Scurlera. Man's Drops Stitch Hat by AliceTwain
asy and quick, a single ball of Pacos makes a whole warm and extremely soft man's hat. The dropped stitch columns are easy and quite thrilling to make (you are allowed to a small shudder each time you drop a stitch column and watch it unravel), wear them in front or along the side of the hat. The two columns of stitches worked through the back loop make the dropped stitch column more defined and compact up the nearby stitches so that the stockinette stays regular. Work as many drop stitch columns as you like, making sure that you leave at least 5 stitches between one and the next, or skip them completely for a more classical-looking hat. The hat as described uses up completely the yarn, work the gauge swatch at one end of the ball but do not cut the yarn; work the hat from the opposite end of the ball and, when you come to the swatch, unravel it to complete the hat.
Materials
· Mafil Pacos, 50 g = 100 m (109 yds), 40% Merino wool, 25% baby alpaca, 35% acrilyc, col 81, 1 ball Circular needles, size US 6 and 8 (metric 4 and 5), 16" long, plus a set of 4 dpns, size 8 (or a longer circular needle for magic loop) One ring stitch marker to mark off the beginning of the round · Several stitch markers in a different color to mark the placement of the strop stitch columns (optional) · Scissors and tapestry needle Gauge: 8 sts × 5.5 rows = 2" (5 cm) Notice: The hat requires the full ball of yarn. Work the swatch at one end of the ball and do not cut the yarn. Start the hat at the opposite end and, when you reach the swatch, undo it to work the crown. Measures: circ 18" (46 cm), length 9" (23 cm) border 1" 3/4 (4,5 cm). Dropped stitches: (Insert a stitch marker 1 sts before the point where you want the drops stitch column.) K1 tbl to create a twisted stitch column, yo, k1 tbl. In the following rounds, k to the first twisted stitch (or to m if you are using them), kitbl, k1, kitbl. Work several rounds as directed above the yarn over (a minimum of 4 to whatever number you desire). When you decide to stop the dropped stitch column, k to the first twisted stitch (to m if you are using them and remove marker), kitbl, drop the following stitch, kitbl. The stitches will unravel to the yo and stop there. Continue working in st st above the dropped stitch column.
Instructions
C.o. 8o sts on the larger needle and using the long tail or the old Norwegian method, whatever works best for you and gives you the most regular edge. Place a stitch marker between the first and last stitch and work in st st in the round (k all rds) for 2 rounds. (k1, p1 around) for 8 rounds for the ribbed border (1" 3/4 or 4,5 cm total). Change back to larger needle. Work one st st round, then continue in st st working the dropped stitch motive along the front of the hat. To work the drop stitch motive, work according the above directions. Place the dropped stitch columns in the number and order you like them best, group them as you please, make them as long or short as you like. Just make sure you work a minimum of 4 rounds before dropping the stitches. When the hat is 7" (18 cm) long stop working any remaining drop stitch motives and continue in st st. When the hat is 8" (20 cm) long change to the DPNs or to the magic loop and start working the decreases. · Decrease round 1: k2tog around (40 sts). · R2: k all sts. Dec R3: k2tog around (20 sts). · R4: k all sts. · Dec R5: k2tog around (10 sts). · R6: k all sts. Dec R7: k2tog around (5 sts).
Finishing
Draw the tail through the remaining 5 sts twice and pull tight to close off the gap, fasten off, and cut off the slack leaving a long enough tail so that you can neaten it by weaving it on the back side. Also weave in the c.o. tail. Wash the hat in warm water with a mild detergent and dry flat. Copyright Alice Twain 2013, all rights reserved. Alice Twain has written the knitting manual Ai ferri corti. She lives in Milan, earning her food by editing books and teaching knitting. She's one of he creators of the main independent Italian knitting website, Maglia-Uncinetto.it. Her own blog is Ferricorti.wordpress.com. Contact her at alicetwain@gmail.com.
