Skinner hat

Skinner Hat by Melissa LaBarre

What is Being Made

The Skinner Hat is an extra long lace hat designed by Melissa LaBarre as a versatile accessory for adult wearers. This slouchy knit hat measures approximately 18.5 inches unstretched and features a stretchy lace pattern construction that accommodates adult heads up to 23 inches when worn with negative ease. The extended length allows for multiple styling options: it can be worn slouched back on the head for a relaxed aesthetic or pulled down over the ears for added warmth and coverage during colder weather.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques to achieve its distinctive appearance and function. The hat is constructed using circular knitting on small-diameter circular needles, which allows for seamless, in-the-round construction. The pattern incorporates a lace pattern throughout, which creates the openwork texture characteristic of this design. The cast-on method specified is the long-tail cast-on, a foundational technique that provides an elastic edge suitable for hat construction. The pattern requires careful attention to stitch placement and pattern repeats to maintain the lace motif consistently around the circumference.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Skinner Hat features a stretchy lace pattern as its primary stitch structure. Knitters work the lace pattern at a specific gauge of 30 stitches and 40 rows over 4 inches in the lace pattern itself, which is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions and drape. The lace construction creates an openwork fabric with intentional yarn-overs and decreases that produce the characteristic eyelets and texture. This stitch pattern is worked in the round using circular needles, maintaining consistent pattern repeats across all stitches for a balanced, professional appearance.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Skinner Hat is designed to be knitted with fingering-weight yarn, specifically The Plucky Knitter brand in the colorway "honey wilkes." One skein of yarn is required, providing 385 yards from a 100-gram skein. This yarn weight is ideal for creating the delicate lace pattern and ensures the hat will have the intended drape and stretch.

The needle requirements include three circular needles in small sizes to accommodate the fine yarn and lace pattern work: one US 1 (2.25mm) 16-inch circular needle for the initial cast-on and ribbing sections, and one US 2 (2.75mm) 16-inch circular needle for the main lace pattern sections. Additionally, one set of five US 2 (2.75mm) double-pointed needles (dpns) is required for the crown shaping in the final rounds when the stitch count decreases below what is practical for circular needles. A stitch marker is needed to mark the beginning of each round, and a blunt needle for weaving in ends is essential for finishing the completed hat.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate in difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic stockinette stitch. The lace pattern requires understanding of yarn-overs and decreases, as well as the ability to read and follow lace charts or written lace instructions. The in-the-round construction on multiple needle sizes and the transition from circular needles to double-pointed needles for the crown also contribute to the intermediate skill level required.