4 - Knit 1 round without decreasing again.

Round 5 - K2tog all the way round.

Round 6 - repeat round 5.

Step 6

To finish your hat off cut your yarn leaving about a 6 inch tail, thread this tail back through your live stitches and pull tight. Sew in the ends, add a flower and your done.

This hat is that super simple that I've had my beginner knitters working on them and they're even managing to finish 1 in a lesson, gotta love the instant gratification of something like that.... Here's hoping you're keeping your head warm where you are - :P

Hugs...... Jodie xx-xx

Yarn Hint - If you are unable to find any 20ply, or are just wanting to use up some yarn from your stash and have no 20ply, you could always knit with several yarns held together to get the same gauge. I've made the same hat using 3 x 8ply's held together and it's created the same gauge of 2sts per inch. Hope this helps...