Asters

Asters Knit Hat by BeckyinVT

What Is Being Made

Asters is a child-sized knit hat designed by independent designer BeckyinVT and available as a downloadable PDF pattern. The hat comes in three sizes: child small, child large, and an additional larger option, with finished circumferences measuring 15, 20, and 24 inches (38, 51, and 61 centimeters) respectively. This design is inspired by the fiber name "September Pastures," making it an ideal project for showcasing handspun yarn or special worsted weight yarns.

Techniques and Construction

Asters is knit in the round, a fundamental technique for creating seamless, tubular garments. The hat features a garter stitch brim that provides a cozy, textured edge around the ears. The primary design element consists of slipped stitch patterns that create a visually complex appearance while remaining simple to execute. According to the pattern notes, the slipped stitch motifs look intricate but are straightforward to knit when following the written directions, making this an excellent intermediate-level project for knitters looking to expand their stitch repertoire.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch (for the brim)
• Stockinette stitch (base fabric)
• Slipped stitch patterns (decorative motif)

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern provides two distinct gauges depending on the stitch pattern being worked. Stockinette sections are worked at 15 stitches and 22 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters). The slipped stitch motif is worked at a slightly tighter gauge of 17 stitches and 25 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters). Obtaining the correct gauge is essential for achieving the proper fit across all three size options.

Materials and Yarn

The pattern is designed for worsted weight yarn. The original sample was knit using Mountain Fiber Folk yarn, a blend of 60% wool and 40% mohair, spun into a 2-ply yarn with 9 wraps per inch. The yardage requirements vary by size: the small size requires 69 yards, the large size requires 108 yards, and the largest size requires 154 yards from a 2-ounce skein.

A suitable substitute yarn is Green Mountain Spinnery Mountain Mohair, which contains 70% wool and 30% mohair. This yarn yields 140 yards per 2-ounce skein, requiring 1 skein for the small and large sizes and 2 skeins for the largest size.

Needles and Notions

• US 8 (5.0 mm) needles in either double-pointed needle (dpn) or circular format, or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge
• 3 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction points
• Tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills in knitting in the round and basic stitch techniques who are ready to explore slipped stitch colorwork and pattern following.