Going to the Sun Hat

Going to the Sun Hat by Amy Johnson

What Is Being Made

The Going to the Sun Hat is a knitted adult-sized hat designed by Amy Johnson. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a finished hat with a head circumference of 20 inches (51 cm) and a length of 7.75 inches (19.5 cm). The hat is worked in the round using circular needles or double-pointed needles, making it an ideal project for knitters looking to develop their in-the-round knitting skills.

Knitting Techniques Used

This hat employs fundamental in-the-round knitting techniques, which is a core method for creating seamless, tubular garments. The pattern uses circular needles or a combination of circular needles and double-pointed needles to work continuously in rounds rather than flat rows. This technique eliminates the need for seaming and creates a smooth, professional finish. The pattern includes decreasing techniques, specifically knit 2 together (k2tog) stitches, which are essential for shaping the crown of the hat and achieving a proper fit. The design also incorporates color work through the use of a main color and contrast color, allowing knitters to add visual interest and personalization to their finished hat.

Stitches Used

The Going to the Sun Hat utilizes basic knitting stitches suitable for intermediate-level crafters. The primary stitch structure is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a V-pattern appearance on the right side. The pattern incorporates essential shaping stitches including knit (k), purl (p), and knit 2 together (k2tog) decreases. Stitch markers are used throughout to denote the beginning of each round and help maintain pattern accuracy. The combination of these basic stitches creates a well-structured, wearable hat with proper shaping.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Going to the Sun Hat pattern calls for Plymouth Homestead yarn in a 4 Medium (Aran/Worsted weight). The total yardage required is 191 yards (174 meters) from a single 3.5 ounce (100 gram) skein. The pattern specifies one skein in the main color—the sample shown uses Light Gray Heather (color 004)—plus a small amount of contrast color for accent details. The original pattern sample incorporates a handspun yarn equivalent to Plymouth Homestead for the contrast color, offering flexibility for personal customization.

The pattern requires Size 6/4 mm circular needles measuring 16 inches (40 cm), or needles adjusted to obtain the correct gauge. Knitters have the option to work with either two circular needles or one circular needle paired with one set of double-pointed needles, depending on their preference and experience level. Additional notions include a stitch marker for tracking round beginnings and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends.

Gauge and Sizing Information

The pattern is designed to achieve a gauge of 20 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. Maintaining this gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. The pattern provides helpful guidance for creating alternative sizes: knitters wishing to make a different size can experiment with different-sized knitting needles and/or different yarn weights, allowing for customization beyond the single provided size.

Pattern Structure

The Going to the Sun Hat begins with casting on 96 stitches and joining in the round with a stitch marker placed to denote the beginning of each round. The body of the hat is worked in continuous rounds, building from the base upward. This downloadable PDF pattern from independent designer Amy Johnson provides a complete, free knitting project suitable for intermediate-level knitters seeking to expand their circular knitting skills and create a finished, wearable accessory.