Eric's Hat
Yarn: Madelinetosh Tosh Sock in Plaid Blanket, 275-325 yards, s0 one skein is more than enough. Needle: US 1 2.25 mm, 16" circular and a set of double point needles or a 40" circular needle for magic loop, to work the decreases. You may also need a tapestry needle for weaving in the ends and a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the rounds. Gauge: Unblocked, this hat measures 9 inches around. That's 16 stitches per inch, in ribbing. It stretches to fit pretty much everybody. Stitches: K - knit P -purl K2TOG - knit 2 together P2TOG - purl 2 together SSK - slip slip knit
Cast on 144 stitches in K3, P3 ribbing with a ribbed cast on. The method I use is a variation of the long tail cast on and required 6 feet of yarn tail to execute. If you don't know how to do the long tail cast on or how to cast on purl stitches with this cast on, there's a nice video on YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Bm4fg9eS6w It's a skill worth learning, but you can always substitute your favorite stretchy cast on instead. Join in the round, place an optional stitch marker at the beginning of the round. Work in K3, P3 rib for 10-12 inches. 10" will give you a nice fold over edge and is long enough for smaller heads and women, 11" is about right for guys who want a little extra hat to pull down over their ears, 12" is better for big heads, and I applaud those of you who don't get tired of all the tiny ribbing before you get there. Resist the urge to stop short of 10" and not have enough length to fold over, otherwise the hat will keep popping off your head. I knit to 11" for Eric's hat. Uiuwll ueuicasts. Round 1: \*K3, P1, P2TOG\*, repeat to end of the round. Round 2 and 3: \*K3, P2\*, repeat to end of the round. Round 4: \*K1, K2TOG, P2\*, repeat to end of the round. Round 5 and 6: “K2, P2\*, repeat to end of the round. Round 7: \*K2, P2TOG\*, repeat to end of the round. Round 8 and 9: \*K2, P1\*, repeat to end of the round. Round 10: \*SSK, P1\*, repeat to end of the round. Round 11 and 12: \*K1, P1\*, repeat to end of the round. Rounds 13, 14, and 15: \*K2TOG\*, repeat to end of the round. You should have 6 stitches left. Break yarn, thread it through your needle, run the yarn through the remaining stitches and sew the top closed. I usually run the yarn through the remaining stitches 2 or 3 times before I pull them off the needle. Weave in ends.
