Father's favourite
Necessities
Barbara Coddington Little Red Hen Studio <www.littleredhen.com.au> This lush cotton chenille yarn lent itself to a modern remake of an Australian dad's old summer favourite-the terrycloth hat. It is worked in the round from the top down, with a suspended castoff (instructions included) to help the brim stay loose. Yarn Colinette Fandango (1o0% cotton, 100 m/109 yd, 100 g/3.5 oz). One hank. Colour shown: Chamois Needles etc. 4.5 mm double-pointed needles; 4.5 mm circular needle (40 cm); 5.5 mm circular needle (40 cm); stitch marker Tension 12 sts and 25 rows to 10 cm Finished measurements 45.5 cm; 50.5 cm; 56 cm Note: This fluffy cotton chenille yarn does not have a lot of stretch, so the hat is knitted to sit loosely on the head rather than stretch to fit. The pattern itself can be adapted to other cottons and yarns; you will need to adjust for needle size and number of stitches in the crown. Getting started Using dpns, cast on 6 sts. Arrange 2 sts per needle, join and begin knitting circularly. Round 1: K 1 round. Round 2: K 1, m 1 around, placing a marker after the first inc to keep track of the beginning of the round and also help you count your increases. Repeat Rows 1-2, continuing toincrease 1 st per group of sts on odd-numbered rounds until there are 54 [60, 66] sts, ending on a Row 2. (What you're doing.
in simple terms, is increasing 6 stitches evenly every other round.)
Sides
P two rows around. Change to $4.5\,\mathrm{\mm}$ circ needle and continue knitting around until hat measures about 5.5 [6.5, 8] cm from turning rows. (This part of the hat can be easily adjusted to suit the wearerfor a taller hat, knit more rows, a smaller hat, fewer rows.) Change to 5.5 mm circ needle; p 1 round.
Brim
Now, using a second strand so the cotton is doubled, purl one more round. Next row and all remaining rows: knit around until brim is desired depth-about four to five rows for all sizes should be adequate. Break one strand of yarm, leaving a tail for weaving in. Cast off very loosely. or use the suspended cast-off method: knit first two sts onto the right needle as usual. \*With the left needle, lift the first st on the right needle over the second as if to cast it off-but keep it on the left needle instead of dropping it. Now, knit the second st on the left needle, and lastly drop first and second sts together off the left needle. Repeat from \*. To block, handwash hat in lukewarm water, roll and press in a towel to remove excess water, then fit it over something cylindrical-a coffee can or a small cake tin. Pull gently into shape and allow to dry.
