Dolphins

Dolphins Hat by Jenny Faifel

What is Being Made

The Dolphins Hat is a beginner-friendly knitted hat designed to fit an average adult head. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a finished hat with a circumference of 20 inches and a depth of 8.5 inches. The design features a textured stitch pattern inspired by dolphins, worked in the round using circular needles and double-pointed needles for a seamless construction.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners while introducing decorative stitch work. The hat is constructed using in-the-round knitting, a common method for creating seamless hats. The pattern incorporates ribbed knitting for the brim, which provides elasticity and helps the hat stay securely on the head. Knitters will transition from smaller circular needles to larger ones to accommodate the textured body of the hat. The pattern also includes marker placement to track stitch repeats and the beginning of round, essential for managing pattern repeats across the circumference.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k) – the fundamental stitch creating the base fabric
• Purl stitch (p) – used in combination with knit stitches to create the 1x1 ribbed brim
• 1x1 Rib (k1, p1) – alternating knit and purl stitches for the brim, worked for either 1.5 inches (standard) or 2.5 inches (wide brim option)
• Knit two together (k2tog) – a left-leaning decrease used to shape the pattern
• Slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (skp) – a right-leaning decrease for balanced shaping
• Make one right (m1r) and make one left (m1l) – increases that add stitches while maintaining pattern integrity
• Make 2 (m2) – an increase technique creating decorative eyelets within the stitch pattern

Materials and Tools

The Dolphins Hat is knitted using Colour Adventures Pure Wool Worsted, a 100% merino wool yarn available in worsted weight. The pattern requires approximately 180 yards of yarn from a standard skein (which contains 218 yards per 100 grams). The sample shown is worked in the colorway named Dolphin.

Needles required include US#6/4.00 mm circular needles in 16-inch length for the ribbed brim and US#7/4.50 mm circular needles in 16-inch length for the hat body. Additionally, US#7/4.50 mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) are needed for the crown decreases when the stitch count becomes too small for circular needles.

The pattern calls for 6 stitch markers to track pattern repeats and the beginning of round, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends. The recommended gauge is 19 stitches per 4 inches when worked on US#7/4.50 mm needles, ensuring proper fit and fabric drape.

Pattern Structure

The hat begins with a cast-on of 96 stitches worked in the round on smaller needles. The brim is created using 1x1 ribbing, with knitters choosing between a standard 1.5-inch brim or a wider 2.5-inch option depending on personal preference. After the brim is complete, knitters switch to larger needles and begin the textured hat body. The body features a repeating pattern worked over multiple rounds that incorporates knit and purl stitches along with strategic increases and decreases to create the dolphin-inspired texture. The pattern repeats six times around the circumference, making it easy to track progress and maintain consistency throughout the hat.