Esen Hat

Esen Hat by Elitza Chernaeva

What Is Being Made

The Esen Hat is a beginner-friendly knitted hat designed by independent designer Elitza Chernaeva. This relaxing, fast-working project creates a textured hat with a unique construction featuring a flat-worked garter stitch brim and an overlapping buttoned flap. The finished hat measures 45 cm (18 inches) in circumference and 22 cm (8½ inches) in height without the pom-pom, making it a versatile accessory suitable for various head sizes and seasons.

Techniques Used

The Esen Hat employs a mixed construction method that combines flat knitting and circular knitting techniques. The project begins with flat knitting for the garter stitch brim, which provides a sturdy, textured foundation. After the brim is established, several stitches are strategically bound off to create an overlapping flap that adds visual interest and functional design. The remainder of the hat is worked in the round using either double-pointed needles or circular needles, depending on the knitter's preferred method for small circumference knitting. This hybrid approach makes the hat accessible to beginners while maintaining design sophistication.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the Esen Hat is a textured rib stitch, which creates visual depth and elasticity in the finished fabric. The construction incorporates fundamental knitting abbreviations and techniques including:

• Knit (k) – the basic knit stitch
• Purl (p) – the basic purl stitch
• Slip (sl) – worked purlwise for edge definition
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) – a decrease stitch for shaping
• Cast on (CO) – the foundation row
• Bind off (BO) – the finishing technique
• Yarn positioning (wyb/wyf) – with yarn at back or with yarn in front, controlling yarn placement for texture

The garter stitch brim provides a reversible, textured edge that complements the main textured rib stitch body.

Materials and Tools

The Esen Hat requires bulky weight yarn, with approximately 70 grams, 70 meters, or 77 yards needed for the main hat (excluding the pom-pom). The pattern calls for two sets of double-pointed needles: US 9 (5.5 mm) needles and US 10 (6 mm) needles. Alternatively, knitters may substitute circular needles in the same sizes if they prefer that method for working small circumferences in the round.

Additional notions include one stitch marker for tracking rounds, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, one button for fastening the overlapping flap (which serves a decorative function), and a pom-pom for the crown finish. The pattern specifies that no buttonhole should be created, as buttonholes tend to stretch with use and would compromise the flap's function.

Gauge and Finished Measurements

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 12 stitches and 24 rows equaling 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 inches) in the textured rib stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the hat to fit correctly at its finished circumference of 45 cm (18 inches) and height of 22 cm (8½ inches) without the pom-pom. Bulky weight yarn at this gauge creates a quick, satisfying knit that works up rapidly, making this an ideal project for knitters seeking fast results.