Tovi

Tovi Hat by Vivian Aubrey

What Is Being Made

Tovi is an intermediate-level knitted hat designed by Vivian Aubrey. This cheerful, wind-resistant hat features a distinctive triple-layer brim construction, a full hat body with ombre speckles, deep pleats at the crown, and a decorative pompom topper. The finished hat measures 20 inches around the brim and stands 11 inches tall, excluding the pompom.

Yarn and Materials

Tovi is worked in Malabrigo Rios, a popular worsted-weight yarn. The pattern requires one full skein of the main color (approximately 210 yards in 100 grams) plus 50 grams of contrast yarn for color work. The sample shown features Sand Bank as the primary color with Sunset, Glazed Carrot, and Ravely Red used as contrast colors. Additional materials include a stitch marker, tapestry needle, pompom maker (optional), and crochet hook (optional).

Needles and Gauge

This pattern calls for US size 6 and US size 7 needles in both 16-inch circular and double-pointed needle (dpn) formats, or sizes adjusted to achieve proper gauge. The target gauge is 21 stitches over 4 inches in stockinette stitch worked on the smaller needles. Achieving correct gauge is essential for the hat to fit properly at the finished 20-inch brim measurement.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Tovi employs several intermediate knitting techniques that add visual interest and structural integrity to the finished hat. The pattern incorporates the following core stitches and techniques:

• Cast on (CO): The foundation row that creates the initial live stitches for the hat
• Knit (k): The fundamental knit stitch used throughout the stockinette stitch base
• Knit two together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease stitch used for shaping
• Make one (m1): An increase stitch that creates new stitches without leaving visible holes
• Place marker (pm): Used to denote pattern repeats and construction sections
• Crochet chain bind off seam: A finishing technique that uses a crochet hook to bind off live stitches while simultaneously seaming them to another section of the knitting, creating a seamless join

Construction Features

The hat's most distinctive design element is the triple-layer brim, which provides both wind resistance and a polished appearance. The ombre speckles in the hat body add visual depth and interest through color variation. Deep pleats at the crown create structural shaping that helps the hat sit properly on the head, while the pompom adds a playful finishing touch. The combination of these elements makes Tovi both functional and decorative.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, Tovi is suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and simple shaping but are ready to tackle more complex construction techniques. The crochet chain bind off seam technique and the color work required for the ombre speckles represent the intermediate-level challenges in this pattern.