Fun Hats in Hayfield Bonus DK - 7324 - Downloadable PDF

Fun Hats in Hayfield Bonus DK – Pattern 7324: Complete Summary

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Hayfield presents a collection of fun character hats suitable for a wide range of ages, from 4 years through to adult. The designs are offered in four size options — 4/6 years, 7/9 years, 10/12 years, and Adult — with finished head circumferences ranging from 44 cm (17¼ in) up to 55 cm (21¾ in), making this a versatile pattern for the whole family. The playful, novelty-style hats feature contrast colour details and embroidered eyes, giving each hat its distinctive character appearance.

Designs Included

The pattern provides colourway guidance for four distinct hat versions, each identified by specific shade combinations of Hayfield Bonus DK:

• Woman's Hat – worked in Main Shade 792 with Contrast Shade 828
• Girl's Hat – worked in Main Shade 791 with Contrast Shade 887
• Boy's Hat (Version 1) – worked in Main Shade 792 with Contrast Shade 833
• Boy's Hat (Version 2) – worked in Main Shade 791 with Contrast Shade 824

Each version follows the same construction method but achieves a different look through its unique colour pairing. The use of a main shade and a contrast shade allows for two-colour detailing that brings the character features to life.

Materials Required

Yarn

All versions of the hat are knitted in Hayfield Bonus DK, a double knitting weight yarn. For every size across all four designs, the pattern calls for:

• 1 x 100g ball of the chosen Main Shade
• 1 x 100g ball of the chosen Contrast Shade

In addition, oddments of DK yarn in Black and White are required for the embroidery of the eyes, which are a key feature of the character design. Because hats are relatively small projects, a single 100g ball of each shade will comfortably cover all sizes, making this an excellent pattern for using up yarn from your stash or for purchasing minimal quantities.

Needles

• 1 pair of 4mm (UK 8 / USA 6) knitting needles – used for the main body and crown of the hat
• 1 pair of 3¼mm (UK 10 / USA 3) knitting needles – used for the ribbed brim section

Tension

The stated tension for this pattern is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) measured over stocking stitch using 4mm needles. As with all knitting patterns, achieving the correct tension is essential to ensure the finished hat matches the stated measurements. The pattern advises that if you have fewer stitches than stated, switch to a thinner needle, and if you have more stitches, switch to a thicker needle.

Techniques and Construction

Cast On Method

The hat is begun using the thumb method cast on, which creates a neat, slightly elastic edge well suited to the brim of a hat. Stitches are cast on using the smaller 3¼mm needles, with stitch counts varying by size — for example, 97 stitches for the smallest size up to 121 stitches for the adult size.

Brim

The brim of the hat is worked in single rib (1x1 rib), created by alternating knit and purl stitches across each row. This is a classic, stretchy ribbing technique that helps the hat grip the head comfortably and maintain its shape over time. The rib is worked on the smaller 3¼mm needles to ensure a firm, neat finish.