Pull Toque

Pull Toque by Jenise Reid

What is Being Made

The Pull Toque is a classic knitted hat designed by Jenise Reid, available in three sizes to fit head circumferences of 22, 23, and 24 inches. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a finished hat measuring 20, 21, or 22 inches around with a height of 7.5 inches. The design features colorwork with two complementary yarn colors—Dove Heather and Honey—creating visual interest while maintaining the structured, fitted silhouette characteristic of a traditional toque style.

Techniques Used

This pattern requires several essential knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. The hat is worked in the round, a fundamental method for creating seamless cylindrical garments. The pattern incorporates color changes, allowing knitters to transition between the Dove Heather and Honey yarns to create the design. Shaping techniques are employed through strategic increases and decreases, which are particularly important during the crown decreases that form the hat's top. Knitters will also practice gauge adjustment, as the pattern notes that the gauge should be "played with to loosen," indicating a relaxed finishing approach.

Stitches Used

The Pull Toque utilizes fundamental knitting stitches worked in combination. The primary stitch pattern is stockinette stitch, which creates the smooth, classic fabric base of the hat. The pattern incorporates knit and purl stitches as foundational elements, with the opening rounds featuring a [P1, k2] ribbed pattern that provides elasticity and structure around the brim. Shaping is accomplished using decrease stitches including ssk (slip, slip, knit) and k2tog (knit two together), which reduce stitch count during the crown shaping. Increase stitches such as kfb (knit front and back) and kbf (knit back and front) are used to add stitches where the pattern requires shaping or design elements.

Materials and Tools

The Pull Toque pattern calls for Knit Picks Swish DK, a 100% superwash wool yarn that offers durability and easy care. Depending on size, knitters will need 1, 1, or 2 balls of Dove Heather and 1 ball of Honey, with each ball containing 123 yards per 50 grams. The yarn weight is DK (light worsted), which differs slightly from the aran weight category but works at a comparable gauge. A 3.5 mm (US 4) needle is required. The pattern offers flexibility in needle choice: knitters may use a 36-inch circular needle with the magic loop technique, or begin with an 18-inch circular needle and transition to double-pointed needles once the crown decreases begin. Additional notions include a yarn needle for weaving in ends. The recommended gauge is 5 stitches and 8 rows per 1 inch when worked in stockinette stitch, blocked and finished with a relaxed tension.

Skills Required

• Knitting in the round using circular needles or double-pointed needles
• Knit and purl stitches
• Changing colors mid-project
• Decreasing stitches (ssk and k2tog)
• Increasing stitches (kfb and kbf)
• Reading and following stitch pattern instructions
• Gauge measurement and adjustment