I really love the idea of a stocking hat, but they aren’t the most practical of hats in my climate. I decided to make one with a looser fabric with a bit of a looser fit, hoping to make it just airy enough that I could get more wear out of it.
Then Austin got the most snow we have ever had, complete with a total failure of the power grid and water systems statewide (guys, I swear I didn’t realize wanting a cold-weather hat was like making a wish on a monkey’s paw). I managed to finish my hat, at least? Anyway, the hat works just as I hoped, and it’s just long enough that you can wrap the long end around your neck so it doubles as a short scarf.
This also is a perfect chance to use a space-dyed or self-striping yarn. I’d been eyeing this Queenland Perth colorway for a long time, and it does not disappoint!
Finished Size: 26.5 inches long (minus tassel); ribbing is about 8.5 inches across unstretched
Yarn: fingering weight yarn; sample knit with Queensland Collection Perth, Tasmanian Bay colorway, 437 yds per ball (used approximately two-thirds of one ball)
Gauge: 23 st per 4 inches
Needle Size: 5 US / 3.75mm, or size needed to obtain gauge
Notes
The loose gauge makes it really stretchy, and the weight of the hat could end up pulling it down some. That makes the sizing a bit tricky; if it comes out too loose, you could try adding elastic thread inside the ribbing.
Marking each decrease rounds with scrap yarn or safety pins makes it much easier to keep track. Using a row counter is a great idea, too, though I really like the added safety of using row markers.
When you start working decrease rounds, it helps to use contrasting markers, so you can easily tell which is the one marking the beginning/end of each round.
Abbreviations
st = stitch
PM = place marker
K = knit
P = purl
K2tog = knit two stitches together (decrease)
Pattern
Cast on 110 st
Join in round, PM, K1 P1 for 1.75 in
Increase 2 st (1 at beginning of round and 1 halfway through); 112 st total
Knit stockinette (knitting all st) for 6 in
K one round, PM every 28 st (dividing work into quarters)
Decrease round: K2tog after each marker
K 5 rounds
Continue to work a decrease round every 6th round until 16 st remain (4 in each quarter)
K2tog around, 8 st remain
K2tog around, 4 st
Break off yarn, use tapestry needle to thread through remaining st
Finishing
Wash and block
Add tassel or pompom (I don’t have instructions for tassels or pompoms done yet, but there are tons available online)
So, YOU’RE the one who wished on the monkey’s paw!
Your hat is darling, and thanks for sharing the pattern with us. It’s right on time to make for ‘next year’ just in case.
After seven days, we got water back last night, how ’bout you?
fellow Austinite,
sue
Hey fellow Austinite!
I was lucky enough to not lose water. Glad you got through all right! And yeah, in Austin we probably won’t have weather to warrant wearing this hat again this season. Maybe I can come up with some springy lace next.