Armstrong hat

Armstrong Hat by Corrina Ferguson

What is Being Made

The Armstrong Hat is a completely reversible knit hat designed by Corrina Ferguson for Picnic Knits. This intermediate-level project offers three sizes – Small (17"), Medium (20"), and Large (22") – with unstretched circumferences. The hat features a distinctive fold-up brim and a 60-round patterned crown, making it a versatile accessory suitable for various preferences and head sizes.

Design Features and Construction

The Armstrong Hat is named after a favorite rockstar and was created based on specific design requests, including a fold-up brim and a classic aesthetic. The hat's reversible construction adds practical value, allowing the wearer to flip the brim up or down depending on preference or weather conditions. This thoughtful design detail makes the hat adaptable for different styling options and seasonal needs.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Circular needle knitting: The hat is worked in the round using circular needles, which creates a seamless construction
• Ribbed cuff: The foundation begins with k2, p2 ribbing worked for 2.5 inches to create an elastic, fitted brim
• Increases: A set-up round incorporates strategic increases (1 stitch for Small, 0 stitches for Medium, and 3 stitches for Large) distributed evenly around the hat to prepare for the main pattern
• Decreases: The final ten rounds of the 60-round pattern incorporate hat shaping decreases that taper the crown to completion
• Charted or written pattern options: The Armstrong pattern is provided in both charted and written instruction formats, allowing knitters to choose their preferred method

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The Armstrong Hat uses fundamental knitting stitches as its foundation. The ribbing section employs knit and purl stitches in a k2, p2 (knit 2, purl 2) alternating pattern, which creates vertical columns of texture and provides stretch and recovery in the brim. The main body features the Armstrong pattern, a 60-round stitch pattern that can be followed using either a chart or written instructions, providing visual interest and texture throughout the crown of the hat.

Yarn and Materials

The Armstrong Hat is designed to be worked with aran or worsted weight yarn, both medium-weight options that provide good stitch definition and drape. The pattern requires circular needles appropriate for the chosen yarn weight, which allow for seamless, in-the-round construction. The specific yardage requirements and needle sizes are detailed within the complete pattern instructions to ensure proper gauge and fit across all three sizes.

Skill Level

This project is classified as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic techniques. The combination of circular needle work, ribbing, stitch pattern reading (whether from charts or written instructions), and crown decreases requires solid foundational skills while remaining accessible to knitters ready to expand their abilities.