Chipmunk acorn hat

Chipmunk Acorn Hat by Kelly Spenhoff

What is Being Made

The Chipmunk Acorn Hat is an adult-sized knitted hat designed by Kelly Spenhoff. This downloadable knitting pattern produces a finished hat with a 20-inch (50 cm) circumference, making it suitable for average adult head sizes. The design features a charming acorn-inspired silhouette with a playful chipmunk theme, available in two colorway options: Chestnut and Chocolate, as demonstrated in the samples made with Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted yarn.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches Used

This beginner-level knitting pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques that make it accessible to newer knitters while still creating a polished finished garment. The pattern requires only essential skills including casting on, basic knit and purl stitches, and two fundamental decrease techniques.

• Knit (k): The foundational stitch that forms the primary fabric structure of the hat
• Purl (p): Used to create textural variation and design elements within the hat
• Knit Two Together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease stitch used for shaping the hat crown
• Slip, Slip, Knit (ssk): A left-leaning decrease stitch that provides balanced shaping and visual symmetry

The pattern is worked in the round using circular needles, which eliminates the need for seaming and creates a seamless, professional-looking finished hat. The gauge is 20 stitches and 30 rounds over 4 inches (10 cm), which is typical for worsted weight yarn.

Materials and Tools Required

Yarn: The pattern requires 180 yards (165 meters) of light worsted weight yarn. The samples were created using Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted in two colorways: Chestnut for the Dale version and Chocolate for the Chip version.

Needles: The pattern calls for US 8 needles in both 16-inch circular and double-pointed needle (dpn) formats, or whatever size is needed to achieve the correct gauge. Additionally, US 6 circular needles (two sizes smaller than the gauge needle) are required, typically used for ribbed edging or other sections requiring a tighter gauge.

Notions and Accessories: Essential notions include a stitch marker for tracking rounds, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, and an optional pom pom for decorative finishing at the hat's crown.