Oakmont Hat

Oakmont Hat by Felicia Kulp

What is Being Made

The Oakmont Hat is a knitted hat design created by independent designer Felicia Kulp. This project is suitable for beginner-level knitters and produces a finished hat using approximately 90 grams or 180 yards of yarn.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Oakmont Hat employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques to create its finished structure. The pattern begins with a stretchy cast-on method to ensure a secure foundation for circular knitting. The hat is constructed using the circular knitting method, which allows for seamless construction in the round. Cable techniques are incorporated into the design, adding visual interest and texture to the finished piece. Decreasing techniques are used to shape the crown of the hat, gradually reducing stitches to close the top.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The Oakmont Hat utilizes a variety of essential knitting stitches and abbreviations:

• K2P2 ribbing – A knit two, purl two pattern that creates the textured ribbed sections of the hat
• Knit (K) and Purl (P) stitches – The foundational stitches used throughout the pattern
• Cable stitches – C2F (cable 2 front) and C2B (cable 2 back) techniques that create twisted, rope-like texture by crossing stitches over one another
• Decreasing stitches – SSK (slip slip knit), K2tog (knit two together), K3tog (knit three together), P2tog (purl two together), and P3tog (purl three together) to shape and close the crown

Yarn and Needles

The Oakmont Hat is designed to work with worsted weight yarn, which is a medium-weight yarn ideal for creating hats with good structure and drape. The pattern requires approximately 90 grams or 180 yards of yarn, making it an efficient project that uses modest yardage.

The pattern calls for multiple needle sizes and types to accommodate different stages of construction:

• US 5 circular needles – Used for the initial cast-on and ribbed sections
• US 7 circular needles – Used for the main body of the hat
• US 7 double-pointed needles – Used for the crown decreases when the stitch count becomes too small for circular needles
• Cable needle – Required for executing the cable stitch techniques

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 1 inch by 1 inch, measuring 8 stitches and 7 rows when worked in K2P2 ribbing in a relaxed state without stretching. Achieving proper gauge is essential for ensuring the finished hat fits correctly and maintains the intended drape and structure of the design.