High Line Hat

High Line Hat by Janet Harvey

What is Being Made

The High Line is a seamless, unisex knit hat designed to fit a wide range of sizes from babies aged 6-12 months through large adults. This versatile design works equally well as a fitted beanie or beret style, making it a practical project suitable for gift-giving or personal wear across multiple age groups and head sizes.

Construction Method

This hat is worked from the brim up in a seamless construction using either double-pointed needles or circular needles. The design features distinctive knit lines that flow organically from the brim ribbing up through the main body of the hat, converging at the crown where they finish at a single point. This top-down shaping creates a visually interesting design element while maintaining structural integrity throughout the garment.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The High Line employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for an intermediate-level knitter:

• Stockinette stitch forms the primary fabric of the hat's main body
• Ribbing at the brim provides stretch and a finished edge
• Decreases including k2tog (knit two stitches together) and p2tog (purl two stitches together) shape the crown
• Increases using M1 (make one) technique add stitches where needed for shaping
• Seamless circular knitting eliminates the need for seaming, creating a polished finished product

Materials and Gauge

The High Line is designed to work with worsted or aran weight yarns, particularly wool or wool blend fibers that provide warmth and durability. The pattern specifies a gauge of 19 stitches by 26 rounds over 10 centimeters (4 inches) in stockinette stitch when worked with the larger needles.

Needles required include 3.5mm (US 4) DPNs or circular needles for the ribbed brim and 4.5mm (US 7) DPNs or circular needles for the main body. A sewing needle for weaving in loose ends completes the notions list.

Sizing Information

The pattern provides yardage and sizing for multiple age groups:

• Baby (6-12 months): 40-43 cm head circumference (16-17 inches), requiring 73 meters or 80 yards
• Toddler (1-3 years): 43-48 cm head circumference (17-19 inches), requiring 82 meters or 90 yards

Skill Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the High Line requires familiarity with basic knitting stitches, circular knitting methods, and shaping techniques. The seamless construction and crown decreases make this an excellent project for knitters looking to develop their skills beyond beginner level.