Tofty

Tofty Hat by Justyna Lorkowska

What is Being Made

Tofty is a knitted hat designed by Justyna Lorkowska and published by Lete's Knits. This is a one-size hat pattern that fits head circumferences of 54-56 cm (21-22 inches), with a length from brim to top of approximately 24 cm (9.5 inches). The hat is worked in the round using circular needles or double-pointed needles, making it an ideal project for knitters looking to develop their skills in circular knitting techniques.

Techniques Used

Tofty employs several foundational knitting techniques that make it suitable for beginner-level knitters. The pattern incorporates a Tubular Cast-On, which creates a seamless, professional-looking edge at the brim of the hat. This cast-on method is particularly valued for ribbed edges as it produces a flexible, finished appearance without a visible seam.

The hat also features cable stitches that add textural interest and visual depth to the design. Two primary cable techniques are used throughout the pattern:

• Left Twist: This technique involves skipping the first stitch and knitting through the back loop into the second stitch without dropping it from the needle, then knitting the skipped stitch before dropping both stitches off the needle.
• Right Twist: This mirror technique skips the first stitch, knits into the front of the second stitch without dropping it, then knits the skipped stitch and slips both stitches off the needle.

Working in the round is a central technique for this project, allowing the hat to be constructed seamlessly without requiring seaming.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern in Tofty is 2x2 Rib, worked in the round using the repeat of *knit 2, purl 2* around. Ribbing creates an elastic, fitted fabric that hugs the head comfortably and helps the hat maintain its shape. The cable stitches—Left Twist and Right Twist—are incorporated into the overall design to create visual texture and interest beyond the basic ribbed structure.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Tofty is designed to be knitted with DK weight yarn, a medium-light yarn weight that works up quickly while still providing good stitch definition. The pattern calls for 1 skein of TOFT DK yarn, which is composed of 100% wool and provides 225 meters (246 yards) per 100 grams. The sample shown in the pattern is knitted in TOFT DK color 11120 Silver, a neutral shade suitable for a variety of styling preferences.

Two needle sizes are required to achieve proper gauge and construction. The primary needles are 4.0 mm (US #6) circular needles measuring 40 cm (16 inches), or alternatively, double-pointed needles or long circular needles for the magic loop method. A smaller needle size of 3.5 mm (US #4)—two sizes smaller than the gauge needle—is also used, typically for the ribbed cuff or sections where a tighter gauge is desired. Circular needles or dpns allow for seamless knitting in the round, which is essential for this hat construction.