Free one-skein hat pattern – Shakti

October 18, 2010

tags: crafts, free pattern, hat pattern, knitting, knitting and crochet, knitting pattern, pattern, ravelry, yarn

Whoops! If you have printed and/or begun this pattern prior to October 30, 2010, TAKE NOTE! Some errata has been noted and fixed. Round 3 previously stated “m1″ which has been changed to “yo”. Also – stitch count has been added on crown decrease rows beginning at row 37, and some edits have been made to correct an error in count in the rows following. Hey, what can I say – it’s a free pattern! But it has been fixed.

If you like this pattern, please consider making a small donation to our natural childbirth fund by clicking here.

This pattern is named after a brilliant and beautiful Australian friend of mine (and yes, Shakti, that is your sweater – it looked too good on him to let him ruin it so I’m safeguarding it until his return, and well, hell, you have great taste in clothing). I ripped this back several times until I let the design simplify and knit itself. Gifting season is upon us! These little patterns I’m cooking up use little yarn, get done quickly, and seem to go over really well – pretty much perfect for a holiday season in an economy like this one.

Like Arrow, this one features a twisted rib brim and a simple stitch pattern (in this case, Spiral Stitch) that looks fancy, but it’s easy enough for a beginner who’s comfortable working in the round. As always, please let me know if you come across any errors – it’s a free pattern, ya know, one I whipped up two days ago and thought I’d share. The Ravelry pattern page is here.

Materials:

Yarn: Patons Classic Wool, 100% Pure New Wool; 100g/223 yards; 1 skein (you’ll use less than half!)
US8 dpns
US8 16″ circular needle (optional)
Stitch marker (1)
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Stitches & Abbreviations:

k: knit
k1-tbl: knit one stitch through its back loop
p: purl
k2tog: knit two stitches together
yo (increase): yarn over
kfb (increase): knit into the front and then the backof the stitch
eor: End Of Round

Instructions:

Using the long-tail cast-on method, cast on 72 stitches, join for working in the round and place marker for end of round. Knit 12 rows of “twisted rib” as follows:

*k1-tbl, p1; repeat from * to eor.

When you’ve knit twelve rows of twisted rib for the brim, knit the increase round:

*k1, kfb; repeat from * to eor. 108 stitches. Begin stitch pattern.

Round 1: *p3, yo, k4, k2tog, k3; repeat from * to eor.
Round 2: *p3, k1, yo, k4, k2tog, k2; repeat from * to eor.
Round 3: * p3, k2, yo, k4, k2tog, k1; repeat from * to eor.
Round 4: *p3, k3, yo, k4, k2tog; repeat from * to eor.

For a more fitted hat (as shown), repeat the above four rows 9 times for a total of 36 rows (not including brim). For a slouchier hat, add additional repeats (per personal preference) of these above four rows.

Begin decreasing for crown:

Round 37: *p2tog, p1, yo, k2tog 4x, k1; repeat from * to eor. 72 sts.
Round 38: *p2tog, k2tog, yo, k2tog 2x; repeat from * to eor. 45 sts.
Round 39: *p1, k2, yo, k2tog; repeat from * to eor. 45 sts.
Round 40: *p1, k2tog 2x; repeat from * to eor. 27 sts.
Round 41: *p1, k2tog, k1, k2tog; repeat from * to last 3 sts, p1, k2tog. 18 sts.
Round 42: *p1, k2tog; repeat from * to eor. 12 sts.
Round 43: *p1, k1, k2tog; repeat from * to eor. 9 sts.
Round 44: *k2tog, k1; repeat from * to eor. 6 sts.

Cut yarn and with tapestry needle, thread through remaining stitches on the needle. Weave in ends. Block if preferred.

As always, this pattern is for your personal use and, as with all content on this weblog, is protected by copyright. If you like this pattern and choose to knit it, I’d really love it if you’d add it to your Ravelry projects. You can also offer your support by buying one of my other patterns or contributing to our natural childbirth fundraising efforts - we are working hard to save up the money for a midwife, doula, and a home water birth, but we could really use your help. This economy has been rough on us and finding a job with my expanding belly has been difficult, to say the least!

Please share this pattern via tweeting, stumbleupon, etc. using the easy links below (there’s also “print” button to make things easy, too). I’m happy to answer any questions or comments you may have.

Oh, and for those of you keeping up, here is a gratuitous belly shot – we’re at seven months together now (and if you’re just now following this story, medical professionals figured i’d be losing her around 8 weeks). There’s nothing wrong with either of us, however, and since that bit of scare at the beginning, it’s been the easiest pregnancy ever – at 37, I am very, very grateful to be so blessed by this happy “accident”.