Give 'Em the Slip Hat

Give 'Em the Slip Hat by Triona Murphy

What is Being Made

Give 'Em the Slip Hat is a knitted hat design available in three sizes: Small (19 inches circumference), Medium (21 inches circumference), and Large (23 inches circumference). This intermediate-level knitting project creates a finished hat with a fitted crown and ribbed cuff, suitable for various head sizes.

Knitting Techniques Used

This hat is constructed using fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The design employs circular knitting, worked in the round from the bottom cuff upward to the crown. The pattern incorporates ribbed cuffs at the base of the hat, which provide stretch and a snug fit. The main body utilizes stockinette stitch, the most common knit stitch pattern, creating a smooth, finished fabric. The design also features cable elements, with pattern notes indicating that the ribbing construction varies between sizes to accommodate cable placement, adding visual interest and texture to the finished piece.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch used for the main body of the hat, worked in the round
• Ribbing: A 4x2 ribbing pattern (knit 4, purl 2) forms the cuff at the bottom of the hat, with size-specific variations for Medium
• Cable Stitches: Incorporated into the design as decorative elements, with pattern notes indicating cable-specific instructions

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The pattern calls for Malabrigo Yarn Merino Worsted, a 100% merino wool yarn in the color Lettuce. One 100-gram skein, which provides 210 yards (192 meters), is sufficient to complete the hat. Merino wool is prized for its softness, breathability, and temperature-regulating properties, making it an excellent choice for a close-fitting hat.

Needles and Tools

The recommended needle size is US #7 (4.5mm), which should be verified by checking your gauge before beginning the project. The pattern requires one 16 or 20-inch circular needle for the ribbed cuff and main body sections, and one set of four or five double-pointed needles of the same size for the crown decreases when the circumference becomes too small for circular needles. Additional notions include a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of each round and a yarn needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge

The correct gauge for this project is 18 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked in stockinette stitch on US #7 (4.5mm) needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, particularly with a fitted hat where circumference is critical.

Pattern Construction

The hat begins with casting on 90, 100, or 108 stitches depending on size, then joining for working in the round while being careful not to twist the stitches. A stitch marker is placed to track the beginning of each round. The ribbed cuff is worked first, followed by the stockinette body and cable elements, with the crown shaped through strategic decreases worked on double-pointed needles as the stitch count reduces.