Affectionate

Affectionate Hat by Melissa Schaschwary

Project Overview

Affectionate is a downloadable knitting pattern for a hat designed by Melissa Schaschwary. This intermediate-level project is sized to fit head circumferences of 20 to 22 inches (51 to 56 centimeters), with options for adjusting to larger sizes. The pattern uses DK weight yarn and is worked on circular knitting needles, making it an accessible project for knitters with some experience beyond the beginner level.

What Is Being Made

The Affectionate pattern creates a fitted hat suitable for various head sizes. The design accommodates standard adult head circumferences and includes guidance for customizing the fit by adjusting needle size or selecting a fuller-bodied DK weight yarn for larger circumferences.

Yarn and Materials

The recommended yarn is Western Sky Knits Magnolia DK, a DK weight (also known as 8 ply) blend of merino, cashmere, and nylon (MCN). One skein provides 250 yards (229 meters), which is sufficient to complete the hat. Knitters have flexibility in yarn selection as long as they choose a DK weight yarn appropriate for the desired finished size.

Needles and Notions

• Size 3/3.25mm circular knitting needles in 16 or 24-inch lengths for ribbed sections
• Size 5/3.75mm circular knitting needles in 16 or 24-inch lengths for main pattern work
• Size 5/3.75mm double-pointed needles (dpns) or circular knitting needle for crown decreases
• Darning needle for weaving in ends
• Stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round
• Optional stitch marker for tracking the lace panel

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Affectionate pattern employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques. The hat is worked in the round using circular needles, a method that creates seamless, tubular fabric ideal for hats.

Core Stitches Used:

• Knit (K) – The basic stitch that forms the foundation of the fabric
• Purl (P) – Used in ribbed sections to create texture and elasticity
• Yarn Over (YO) – Creates decorative eyelets and lace elements within the pattern
• Slip Stitch (Sl1) – Used to move stitches without working them, often for shaping or pattern continuity
• Knit Two Together (K2tog) – A right-leaning decrease that reduces stitch count during crown shaping
• Make One (M1) – An increase technique worked by inserting the left needle from front to back into the horizontal strand between two stitches, then knitting through the back loop to create a new stitch

Pattern Structure:

The hat begins with a cast-on edge worked on smaller needles (Size 3/3.25mm), likely in ribbing to create a snug, elastic cuff. The pattern then transitions to larger needles (Size 5/3.75mm) for the main body, which incorporates a lace panel worked with yarn overs and decreases. The crown is shaped using decreases worked on double-pointed needles or a circular needle, gradually reducing stitches until they can be closed off with the darning needle.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, the Affectionate pattern assumes knitters are comfortable with basic stitches and working in the round. The inclusion of lace elements (yarn overs and decreases) and the transition between needle sizes requires attention to pattern instructions and some experience managing stitch markers and decreases.