Daring Open Crown Hat

Daring Open Crown Hat by Sarah Inskeep

What Is Being Made

The Daring Open Crown Hat is an adventurous adult knit hat designed to celebrate bold geometric patterns. This striking design features an open crown construction that accommodates messy buns or ponytails while maintaining a fashionable silhouette. Available in two sizes—S/M and M/L—the hat is sized to fit head circumferences of 19.5 (21.5) inches / 49.5 (54.5) cm, with a finished width of 6.25 (7) inches / 16 (18) cm. The design pairs beautifully with the Gallant Mitts for a coordinated, cozy matching set.

Knitting Techniques

This advanced-level knitting project employs several sophisticated techniques to achieve its distinctive appearance and functionality. The hat is knit in the round, a technique that creates seamless, tubular fabric ideal for hats and other circular garments. The construction features stranded color work, a traditional technique where two colors of yarn are carried simultaneously throughout the pattern rows. The floats created by carrying yarn along the inside of the piece contribute to a super cozy double-layered fabric, providing exceptional warmth and insulation. This method of color work is both visually striking and functionally superior for cold-weather wear.

Stitches and Pattern Elements

The Daring Open Crown Hat showcases a carefully balanced stitch structure. The design features ribbed edges that flank a bold color work motif at the center of the hat. The ribbed sections provide elasticity and a secure fit, while the geometric color work pattern serves as the visual focal point. The combination of ribbing and stranded color work creates textural interest and ensures the hat maintains its shape throughout wear and washing.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This pattern calls for 100% alpaca yarn in a DK (Double Knitting) weight, offering the ultimate in softness and warmth. Alpaca fiber is renowned for its luxurious feel, breathability, and temperature-regulating properties, making it an excellent choice for a hat that will be worn close to the face and head.

Needles and Notions

• One set of US 6 / 4 mm needles (or size to obtain gauge in color work pattern)
• One set of US 5 / 3.75 mm needles (or one size smaller)
• Four stitch markers: one unique marker and three matching markers
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends

The use of two needle sizes allows for gauge adjustments between different sections of the pattern, enabling the designer to achieve the desired fabric characteristics in both the ribbed edges and the color work sections.