Cool Warm Hats

COOL WARM HATS (knit)

In worsted or bulky weight, in 4 sizes for kids to adults

Skill level: Easy

Sizes: 16" (18", 20", 22") circumference ; from 7"-10" deep, depending on preference.

Style note: Ribbing can be worn pulled straight down to cover ears (as shown) or height can be increased to allow ribbed cuff to fold up for double-layer over ears.

Materials:

150 yds. worsted wt. wool or wool-blend (for solid-color hat)

100 yds. Color A, 50 yds. Color B worsted wt. wool or wool-blend (for 2-color hat) (sample shown in Brown Sheep "Lamb's Pride Worsted")

Size 8 (5 mm), 10 (6 mm), or 11 (8 mm) needles (see gauges below)

Tapestry needle

Gauges (in stockinette stitch):

Worsted weight on size 8 (5 mm) needles: 4 sts = 1"

Bulky weight on size 10 (6 mm) needles: 3.5 sts = 1"

Bulky weight on size 11 (8 mm) needles: 3 sts = 1"

Pattern notes: These hats are made in the round on 16" long circular needles to avoid bulky seams (or you can use double-pointed needles.) If you prefer, you can knit them flat on straight needles in stockinette stitch (knit 1 row, purl 1 row) and sew up the seam carefully.

HAT #1 (in worsted weight on size 8 needles - gauge 4 sts = 1")

Cast on 64 (72, 80, 88) sts onto circular needle, join into circle, being careful not to twist.

Work 2" of K1, P1 ribbing, then knit around in stockinette stitch (knit every round) until hat measures 5" (6", 7", 8") from beginning.

Begin decreases (Note: due to the variety of sizes presented in this pattern, the decreases may not end exactly as written at the end of each round. Do not worry if there are a few extra sts at the end of decrease rounds--they will be gathered together at the top when hat is finished.)

1st decrease round: *K6, K2tog, rep from * around.

Knit 1 round even.

2nd decrease round: *K5, K2 tog, rep from * around.

Knit 1 round even.

3rd decrease round: *K4, K2 tog, rep from * around.

Knit 1 round even.

4th decrease round: *K3, K2 tog, rep from * around.

Knit 1 round even.

Cut yarn, leaving 6" tail, run through stitches on needles twice to gather and close top of hat. Weave in all ends.

HAT #2 (in bulky weight on size 10 needles - gauge 3.5 sts = 1")

Cast on 56 (63, 70, 77) sts. Follow pattern as written for worsted weight hat above.

HAT #3 (in bulky weight on size 11 needles - gauge 3 sts = 1")

Cast on 48 (54, 60, 66) sts. Follow pattern as written for worsted weight hat above.

For 2-color striped hat (in worsted or bulky weight):

Use main color for first 4" (5", 6", 7") of hat, then change to contrast color and work as follows:

3 rounds contrast color (CC)

4 rounds main color (MC)

1 round CC

6 rounds MC

Use CC for remainder of hat and top decreases.

For personal or charity use only. Do not duplicate pattern for commercial purposes.