LINGON hat

LINGON Hat by Brixton Purl

What is Being Made

The LINGON hat is a knitted beanie and slouchy hat design inspired by lingonberries that grow wild in Scandinavian forests. The hat features decorative bobbles throughout that resemble the small red berries found on the forest floor. This versatile design offers knitters the choice between two different bobble sizes and two finished lengths, allowing for customization based on personal preference and desired fit.

Design Options and Finished Dimensions

The LINGON hat comes in two length variations. The slouchy version measures 24.5 cm in length, while the beanie version is shorter at 20 cm. Both versions share the same circumference at the brim of 50 cm. The design showcases smaller bobbles on the slouchy hat pictured in the pattern, while the blue and pink beanie variation features larger bobbles for a bolder textural statement.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several fundamental and decorative techniques. The hat is worked in the round using circular needles, creating a seamless construction. Bobble stitches are incorporated throughout the design as the primary decorative element. Decreases are strategically placed to shape the crown of the hat, with the beanie and slouchy versions following identical instructions until the decrease section begins. The pattern uses both knit and purl stitches to create texture and structure.

Stitches and Abbreviations

The LINGON hat pattern utilizes the following stitches and techniques:

• st(s) - Stitch(es), the fundamental unit of knitting
• k - Knit stitch, the basic forward stitch
• p - Purl stitch, the reverse of the knit stitch
• Rnd - Round, indicating circular knitting in the round
• ssk - Slip 1 stitch knitwise, knit 1 stitch, pass the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch; a left-leaning decrease
• k2tog - Knit two stitches together; a right-leaning decrease
• yo - Yarn over, creating an eyelet or lace hole
• p2tog - Purl two stitches together; a decrease worked on the purl side

Materials and Gauge

The LINGON hat is worked using DK and lace weight yarns held together throughout the project. Two needle sizes are required: 3.5 mm needles for the ribbed brim and 3.75 mm needles for the main body of the hat. The gauge for this project is 22 stitches and 30 rows per 10 by 10 centimeters when working stocking stitch on the 3.75 mm needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished hat dimensions.

Construction Method

The hat is constructed by holding the yarns together as specified in the pattern, creating a cohesive fabric from the cast-on edge. The two-needle approach allows the knitter to transition from the ribbed cuff worked on smaller needles to the main body worked on slightly larger needles, a common technique for creating fitted edges that prevent rolling. The bobble details are integrated into the stitch pattern as the hat is worked upward, and shaping decreases are introduced at the crown to create the finished hat form.