Stormy Day - Worsted

Stormy Day Knit Hat by Kathleen Baer

What Is Being Made

Stormy Day is a downloadable knitting pattern for a classic knit hat designed by Kathleen Baer. This beginner-friendly hat pattern is available in five sizes to fit the entire family: Baby (13-15 inches), Toddler (15-17 inches), Adult Small (17-19 inches), Adult Medium (20-22 inches), and Adult Large (22-24 inches). The pattern uses straightforward knitting techniques suitable for those new to hat construction, making it an ideal project for developing fundamental circular knitting skills.

Yarn and Materials

The Stormy Day hat requires 100 to 220 yards of worsted or aran weight yarn, depending on which size you choose to knit. The yardage range accommodates all five sizes, with smaller sizes requiring less yardage and larger sizes requiring more. The pattern is designed to work with yarn in a main color and a contrasting color, allowing for creative colorwork options.

For needles, you have flexibility in your circular needle choice. You may use one long circular needle, two 24-inch circular needles, or a complete set of double-pointed needles (DPNs), all in US size 7 (4.5 mm). The pattern notes that you may substitute any needle size that allows you to achieve the required gauge, making it adaptable to different needle preferences and yarn variations.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 4.5 stitches per inch when measured over the stitch pattern. Cast-on stitches vary by size: Baby begins with 60 stitches, Toddler with 70 stitches, Adult Small with 80 stitches, Adult Medium with 90 stitches, and Adult Large with 100 stitches. This graduated sizing system ensures proper fit across all age groups.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Stormy Day employs fundamental circular knitting techniques appropriate for beginners learning to work in the round. The pattern incorporates several essential knitting abbreviations and stitches:

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) stitches form the foundation of the pattern, creating texture through ribbing and stockinette stitch variations
• Knit one through the back loop (K1tbl) is used in the brim ribbing to create a twisted stitch that adds definition and elasticity to the hat's edge
• Knit 2 together (K2tog) is a basic decrease stitch used for shaping the crown of the hat
• Slip stitch purlwise with yarn in back (S1wyib) is employed for seamless stitch transitions and pattern continuity
• Markers (PM and SM) help track pattern repeats and shaping points throughout the circular knitting

Pattern Construction

The hat begins with a ribbed brim worked in the round. The standard brim options include either twisted ribbing using K1tbl and P1 stitches or standard K1 and P1 ribbing, worked for 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 centimeters), or to your desired length. This ribbed cuff provides stretch and helps the hat stay securely on the head while creating an attractive finished edge.

The pattern uses main color (MC) and contrasting color (CC) designations, indicating opportunities for two-color knitting and colorwork effects. This structure allows knitters to create visual interest through color changes while maintaining beginner-level difficulty throughout the project.

Ideal For

The Stormy Day pattern is perfect for beginner knitters who want to learn circular knitting techniques while creating a practical, wearable garment. The multiple size options make it an excellent pattern for gift-giving across different ages, and the straightforward stitch combinations ensure success for those new to hat construction.