Under the Snow

Under the Snow Knit Hat by Melissa LaBarre

What is Being Made

Under the Snow is a downloadable knitting pattern for a finished hat designed to fit heads up to 23.5 inches in circumference, with a completed width of 20.5 inches. This intermediate-level design is created by independent designer Melissa LaBarre and features charted colorwork patterning worked in the round.

Knitting Techniques Used

This hat employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. The pattern begins with a cast-on of 72 stitches worked on circular needles, establishing the foundation for in-the-round construction. The design incorporates ribbed edging created through alternating knit and purl rounds, which provides stretch and structure at the brim. The main body features charted colorwork worked in the round, requiring knitters to follow a visual pattern chart while maintaining consistent tension across color changes. The crown shaping utilizes a decrease chart that gradually reduces stitches until only 6 remain, which are then secured by threading yarn through the final stitches. The transition from circular needles to double-pointed needles occurs when the crown becomes too small for comfortable circular needle work, a standard technique for completing hat crowns.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The pattern uses basic knitting stitches as its foundation. Knit stitches and purl stitches form the ribbed edging at the hat's opening. The main charted pattern section requires working stitches in the round while following the provided chart, which may include various knit and purl combinations or colorwork techniques. The decrease chart employs strategic stitch reductions to shape the crown, tapering the hat to its closure point.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Olann Grã Bulky 3-ply Merino yarn in the colorway "Bramble," with one skein providing 136 yards of yardage. The chunky yarn weight creates a quick-knitting project with excellent drape and warmth. Knitters will need US 10.5 (6.5mm) circular needles and matching double-pointed needles, or the size necessary to achieve the specified gauge. Additional notions include a stitch marker for tracking the beginning of rounds and a blunt needle for weaving in yarn ends after completion. The pattern recommends blocking the finished hat using water or steam to set the stitches and enhance the charted pattern definition.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 14 stitches and 24 rounds equaling 4 inches when worked in the charted pattern in the round. Achieving this gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished dimensions. The single size accommodates head circumferences up to 23.5 inches.