International Cat Hat Pattern: France, Le Mieux byWildtomato
Materials
· 60 yards of DK yarn. I used Tahki Cotton Classic because the resulting fabric is floppy. · 2 US size 7 circular needles, any length, OR size needed to achieve gauge. US size 7 DPNs may also be used instead of 2 circular needles · 4 stitch markers · Row counter · Tapestry needle
Gauge
· 6.5 stitches $=1$ inch on US size 7 needles in stockinette stitch
Finished Measurements
·Finished hat circumference is roughly 12 inches. To adjust the hat's circumference, increase or decrease the cast on number of stitches by 6.
Abbreviations
[] repeat instructions between brackets cO Cast on k knit k2tog knit two stitches together ktbl knit through the back loop M1L make one left M1R make one right p purl pm place marker rnd round(s) ssk slip one stitch knitwise, slip next stitch knitwise, then knit stitches together sts stitch(es) Ooo la la! Your cat will be tres sophistique sporting this chic beret. The swirling decrease and tiny nubbin atop this hat sets this cat beret apart from the rest. Don't be surprised when your cat dons the beret and demands a cigarette and coffee for breakfast.
Directions
$\mathrm{CO}\,60$ sts onto one US size 7 circular needle (needle A). Slip 30 sts onto the other US size 7 circular needle (needle B). Join to knit in the round. Rnd 1-5: [ktbl, pl] until the end of round Rnd 6: On needle A, k10, pm, k10, pm, k10 Repeat for needle B. Rnd 7: On needle A, k1, M1L, k until 1 sts before marker, M1R, k1, slip marker, k1, M1L, k until 1 sts before marker, M1R, slip marker, k1, M1L, k until 1 sts before end of needle, M1R, k1. Repeat for needle B. Rnd 8: k all sts Rnd 9-18: Repeat Rnd 7 and 8. 120 sts total. Rnd 19: k all sts Rnd 20: On needle A, ssk, k until next marker, slip marker, ssk, knit until next marker, slip marker, ssk, k to the end of needle. Repeat for needle B. Rnd 21-38: Repeat Rnd 20 until 6 sts remain. nd 39-41: k all sts. Repeat this round 2 more times. Rnd 42: k2tog 3 times. 3 sts remain. Cut yarn, leaving a 6 inch tail.
Finishing
Using the tapestry needle, thread yarn tail through the 3 remaining sts. Pull closed. Weave in ends.
I'd love to hear from you!
Questions, comments, and humiliating cat pictures can be sent to wildtomatoknits $@$ gmail.com For sneak peeks of other cat hat ideas, stories about my goofy dogs and spazzy cats, instructions on how to roast your own coffee, or to find out more about my crafty side, go to http://spindlesandspices.blogspot.com
