I’m a huge fan of all things vintage and frequently find design ideas in the fashions of days gone by.
This hat was inspired by the cloche flapper hats of the 1920s. It is knit in a mock cable pattern made up out of 6 easy rows. The big floppy bow on the side is both modern and vintage-flavored at the same time, and knit in a different color from the rest of the hat, it is sure to grab attention. Using a DK weight yarn, this hat is light, yet warm enough to keep your head toasty on a cold winter day when made of pure wool.
Sizes
One size will fit most adult women. Shown on a 21″ head, it will easily fit any head between 20-24″.
Yarn
(MC) Hayfield Double Knitting Pure Wool superwash (100% wool; 120 yards [110 meters]/50 g): Shade 034 Burra Tweed,1 ball
(CC) Knit Picks Palette (100% wool; 231 yards [211 meters]/50 g): Shade 24007 Tidepool Heather, 1 ball
Needles
US #6 (4 mm): 16” circular
US #6 (4 mm): set of 4 or 5 double pointed needles
US #2 (3 mm): straight needles
Gauge
16 sts and 20 rows = 4” in St st after wet blocking.
Notions
Stitch markers; tapestry needle.
Abbreviations
Please see our standard list of abbreviations.
Pattern Notes
This pattern is worked in the round from the bottom up. The shaping at the top is created by rows with decreases. Once the amount of stitches on the needle becomes too small to continue using the circular needle, switch to the double pointed needles to continue decreasing.
Pattern
Using MC and US#6 circular needle, CO 80 sts
Rnd 1 (RS): *P4, k1, p1, k4, rep from * to end.
Place marker to mark the end of the row and join, being careful not to twist.
Rnd 2: *P3, k2, p2, k3, rep from * to end.
Rnd 3: *P2, k2, p1, k1, p2, k2, rep from * to end.
Rnd 4: *P1, k2, p2, k2, p2, k1, rep from * to end.
Rnd 5: *K2, p3, k3, p2, rep from * to end.
Rnd 6: *K1, p4, k4, p1, rep from * to end.
Rnds 1-6 form the mock cable pattern. Work these 6 rows 3 more times.
Begin decreasing, switching to DPN when the amount of sts becomes too few to fit on the circular needle:
Next rnd: *P2tog, p2, k1, p1, k2, k2tog, rep from * to end; 64 sts rem
Next rnd: *P2, k2, rep from * to end.
Next rnd: *P1, k2, p1, k1, p2, k1, rep from * to end.
Next rnd: *K2, p2, rep from * to end.
Next rnd: *K1, p3, k3, p1, rep from * to end.
Next rnd: *P4, k4, rep from * to end.
Next rnd: *P2tog, p1, k1, p1, k1, k2tog, rep from * to end; 48 sts rem
Next rnd: *P1, k2, p2, k1, rep from * to end.
Next rnd: *K2, p1, k1, p2, rep from * to end.
Next rnd: *P2tog, p1, k1, K2tog, rep from * to end; 32 sts rem
Next rnd: *P2, k2, rep from * to end.
Next rnd: *P2tog, p2, k2, k2tog, rep from * to end; 24 sts rem
Next rnd: *P2tog, k1, p1, k2tog, rep from * to end; 16 sts rem
Next rnd: *P2tog, k1, p1, k2tog, rep from * to last 4 stitches, p1, k1, p1, k1; 12 sts rem
Next rnd: *P2tog, k1, p1, k2tog, rep from * to end; 8 sts rem
Cut the yarn leaving a long tail. Using a darning needle, thread this yarn tail through the live stitches left on the knitting needle and drop them off the needle. Pull the yarn tight, closing the top of the hat.
Bow
Part 1: Using CC and US#2 straight needles CO 14 sts. Work in garter stitch (knit every row), for 24 rows. Bind off all sts.
Part 2: Using MC and US#2 straight needles CO 5 sts, leaving a long tail. Work in garter stitch for 10 rows. Bind off all sts, leaving a long tail.
Fold part 2 over lengthwise and sew the ends together with the tail of the yarn that was left after binding off. Weave the end of this tail into the fabric, then turn the piece inside out. Pull part 1 (the part in CC) through the loop formed by part 2 and shape the bow. Using the other long yarn tail that was left when casting on the stitches for part 2, sew the bow onto the hat.
Finishing
Weave in all yarn ends, including the end of the yarn tail that was used to sew the bow onto the hat.
About the Designer: Linda Wilgus
Linda Wilgus is a Dutch knitter and US Navy wife living in England with her husband and their sweet, sock-stealing golden retriever, Sophie.
Besides knitting, Linda enjoys exploring the English countryside, reading, writing, sewing and cooking. More of her patterns can be seen on her website: www.woollymammothknits.com.
Pattern and images © 2008 Linda Wilgus.
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