Parallelogram Hat

Parallelogram Hat by Georgia Farrell

What is Being Made

The Parallelogram Hat is a knitted beanie featuring a geometric parallelogram stitch pattern. This intermediate-level hat design creates visual interest through its distinctive angled motif, making it a stylish accessory suitable for various occasions and seasons depending on yarn color choice.

Craft and Primary Technique

This project is created using the knitting craft, worked primarily in the round using circular needles. The construction method involves joining stitches to work in the round, which creates a seamless, tubular fabric ideal for hat construction. The designer recommends careful attention when joining to avoid twisting the cast-on edge.

Stitches Used

The Parallelogram Hat incorporates several key stitches:

• 1x1 Ribbing: Used for the hat's cuff, this fundamental stitch alternates knit and purl stitches to create vertical columns of texture. The pattern specifies 9 rounds of 1x1 rib worked after the cast-on. The designer recommends using Ysolda's tutorial for the 1x1 rib alternating cable cast-on method for a professional, stretchy edge.
• Yarn Overs (yo): Incorporated into the main pattern chart to create the distinctive parallelogram design and add visual openwork elements to the hat.
• Knit and Purl Stitches: These foundational stitches form the basis of both the ribbed cuff and the patterned body sections.

Pattern Construction Details

The hat is constructed in two distinct sections using different needle sizes. The ribbed cuff is worked on 7mm needles with 50 cast-on stitches, establishing a fitted edge. After completing the ribbing, the needles are changed to 8mm for the main pattern section, which allows for a slight increase in fabric drape. The parallelogram pattern repeats across 10 stitches, worked five times per round to create a balanced, all-over design.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The pattern calls for Rowan Big Wool, a super bulky weight yarn (weight category 6). This yarn is composed of 100% wool, offering warmth and natural elasticity ideal for hat construction. One 100g ball is required, which contains approximately 80 meters (yardage) of fiber. The sample hat weighs approximately 83 grams and uses approximately 67 meters of yarn. The pattern was photographed in three colorways: Rowan Big Wool sh088 Golden Olive, sh085 Vintage, and sh087 Mallard, though any equivalent super bulky yarn of the same meterage may be substituted.

Needles: The pattern requires two sizes of needles. 7mm needles are used for the ribbed cuff section, while 8mm needles are used for the main parallelogram pattern body. Needles should be sized appropriately for working in the round; circular needles or double-pointed needles are suitable options. The recommended needle size for Rowan Big Wool is 10.0mm (UK size 0 / US size 15), though this specific pattern uses slightly smaller needles to achieve the desired gauge and fabric structure.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern specifies a tension gauge of 7½ to 9 stitches by 10 to 12½ rows over 10 centimeters (4 inches) when worked in stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is important for ensuring the hat fits correctly and displays the parallelogram pattern as intended.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic techniques. Familiarity with working in the round, reading stitch pattern charts, changing needle sizes mid-project, and executing yarn overs is assumed. The stretchy cast-on method recommended adds a slight learning curve for those unfamiliar with cable cast-on variations.