It takes two to tango hat

It Takes Two to Tango Hat by Tanja Luescher

What is Being Made

The It Takes Two to Tango hat is a knitted beanie designed by Tanja Luescher for the Artesanitarium designer challenge. This intermediate-level project creates a finished hat with circumferences available in six sizes: 38.5 cm (15 inches), 42.5 cm (16.75 inches), 45 cm (17.75 inches), 51 cm (20 inches), 53 cm (21 inches), and 59 cm (23.25 inches). The hat is constructed using a flat knitting method with a joined-as-you-go technique, eliminating the need for seaming at the completion of the project.

Techniques Used

Cable Knitting: The hat features cable panels as a primary design element. Each cable panel spans 12 stitches and measures 5 cm (2 inches) in width when blocked. Cable work adds textural depth and visual interest to the finished piece.

Intarsia: The second major technique employed in this design is intarsia, a method of color work that allows for the creation of detailed patterns using multiple yarn colors. This technique is worked into the fabric during the knitting process rather than applied afterward.

Joined-as-You-Go Construction: Although the hat is knit flat rather than in the round, it is constructed using a joined-as-you-go method. This approach integrates seaming throughout the knitting process, avoiding the need for finishing seams after completion and creating a more seamless final garment.

Stitches Used

The pattern is grounded in stockinette stitch, which serves as the base fabric. The gauge is established at 20 stitches over 10 cm (4 inches) in stockinette stitch. Cable stitches are incorporated into the design, creating raised twisted patterns that contrast with the smooth stockinette background.

Materials

The recommended yarn is Lang Yarns Merino 120 Superwash, a 100% merino wool yarn with a yardage of 120 meters (132 yards) per 50-gram (1.76-ounce) ball. The pattern calls for DK weight yarn. Depending on the size being knitted, the project requires 1 to 2 balls each of two colors: #160 red (C1) and #203 gray (C2). The pattern notes that alternative DK-weight yarns may be substituted if preferred.

Needles appropriate for DK-weight yarn are required. The designer notes that as a loose knitter, larger needles may be necessary to achieve the specified gauge of 20 stitches per 10 cm, and knitters should adjust needle size accordingly based on their personal tension.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate in difficulty. Knitters should have experience with both cable and intarsia techniques before beginning this project. The combination of two distinct color and texture techniques, along with the joined-as-you-go construction method, requires foundational knitting skills and familiarity with more advanced stitch work.

Designer Support

The pattern was developed by Tanja Luescher with technical editing by Michelle Hazell and testing by chicco and sylie. The designer welcomes questions and offers assistance via email at knittedinswitzerland@gmx.com.