Tuesday, November 02, 2010

Scorpio Hat pattern


Scorpio Hat



An easy hat that gives a little “twist” to the basic beanie. The deep ribbing makes for a fashionable look but doesn’t detract from the speed of the project. We Scorpios are often labeled as mysterious, but it’s no mystery why this hat is as fun to knit as it is to wear!

This project can be completed by advanced beginning knitters. You need to know how to cast on, knit, purl, bind off, and knit in the round. Experienced knitters can crank out a hat during a couple of movie nights or while zoning out in front of football all day on Sunday.

The perfect hat to knit and wear as October turns into November - or any time there is a chill in the air!


Materials
Approx. 150 yds. yards worsted yarn.
Your final yarn requirements will depend on whether you are making the hat for a child or an adult and how slouchy you like your hats.
One 16” circular US size 7 needle and one set US size 7 DPNs (or size to obtain gauge)
Tapestry needle
Four stitch markers

Abbreviations:
K = Knit
P = Purl
RT = Right twist. Knit the next two stitches together, leaving them both on the left-hand needle. Then, knit the first stitch again by itself. Slide the two sts to the right needle.
K2tog tbl = Knit next two stitches together through the back loops. If you prefer, you can substitute a SSK.
K2tog = Knit next two stitches together through the front loops.
Stockinette stitch = In the round, knit every row.

Gauge:
4.5 sts/inch in stockinette in the round.

Pattern Notes:

Twisted rib pattern (multiple of 3 sts):
Rows 1 & 2: *K2, P1*
Row 3: *RT, P1*

The rib is very stretchy and accommodating. I have quite the pumpkin head (22”), and the hat fits me just fine. It also works for my youngest daughter, who is only three years old.

Even though pattern is written for one size, it is easily adapted. Just keep in mind that the stitch total for the ribbing must be a multiple of three, and the stitch total for the body of the hat must be a multiple of four. You can adjust your stitch count between the ribbing and the body by increasing or decreasing in that first row of stockinette after the ribbing.



Knitting directions:

Using long-tail method, cast 81 stitches onto a circular needle. Place marker and join, being careful not to twist stitches.

Work in Twisted Rib for 3 inches (try 2.5 inches for kids), ending on Row 2.

Transition row: K2tog once, then knit around evently. 80 sts total.

Change to stockinette and work until length from cast-on edge measures 6 inches (try 5.25 inches for kids). If you prefer a slouchy hat, just knit this portion longer.


Decrease for top of hat:

Set-up row:
Slip beginning-of-round marker.
Then *K20, place marker.* Repeat to end of row.
You will now have four markers in your work.

Decrease as follows:
Row 1: *Slip marker, K2tog, K16, SSK*
8 stitches decreased
Row 2: K even

Repeat these two rows, switching to DPNs when neccessary, until 32 stitches remain. Then work Row 1 only, decreasing each round, until 8 stitches remain.

Break yarn and pull through remaining sts. Weave in ends, and enjoy!