Plus Hat

Plus Hat by LizzyLou

What is Being Made

The Plus Hat is a knitted hat design created by independent designer LizzyLou. This project is suitable for knitters with intermediate skill levels and features colorwork in multiple shades, specifically using blue and charcoal tones.

Knitting Techniques Used

This hat employs several advanced colorwork techniques that add visual interest and complexity to the finished piece:

• Stranding: The primary colorwork method used in this design. When stranding, the color not currently being knitted is carried loosely across the wrong side of the fabric, creating what is known as a "float." This technique works effectively when color changes occur within 4 to 5 stitches.
• Weaving In: For sections where color changes are spaced further apart, the weaving in technique is employed. This method involves catching the unused yarn float on the wrong side using the working yarn, preventing long loose strands that could snag or create loose areas in the finished hat.
• Float Tension Management: Maintaining even tension on floats is essential to prevent puckering or loose areas in the colorwork. Careful attention to float tension ensures a professional-looking finished garment.
• Color Joining: When introducing a new color, the yarn must be twisted with the previous color to prevent holes from appearing at the color change point.

Stitches and Construction

The Plus Hat is constructed using circular needles and double-pointed needles for a seamless construction method. The hat begins with ribbing worked on smaller needles, then transitions to stockinette stitch or other stitches for the main body. The crown is shaped using decreases worked on double-pointed needles to create the fitted top of the hat.

Materials and Yarn

This pattern calls for DK weight yarn (also known as 8 ply), specifically light merino wool in 50-gram balls. Each ball typically contains between 103 to 125 metres or 112 to 137 yards of yarn. LizzyLou recommends premium merino wool options including Debbie Bliss Rialto DK, Broadway Merino DK, or Bellisimo DK super fine merino wool. The colorwork design requires 1 shade each of blue and charcoal.

Needles and Tools

The Plus Hat pattern requires the following needle sizes and tools:

• 3.25mm/US 3 Double Pointed Needles (DPNs): Five needles used for the initial ribbing and cast-on
• 3.25mm/US 3 Circular Needle: Alternative option for casting on and knitting the ribbed cuff
• 4mm/US 6 Circular Needle: Used for knitting the main body of the hat
• 4mm/US 6 Double Pointed Needles: Five needles used for shaping and decreasing the crown
• Stitch Marker: Essential tool for marking the beginning of rounds in circular knitting