Aspenglow Hat

Aspenglow Hat by Lena Mathisson

What Is Being Made

The Aspenglow Hat is a knitted hat designed by Lena Mathisson, available in four sizes: Child, Adult Small, Adult Medium, and Adult Large. This project creates a classic, fitted hat suitable for a range of head sizes, from children up to adults. The finished circumference ranges from approximately 17 inches (42.5 cm) for the child size to 23 inches (57.5 cm) for the adult large, with corresponding hat heights between 8 and 10 inches (20 to 25 cm). The hat is designed to fit heads up to 19 inches (47.5 cm) for children through 25 inches (62.5 cm) for adults.

Knitting Techniques Used

This hat is worked in the round, a fundamental technique in hat knitting that creates a seamless, tubular fabric. The pattern employs stockinette stitch as the primary stitch pattern, which creates a smooth, classic appearance. As the knitter progresses toward the crown of the hat, the stitch count decreases through strategic decreases, requiring a transition from circular needles to either double-pointed needles or the Magic Loop method with a long circular needle. This transition is necessary because circular needles become impractical when working with very few stitches. The Magic Loop method is presented as an alternative technique for knitters who prefer to avoid double-pointed needles.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Aspenglow Hat is constructed primarily using stockinette stitch, which is created by knitting on the right side and purling on the wrong side when working flat, or simply knitting every round when working in the round as this pattern does. Stockinette stitch produces the characteristic smooth, V-textured fabric that is versatile and flattering. The pattern also incorporates decreases in the crown shaping section, though the specific decrease techniques are detailed within the full pattern instructions.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Aspenglow Hat requires bulky weight yarn, also referred to as 12-ply or chunky yarn depending on regional terminology, with a wraps-per-inch (wpi) measurement of approximately 7. The yardage needed varies by size: Child requires approximately 60 grams, Adult Small needs 75 grams, Adult Medium requires 90 grams, and Adult Large needs 105 grams. The sample hat was created using Malabrigo Mecha, a 100% wool yarn that provides 130 yards per 100 grams, worked in the color Arco Iris.

Needles required include US 10 (6.0 mm) circular needles for the main knitting and US 9 (5.5 mm) needles one size smaller for ribbing or other sections requiring a tighter gauge. The sample adult small size was worked on a 16-inch (40 cm) circular needle. Knitters will also need either double-pointed needles in both sizes for the crown decreases, or a long circular needle if using the Magic Loop technique. The pattern emphasizes selecting needle sizes as needed to achieve the specified gauge.

Gauge and Sizing Information

The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for the hat to fit properly, as the finished circumference and height depend directly on maintaining this tension. The pattern provides clear finished measurements for all four sizes, allowing knitters to select the appropriate size based on the intended wearer's head circumference.