Turning

Turning Hat by Erin Birnel

What is Being Made

Turning is a knitted hat designed by Erin Birnel, created using the in-the-round knitting method. This is a beginner-level project that produces a classic, fitted hat suitable for various head sizes through strategic increases and decreases.

Knitting Techniques Used

This hat employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginners working on circular needles. The pattern begins with casting on and knitting in the round while being careful not to twist stitches, a critical step for seamless circular knitting. The hat features make one (m1) increases to expand the stitch count after the ribbed cuff section. The crown is shaped using knit two together (k2tog) decreases worked strategically across multiple rounds to create a tapered, fitted finish. The pattern also demonstrates needle gauge changes, transitioning from smaller to larger needles as the hat expands, and switching to double-pointed needles (dpns) when the stitch count becomes too small for circular needles during the final decreases.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K): The primary stitch forming the main fabric
• Purl stitch (P): Used in the opening rounds to create texture and definition
• Stockinette stitch: The dominant stitch pattern worked after the ribbed opening, created by alternating knit and purl rounds in circular knitting
• Make one (m1): An increase stitch used to add stitches around the hat body
• Knit two together (k2tog): A decrease stitch used repeatedly throughout the crown shaping to taper the hat to closure

Pattern Structure and Measurements

The Turning hat begins with a ribbed cuff created by working three purl rounds followed by three knit rounds, with this six-round sequence repeated four times total for 24 rounds of ribbing. After the cuff, the pattern switches to larger needles and increases stitches to 110 using the make one technique. The main body is worked in stockinette stitch until the piece measures 6 inches from the cast-on edge. The crown shaping then begins with a series of decrease rounds, reducing stitches by working k2tog at regular intervals. These decreases continue across 17 rounds, progressively reducing the stitch count until all stitches are gathered and secured by breaking the yarn and pulling it through the remaining stitches. The hat is finished by weaving in ends and blocking as desired.

Materials and Needles

The Turning hat is worked in aran weight yarn, requiring 2 skeins of Noro Silk Garden in color 349. This yarn is a luxury blend composed of 45% silk, 45% kid mohair, and 10% lambswool, with each skein providing 110 yards. The pattern calls for US #5 16-inch circular needles for the ribbed cuff section and US #8 16-inch circular needles for the main body and initial crown shaping. US #8 double-pointed needles are used during the final decrease rounds when the stitch count becomes too small for circular needles. A stitch marker is also required to track the beginning of each round.