Swirly Hat

Swirly Hat by Stana D. Sortor

What is Being Made

The Swirly Hat is a knitted beanie designed to fit a range of adult head sizes from 19 to 23 inches in circumference. This downloadable knitting pattern produces three finished sizes: small (19" circumference), medium (21" circumference), and large (23" circumference). The hat is worked in the round using a classic construction method suitable for beginners learning to knit circular garments.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs knitting in the round, a fundamental technique for creating seamless cylindrical garments like hats. The Swirly Hat features a distinctive swirly pattern that is worked over a 10-round repeat, creating visual movement across the fabric. The pattern uses decreases during the crown shaping to gradually reduce stitches and form the fitted top of the hat. This beginner-friendly design teaches essential circular knitting skills while producing an attractive textured result.

Stitches and Stitch Abbreviations

The Swirly Hat incorporates the following stitches:

• Stockinette Stitch — the foundation stitch used to measure gauge and form the base fabric
• Knit Stitch (K) — the primary stitch creating smooth fabric texture
• Purl Stitch (P) — used in alternating blocks to create the swirly visual pattern
• K2tog (Knit 2 Together) — a decrease technique that combines two stitches into one
• P2tog (Purl 2 Together) — a decrease technique using purl stitches to shape the crown

The swirly pattern is created by alternating blocks of 5 knit stitches with 5 purl stitches, with the pattern shifting one stitch per round to produce the characteristic swirl effect.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The pattern calls for Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted Weight, a 100% Peruvian Highland Wool yarn. Two 50-gram balls are required, providing 110 yards per ball. The recommended colorway is Clarity #25632. Worsted weight yarn is a medium-weight yarn suitable for creating fabric with good drape and structure, making it ideal for hat construction.

Needles: The pattern recommends US size #7 (4.5mm) double-pointed needles in a set of 5, or alternative needles of the same size suitable for knitting in the round. Double-pointed needles (DPN) are the traditional choice for small circumference circular knitting and allow crafters to work seamlessly without seams.

Additional Notions: A yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and stitch markers to track pattern repeats and size increases are required to complete the project.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 26 rows per 4 inches when worked in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge ensures the finished hat will fit the intended head size. The three size options accommodate a wide range of adult head circumferences, from petite to larger sizes.