GENTLEVORTEXHAT!
Updated: February 23, 2012
My first pattern PDF, offered free to knit for your favorite charity. Looks handsome knit with chunky yarn or use the heavy worsted version. Corrections from previous edition on page 2 in bold print. You will need: 1 ball chunky yarn, such as Bernat Softee Chunky, or heavy worsted such as Red Heart Soft, extra yardage for turn up brim. Needles: Size 8 16 inch circular, size 9 16 inch circular, size 9 double pointed needles (or use circular knitting method of choice). Directions for version using heavy worsted yarn in parenthesis, using size 7 and 8 needles. Five or 6 stitch markers, different colors. Gauge: 15 stitches per 4 inches, 20 rows per 4 inches using knit 1 purl1 rib, chunky yarn and size 9 needle. Very stretchy. Fits average adult, about 20 to 24 inch head circumference. Alternative brim directions added at end of pattern can be used to make a turn up brim or just a l x1 rib that flows into pattern. Definitions: Pm: pass marker MIP: make one purl stitch by inserting left hand needl into purl bump two rows below current stitch, then purl MlK: make one knit stitch by inserting left hand needle into purl bump two rows below current stitch, then knit. To start, using size 8 (7) needle, cast on 69 (78) stitches. Join to work in the round, careful not to twist the stitches. Place a marker to mark beginning of round. Rounds 1 thru 4: Work \* knit 2, purl 1\* repeat from \* to \* around. 5: Work rib as above, increasing 3 (6) stitches evenly spaced around. Total 72 (84) stitches. Round 6; Change to size 9 (8) needle. Work knit 1, purl 1 ribbing all around. For all subsequent rounds, work stitches as established in knit I purl 1 rib unless directed otherwise. Round 7: \*Work 23 (27) stitches (following established knit 1 purl 1 rib), knit 2 together, place marker (remember this as marker number 2), work 10 (12) stitches, place marker, purl 1, MIP\* repeat from \* to \*. Round 8: \*Work until 2 stitches before marker 2, knit 2 together, pm, work to next marker and pm, purl 1,MlK\* repeatfrom \*to\* Round 9: \*Work until 2 stitches before marker 2, knit 2together, pm, work to next marker and pm, purl 1, MIP\* repeat from \* to \*. Repeat rounds 8 and 9 until about 6 and 1/2 or 7 inches in length, ending with round 8. On last round, work until 2 stitches before marker 2. I worked a total of 27 rounds. Note: marker 2 will move to right and may eventually be in same position as marker 1. Simply remove marker 1. The next round begins the decrease rounds, and they willine up perfectly with the knit 2 together spot of the previous rounds. Now, starting 2 stitches before marker 2, knit 2 together, knit 10 (12), repeat around until two stitches before marker 2. \* Knit 2together, work 10 (12) stitches \*, repeat from \* to \*, stop 2 stitches before marker 2 3: \*Knit 2 together, work 9 (11) stitches\*,repeat from \*to \*, stop 2 stitches before marker 2 Dec rounds 4 thru end: Continue as established, working one less stitch between decreases each round, Changing to double pointed needles when necessary. When 12 stitches remain on needles, cut yarn leaving about 10 inches length. Thread yarn through all remaining stitches and fasten off on wrong side. Block hat if desired.
ALTERNATIVE BRIM WTH1 X1 RIBBING:
To begin, cast on 68 (80) stitches, join inthe round., and place marker forbeginning of round. Work in knit 1, purl 1 ribbing every round for desired length. Recommend at least 2.5 inches for turn up brim. Next round uses double increase (dbl inc) as follows: in next stitch, purl 1 and then knit one through back loop of same stitch, then use left needle to lift the bar preceeding the next stitch and purl into that bar. Makes 2 new stitches that will flow into knit I purl l rib pattern. Set up round: Knit 1, dbl inc, work 33 (39) stitches, dblinc, work to end of round. t round, change to larger needle size and work rest of pattern as written, starting with rounc
