Monday, March 31, 2008

Garter Stitch Hat with Square Raglan Crown

Okay folks, it's finally ready so here you go! Start knitting! I'll be sure to take better pictures because this one isn't the best.


Garter Stitch Hat with Square Raglan Crown
Designed by: Superi



Gauge: 13 stitches per 4 inches in garter stitch (Row height doesn’t really matter because you’ll just knit to measurement)


Needles: One or more of the following depending on your preferred method: size US 8 (or size to obtain gauge) straight needles, 16” circulars, or DPN’s


Yarn: Bernat Naturals Alpaca (70% acrylic/30% alpaca; 100 grams =120 yards): 1 ball or you can use any other bulky yarn that gets gauge.


Size: Adult large (This is a generously large hat because I have a large head and a lot of hair. Without any stretch, the gauge says this hat will be about 20 inches in circumference.)

Directions: There are two ways to do this hat: In the round or knitted flat then sewn up the back. Knitting it flat is great for the begging knitter who isn’t as adept to circulars or dpn’s. For the more fearless knitters, this is an easy pattern to practice working in the round.

Notes:
K2tog= knit two stitches together
Ssk= slip two stitches as if to knit with yarn in back onto right hand needle. Stick the left hand needle back into the stitches and knit the two stitches together through the back loop

Brim: Cast on 64 stitches; place marker and join for working in the round. I prefer to use long tailed cast on for the extra stretch on hats. Work in knit 2, purl 2 ribbing for 2 inches.

Body: For 4 inches work in garter stitch ending with a purl round or wrong side row.

Garter Stitch on straight needles:
Knit every row

Garter stitch in the round:
Round 1: Knit
Round 2: Purl


Crown Shaping:


Round 1: * k2tog, k 12, ssk; repeat from * to end: 56 stitches


Round 2 (and all even rounds): purl (knit if working flat)


Round 3: * k2tog, k 10, ssk; repeat from * to end: 48 stitches


Round 5: * k2tog, k 8, ssk; repeat from * to end: 40 stitches


Round 7: * k2tog, k 6, ssk; repeat from * to end: 32 stitches


Round 9: * k2tog, k 4, ssk, repeat from * to end: 24 stitches


Round 11: * k2tog, k 2, ssk, repeat from * to end: 16 stitches


Round 13: * k2tog, ssk; repeat from * to end: 8 stitches


For those knitting in the round break the yarn leaving a 6 inch tail and thread through the remaining 8 stitches pulling tight. Those who are knitting flat leave at least a foot to a foot and a half tail; thread through the last 8 stitches pulling tightly. Then sew down the rest of the back with the tail. Weave in the ends and put it on your head. Enjoy!