A quick and easy garter stitch hat, Eldora is perfect for showing off variegated yarn. This hipster beanie is cast on provisionally and knit sideways with short row shaping, then the first and last rows are grafted together for a seamless finish. Techniques & Skills Used: Provisional CO, knit, short rows, grafting; a link is provided to my short rows tutorial, and grafting instructions are included. Size: Child (Adult); 19" circumference and 7.75 (8.5)" height; the stretchy garter stitch and single ply wool will accommodate many head sizes. Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Merino Worsted (100% merino wool; 210 yards/100g); 1 skein, shown in Deja Vu, or approximately 100 (110) yards of worsted weight yarn. Other Materials: US 9 (5.5mm) 16" circular needle or 32" circular needle if using Magic Loop, or size to match gauge; Scrap yarn for provisional CO Yarnneedle. Gauge: 16 st and 32 rows/4" in garter stitch, after gentle blocking. Row gauge determines hat circumference in this sideways knit.
Designer's Notes:
Eldora is shaped with seven 20-row short row wedges; the garter stitch stretches to fit a wide range of head sizes, but more stitches are cast on for the adult size to create a taller crown. My short row tutorial can be found at http://jenniferdassau.com/category/tutorials/ There is no need to pick up the short row wraps, as they disappear into the garter stitch.
Stitches & Abbreviations:
CO: cast on. K: knit. RS: right side of work st: stitch(es). w&t: wrap and turn - see pattern sidebar. WS: wrong side of work.
Pattern
Using provisional method, CO 31 (34) st Short Rowshaping: Row 1 (and every WS row): knit to end. Row 2 (RS): knit to last 2 st, w&t. Rows 4, 6, 8 &10: knit to 1 st before last wrapped st, w&t. Rows 12 & 14: knit to 2 st before last wrapped st, w&t. Rows 16 & 18: knit to 3 st before last wrapped st, w&t. Row 20: knit to end. Work these 20 rows, 7 times total, ending with Row 19 on the last repeat. Cut yarn, leaving a 24" tail for grafting. Place provisionally CO st on needle, and hold parallel to last row of stitches, with WS facing together. Graft all stitches, using yarn tail to close up the tiny hole at crown if necessary. Finishing: Weave in ends neatly, and the hat is reversible! Gentle steam blocking is optional but not necessary for this garter stitch beanie. Any provisional CO method may be used. w&t: wrap and turn stitch - slip st purlwise to right needle. Move yarn to front, slip st back to left needle, turn work. There is no need to work the wrapped stitch together with its wrap on next row.
How to graft in garter stitch:
Set up: thread yarn tail through yarn needle, and insert through first stitch on front needle as if to purl; pull yarn through, leaving stitch on needle. Then insert through first stitch on back needle as if to purl and pull yarn through, leaving stitch on needle. Graft: Step 1 - Insert yarn needle through first stitch on front needle as if to knit, and pull stitch off needle. Step 2 - Insert yarn needle through second stitch on front needle as if to purl, and pull yarn through, leaving stitch on needle. Repeat these two steps on back needle. Repeat Steps 1 & 2 until all stitches have been grafted, eliminating Step 2 when one stitch remains on each needle.
... Last Look
About the Designer
Jennifer Dassau is a recovering attorney and emigree from Seventh Avenue, who likes writing patterns as much as she likes knitting them. Find her in The Knitting Vortex at www.jenniferdassau.com.
