In Transit is a basic hat with a clever, transitional colorwork pattern. The zigzag colorwork is based on a simple, two-color salt and pepper fair isle pattern. Working the pattern over an odd number of stitches hides the jog that naturally occurs when knitting stranded colorwork in the round; a seemingly simple detail that provides polished results!

In Transit can be worked in two highly contrasting colors that stand out, or in two similar colors for a more subtle look.

Size

Finished circumference S/M (M/L) 20.5 (22)” to fit head circumference 20.5-22 (22-23.5)”

Shown in size M/L with no ease for a relaxed, slouchy fit. For a snugger fit, choose a size with about 1 – 1.5” or 2.5 – 4 cm of negative ease.

Yarn

Cascade Yarns Cascade 220 (100% Wool; 220 yards [201 meters]/100 grams): 7803 Magenta (C1), 1 (1) skein Cascade Yarns Cascade 220 Heathers (100% Wool; 220 yards [201 meters]/100 grams): 8011 Aspen Heather (C2), 1 (1) skein

Needles

Size US 6 (4 mm): 24” circular and set of DPNs

Size US 7 (4.5 mm): 24” circular

Notions

Stitch marker; tapestry needle

Gauge

22 sts and 26 rounds = 4” [10 cm] in Zigzag colorwork pattern after wet blocking.

22 sts and 28 rounds = 4” [10 cm] in single-color St st after wet blocking.

Chart

Abbreviations

Please see our standard abbreviations.

Pattern Notes

In Transit is knit in the round from the bottom up, beginning with a generous amount of 2×2 rib in C1. The two-color Zigzag pattern provides a clever transition to C2, which is used to work the crown. Working the pattern over an odd number of stitches hides the jog that naturally occurs when knitting stranded colorwork in the round. The hat is finished with a large, playful pom pom.

Hat

Brim

Using smaller needles, CO 100 (108) sts in C1 using the German Twisted Cast On or your preferred stretchy cast on. Join to work in the rnd, being careful not to twist, and pm for beg of rnd.

Rnd 1: *K2, p2, rep from * to end of rnd.

Repeat Rnd 1 until piece measures 2” or 5 cm.

Body

Increase Rnd: Knit all sts, increasing 13 sts evenly. 113 (121) sts.

Work in St st (knit all sts) for 0.75” or 2 cm.

Join C2, change to larger needles, and work all 14 rows of the Zigzag chart, working the repeat 14 (15) times per rnd.

Cut C1, change to smaller needles, and knit one rnd in C2.

Continuing in C2 only, place markers as follows: *K16 (20), pm, rep from * until 17 (21) sts rem, k15 (19), k2tog; 112 (120) sts.

Crown

Change to smaller needles, and switch to using DPNs when the size is too small for the circular.

Row 1: *K to 2 sts before marker, k2tog, rep from * to end of rnd. 7 (6) sts decreased.

Row 2: K all sts.

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 a total of 7 (8) times. 63 (72) sts rem.

Repeat Row 1 only 8 (10) times. 7 (12) sts rem.

Cut yarn, leaving a 6” or 15 cm tail. Thread tail through rem sts twice and pull tight.

Finishing

Weave in ends and wet block. Make and attach pom pom, if desired.