Y-oak Hat

Y-oak Hat by High Voltage Knits

What Is Being Made

The Y-oak Hat is a versatile knitted hat designed by High Voltage Knits to complement the Y-oak sweater. This intermediate-level project offers customizable styling options, ranging from a snug, close-fitting silhouette to a relaxed, slouchy aesthetic. The hat can be finished with or without a pompom, making it adaptable for various weather conditions and personal preferences.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This hat is worked in the round using circular needles, which creates seamless construction ideal for hat crowns. The design incorporates stockinette stitch as the primary stitch pattern, combined with colorwork elements that allow for creative color combinations. The pattern is available in three sizes with finished circumferences of 20, 21, and 22 inches (50, 53, and 56 centimeters), accommodating different head sizes and fit preferences. Negative ease is employed in the sizing—the sample shown is knitted in size 2 with 2 inches of negative ease—which ensures the hat maintains its shape and stays securely on the head.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch – the primary stitch structure worked in the round
• Colorwork – integrated throughout the design for visual interest

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Y-oak Hat is designed to be worked with DK weight yarn, specifically Raincloud & Sage Origin, which is composed of 100% German Merino wool in a woolen spun 3-ply construction. Each 100-gram skein provides 219 yards (200 meters) of yardage. The pattern calls for two colors: a main color (MC) in cream and a contrasting color (CC) in green, which is created by dyeing cream yarn with onion skins for a natural, botanical hue.

Yardage Requirements

• Size 1: 109 yards (100 meters) main color; 76 yards (70 meters) contrasting color
• Size 2: 131 yards (120 meters) main color; 87 yards (80 meters) contrasting color
• Size 3: 148 yards (135 meters) main color; 98 yards (90 meters) contrasting color

These yardage amounts are calculated without the optional pompom.

Needles and Gauge

The Y-oak Hat is worked on US 4 (3.5 mm) circular needles measuring 16 inches (40 centimeters). The recommended gauge is 21 stitches and 30 rows per 4 inches (10 centimeters), measured in the round over stockinette stitch using the larger needles after blocking. Achieving consistent gauge across both stockinette stitch and colorwork sections is essential for proper fit and finished dimensions.

Difficulty Level

Rated as moderate difficulty, the Y-oak Hat is suitable for intermediate knitters who have experience with in-the-round knitting, colorwork techniques, and basic hat construction. The combination of circular needle work and color patterning makes this an engaging project for developing knitters seeking to expand their technical skills.