Quirmian Cap
This loose, quick-knit cap is part stitch sampler, part beret, and all comfort! Depending on your knitting speed, it can be completed in less than two hours. Yarn: one skein of Madelinetosh ASAP. Needles: size US 15, whatever method you prefer for circular knitting (dpn, magic loop, two circulars). I used a 24" circular for the body and switched to magic loop (with the same needle) for the decrease rows at the end. Gauge = approximately 2 sts and 3.25 rows to an inch. The stitches and rows are so easy to read that you may not need a stitch marker for the beginning of your row, or a row counter, but if you feel more comfortable with them, please do use them. One size fits most adults. The ^Gilded’ cap (at left) is shown unblocked; the Grenadine’ cap (below) was blocked flat. Quirm is the Discworld analog of France. Discworld Sir Terry Pratcbett. cap Cast on 44 stitches. Join to work in the round, taking care not to twist stitches. Work 4 rounds of k2, p2 rib Work 4 rounds of stockinette (knit every round). Work 4 rounds of seed stitch: Rounds 1 and 3: k1, p1 around Rounds 2 and 4: p1, k1 around Work 4 rounds of stockinette. Work 4 rounds of reverse stockinette (purl every round). Work 4 rounds of stockinette. Work 4 rounds of linen stitch: Rounds 1 and 3: \*k1, bring yarn to front, slip next stitch purlwise, bring yarn to back (second stitch is Wrapped but not worked). Repeat from \* to end of row. Rounds 2 and 4: \*bring yarn to front, slip next stitch purlwise, bring yarn to back (first stitch is wrapped but not worked), k1. Repeat from \* to end of row. Begin crown decreases. Work in stockinette from here until the end of the cap: Round 1: \*k9, k2tog, repeat from \* to end of row. (40 stitches remain) Round 2: knit around. Round 3: \*k3, k2tog, repeat from \* to end of row. (32 stitches remain) Round 4: knit around. Round 5: \*k2, k2tog, repeat from \* to end of row. (24 stitches remain.) Round 6: knit around. Round 7: \*k1, k2tog, repeat from \* to end of row. (16 stitches remain.) Round 8: knit around. Round 9: k2tog around. (8 stitches remain.) Round 10: knit around. Round 11: k2tog around. (4 stitches remain.) Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Draw it through the remaining 4 stitches and draw tight. Bring tail to inside of crown and weave in end. Weave in end from cast-on. Block if desired and wear with flair and Savoir-faire!
