To Slouch or Not to Slouch Hat
By Linda Fisher - MomofTwins I am teaching knitting to a group of children aged 6 - 10 and thought that a simple roll brim hat would be a fun project for them. Boy was I wrong. The thought of knitting 70sts around and around and around was NOT what they wanted to do. I decided to write up this pattern as something fun for them to knit as well as a way to learn new techniques. Watching the pattern emerge as they knit round after round has been a satisfying experience for them . I think you will enjoy knitting up this hat as much as they did. Why not teach a young girl or boy to knit along with you! This pattern incorporates new stitches for the confident knitter.
Page 1 of 2 Skill Level: Advanced Beginner SIZE: Child (C), Adult (A) Finished Measurement: approximately 19" circumference at brim, unstretched after blocking. YARN: Lion Brand Wool-Ease - 80% acrylic, 20% wool. One 3oz bal required. Worsted weight (To Slouch). Capra by KnitPicks - 85% Merino Wool, 15% Cashmere. One 50g ball(C), 2 balls (A). DK weight (Not to Slouch)
NEEDLESANDOTHERMATERIALS:
- Circular knitting needle (16") in size US8 (5mm) for To Slouch Hat, US7 (4.5 mm) for Not to Slouch Hat or the size to obtain gauge. Double Pointed needles (for crown decreases or switch to magic loop method) in the size to obtain gauge. - Stitch marker.
GAUGE:
16 sts and 24 rows = 4" in Diamond Pattern. Take time to save time, check yourgauge. ABBREVIATIONS: CO: cast on dec: decrease inc: increase K: knit K2tog: knit 2 together P: purl LH: left hand RH: right hand rnd(s): round(s) st(s): stitch(es) tbl: through the back loop CR: Cable twist to the right (see Knit Instructions for more information) CL: Cable twist to the left (see Knit Instructions for more information) M1L: Make 1 stitch left leaning (see Knit Instructions for more information)
KNIT INSTRUCTION:
1 x 1 Rib: (multiple of 2 sts) All rnds: \*K1tbl, p1; rep from \* around.
CR: Cable Right
Knit next 2 stitches together, do not remove stitches from needle, knit first stitch again. Now remove stitches.
CL: Cable Left
Knit second stitch through the back loop (tbl), do not remove stitch from needle, knit first stitch as normal. Now remove stitches.
M1L: Make 1 stitch Left leaning
Pick up the left leg of two stitches below the last stitch knit and place it on the LH needle. Knit this stitch through the back loop.
Diamond Pattern: (multiple of 6 sts) See Chart A.
Important Note: there will be times when you will need to cable stitches across the start round marker. Just remove the marker, knit the cable and return the marker betweenthecable. Rnd 1: \*CR, K4; repeat from \* around. Rnd 2 and all even numbered rows: K all around. Rnd 3: K1, \*CL, K2, CR; repeat from \* till last stitch, CR last and first sts. Rnd 4: repeat Rnd 2. Rnd 5: \*K2, CL, CR; repeat from \* around. Rnd 6: repeat Rnd 2. Rnd 7: \*K3, CR, K1; repeat from \* around. Rnd 8: repeat Rnd 2. Rnd 9: \*K2, CR, CL; repeat from \* around. Rnd 10: repeat Rnd 2. Rnd 11: K1, \*CR, K2, CL; repeat from \* till last stitch, CL last and first sts. Rnd 12: repeat Rnd 2. Rep rnds 1 - 12 for Diamond Pattern
INSTRUCTIONS:
CO 72 (80) sts. Place marker for start of round and join being careful not to twist sts. Begin 1 x 1 Rib; work even until piece measures 1" - 1 1/2" from the beginning. Inc Rnd: \*K1, M1L, K1; rep from \* around - (108)120 sts. Knit one round and begin Diamond Pattern. Knit pattern 2 and a half times ending on row 8. Crown Decreases: Page 1 of 2 Rnd 1: \*K2, K2tog, CL; repeat from \* around. 90(100)sts remaining. Rnd 2 and all even numbered rows: K all around. Rnd 3: K1, \*K2tog, K1, CL; repeat from \* around. 72(80)sts remaining. Rnd 5: \*K2tog,K2; repeat from \* around. 54(60)sts remaining. Rnd 7: \*K2tog; repeat from \* around. Repeat Rnd 7 till 14(15)sts remain. Break yarn leaving approx 8" tail, thread through remaining sts and draw up tightly.
FINISHING
Block To Slouch Hat on a large dinner plate. Wear Not to Slouch Hat as is.
Chart A
