If you’re like most of us, you are now realizing just how quickly the holidays are approaching! Here is a super quick project that can easily be done in just one weekend.
Let’s start with the yarn. Our hats are made with a bulky spun Polish Merino wool. This was spun on the Kromski Sonata. The finished yarn is 2 ply, 6 WPI. The wonderfully thick yarn makes this a quick spin and a quick knit. A perfect project for the busy holiday season.
You will need:
- 30-35 yards of the contrast/pom pom color.
- 120 yards of the main color – approximately 4 oz.
- US size 10, 16″ circular knitting needle.
- US size 10 double pointed knitting needles.
- Stitch marker
- Pom Pom maker or cardboard to make 2 1/2″ pom pom.
- Gauge: 14 sts/20 rows per 4″
I used White Milled Rice #34 and Heather # 15 for my 1st hat. The Heather yarn is closer to a 7 WPI. Consequently the hat is just slightly larger, despite using the same sized needle. For me, the 6 WPI was perfect.
Special Stitches: K1B and P1B
To work the K1B (knit one below), locate the hole below the knit stitch to be worked as designated by the arrow in the photo below.
Insert the right needle into this hole. Be certain that the needle is below the bar from the previous stitch. Knit as usual.
The P1B (purl one below) stitch is work in much the same way. Locate the hole below the purl stitch.
Bring the needle through this hole and purl as usual. Again being certain that the needle is below the bar from the previous stitch.
THE PATTERN:
Cast on 64 sts with main color. Place marker and join in the round.
Work one row of *K1, P1*
Join the contrast color and work the 2 color rib as follows:
- Contrast yarn – *K1B, P1*
- Main color – *K1, P1B*
When changing colors, do not cut the yarn. Carry it behind the work. Continue these 2 rows 3 times (6 rounds total) or about 1 1/2″.
End with the main color and work one round of *K1, P1*. Do not cut the contrast yarn. Instead, continue to carry it up the inside of the hat, wrapping it occasionally with the other color to tack it down. Be certain the stitch is not too tight when picking up the new color.
Knit in main color for about 1 1/2″. The width of your stripes is, of course, up to you. The following is how the examples were done.
Switch to stripe color and work 3 or 4 rows before switching back to the main color.
After another inch or so – 4 1/2″ from the CO row – begin decreases, placing the additional stripe as you see fit.
Row 1: *Knit 11, K2tog*, K12 around.
Row 2 and all even rows: Knit
Row 3: *Knit 10, K2tog*
Row 5: * Knit 9, K2tog*
Row 7: *Knit 8, K2tog*
Row 9: *Knit 7, K2tog*
Row 11: *Knit 6, K2tog*
Beginning on row 12, decrease on all rows.
Row 12: *Knit 5, K2tog*
Row 13: *Knit 4, K2tog*
Row 14: *Knit 3, K2tog*
Row 15: *Knit 2, K2tog*
Row 16: *Knit 1, K2tog*
Row 17: *K2tog*
Cut the yarn and draw it through the remaining stitches and pull snug. Burry the yarn inside the hat. Cut the stripe yarn and burry that end as well.
Make a Pom Pom to attach to the top of your hat and that’s it – your finished!
I found these to be quite addictive…
After knitting up the heather and white hat, I had some white left over. So I spun up some Gold #3 and knit the white and gold hat. When I finished that one, I had some gold left. So I spun some Lime #32 wool and made the gold and green hat.
Now I have a bit of the green left over… I may need to spin some more white!! Maybe I’ll use the Polonaise wheel this time!
