EXETER
by John Horigan
This is a plain, ribbed beanie hat. It is called Exeter due to the way the crown decreases interact with the ribbing. It is reminiscent of the ceiling in the nave of Exeter Cathedral. Finished Size: 20-23" head circumference and 8" tall. 2x2 ribbing and folded brim make for very flexible sizing. Yarn: Knit Picks Stroll Sport Sock Yarn (75% superwash merino wool, 25% nylon; 137yds/50g): 2 balls. Needles: Size US 5 (3.75mm) 16" circular needle. A set of 5 double-pointed needles (dpn) in same size, or sufficiently long cable needle for magicloop. Notions: tapestry needle, four stitch markers Gauge: 22 sts. to 4" in rib, slightly stretched.
Abbreviations:
Id - left-leaning decrease, in pattern. If the next stitch on the left needle is a knit, then ssk. If the next stitch is a purl, then p2tog. rd - right-leaning decrease, in pattern. If the second stitch on the left needle is a knit, then k2tog. If the second stitch is a purl, then ssp. + pm - place marker sm - slip marker ssk - Slip 1 knitwise, slip 1 knitwise, k2tog-tbl. ssp - Slip 1 knitwise, slip 1 knitwise, insert left needle into both purls from right to left and return both stitches to left needle together (swapping them), p2tog.
Pattern:
Using circular needle, cast-on 128 sts. (or any multiple of 16) and join for working in the round. Knit 2x2 (k2 p2) ribbing in the round until work measures 91/2 from cast-on (or 41/2" for a beanie). Stop knitting the body of the hat between two purl stitches and start the crown decreases.
Baby Exeter Hat
To knit a Baby Exeter Hat in sport-weight yarn, cast-on 64 sts and knit the body for 5". Use dpns, magic loop, or two circular needles. For a preemie-size hat use fingering weight yarn and smaller needles, rather than using fewer stitches. X A p2tog can also be done for an rd and there will be very little difference in appearance.
Crown Decreases:
Round 1: pm, work 32 sts. in 2x2 ribbing, pm, work 32 sts., pm, work 32 sts., pm, work 16 sts. This marks the beginning of all subsequent rounds. +# Round 2: work sts. until 2 sts. before marker, Id, sm, rd. Repeat for other three markers. Work sts. to end of round.
Round 3: work sts.
Repeat rounds 2 and 3 until half the sts. remain, then repeat round 2 until 8 sts. remain. When dividing onto dpns, make sure that the markers are in the center of each dpn. If switching to magic loop or two circular needles then make sure that the breaks are halfway between markers. + The round begins halfway between the last marker and the first marker. You may put a 5th marker here of a different color if you wish. + If you cast-on a different number of stitches then round 1 is as follows: pm, work 1/4 sts., pm, work 1/4 sts., pm, work 1/4 sts., pm, work V8 sts.
Finishing:
Break yarn, leaving a 10" tail. Using a tapestry needle, thread yarn through remaining eight stitches, twice, and pull tightly to close the top. Weave in all ends.
