Stollen

Stollen Knit Hat by Melissa Schaschwary

What is Being Made

Stollen is a knitted hat designed by Melissa Schaschwary as part of the Coffeehouse Hats collection. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a finished hat with a folded brim and decorative faux fur pom-pom topper. The hat is designed to fit head sizes 22 inches (56 centimeters) and up, with finished dimensions of 19.25 inches (49 centimeters) around the brim when blocked and unstretched. The total length measures 9.5 inches (24 centimeters) with the brim folded, or 11.5 inches (29 centimeters) when the brim is unfolded, allowing for versatile styling options.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches Used

This hat employs the Rick Rack Rib pattern as its primary stitch pattern, which is worked in the round using circular knitting needles. The construction method utilizes magic loop or double-pointed needles for the crown shaping, demonstrating intermediate knitting skills. The pattern requires working with stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping decreases as the crown narrows toward the top.

The hat is constructed in two distinct sections with different needle sizes to create a structured brim and a fitted body. The brim is worked on smaller needles to create a tighter gauge, while the body transitions to larger needles for a more relaxed fabric. This two-needle-size approach is a common technique for creating defined hat structure and ensuring proper fit.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

• Yarn Weight: Aran weight (lightweight aran)
• Yardage Required: 200 yards (183 meters)
• Recommended Yarn: Cascade Ecological Wool or other comparable lightweight aran weight yarn
• Gauge: 22 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Rick Rack Rib pattern

Needles and Notions

• Brim Needles: Size 7 (4.5 millimeter) 16-inch (41 centimeter) circular knitting needles
• Body Needles: Size 9 (5.5 millimeter) 16-inch (41 centimeter) circular knitting needles, or 36-inch (91.5 centimeter) or longer circular needles for magic loop technique
• Additional Needles: Size 9 (5.5 millimeter) double-pointed needles (set of 4) as an alternative to magic loop
• Notions: 5 stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, faux fur pom-pom (available on Etsy.com), needle and thread for secure pom-pom attachment

Pattern Details

The Stollen hat pattern is classified as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience who are comfortable working in the round and managing pattern repeats. The pattern allows for customization, as length can be added to accommodate different preferences or head sizes, with the suggested sizing beginning at 22 inches (56 centimeters) head circumference.

The finished hat features a decorative faux fur pom-pom attachment at the crown, adding a textured, dimensional element to the completed project. This designer pattern represents independent knitwear design and is part of a coordinated collection of coffeehouse-inspired hat designs.