Crocodile lagoon

Crocodile Lagoon Knit Hat by Ashley Knowlton

What is Being Made

The Crocodile Lagoon is an intermediate-level knit hat designed by Ashley Knowlton. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a fitted, structured hat available in three sizes: Small (17.75 inches / 45 cm brim circumference), Medium (19.25 inches / 49 cm), and Large (21 inches / 53.5 cm). The hat features an approximate depth of 9 inches (23 cm) and is designed to fit head circumferences up to 19 inches (Small), 22 inches (Medium), or 25 inches (Large). The finished hat showcases a classic silhouette with a defined brim and crown shaping.

Techniques and Construction Methods

This knit hat is constructed using several key techniques that contribute to its polished, professional appearance. The pattern begins with a tubular cast-on method, which creates an invisible, seamless edge ideal for ribbed brims. The designer notes a preference for the tubular cast-on technique and references a specific tutorial for this method. Alternatively, knitters may substitute a cable cast-on if preferred.

The hat is worked in the round, allowing knitters to choose their preferred method for working small circumferences. Options include magic loop on long circular needles, two circular needles, a short circular needle, or double-pointed needles (dpns). This flexibility accommodates various knitter preferences and skill levels. The pattern includes cable work, as indicated by the inclusion of a cable chart and the requirement for a cable needle during construction.

The brim features a 1x1 rib pattern, which provides elasticity and helps the hat maintain its shape and fit. After completion, the hat is blocked to achieve the final measurements and relaxed gauge specified in the pattern.

Stitches Used

The Crocodile Lagoon pattern incorporates the following stitches and stitch patterns:

• 1x1 Ribbing: Used for the brim to create stretch and structure
• Cable stitches: Featured prominently in the design, worked according to the included cable chart
• Stockinette stitch: Likely used in sections between cable work (standard for hat construction)

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

Yarn Requirements: The pattern calls for DK (light worsted) weight yarn in the following yardages: 164 yards (150 meters) for Size Small, 190 yards (175 meters) for Size Medium, or 218 yards (200 meters) for Size Large. The sample hat shown in the pattern was knit using RYC Baby Alpaca DK, a luxury yarn composed of 100% baby alpaca. This yarn is available in 50-gram balls, each containing 109 yards (100 meters). The sample color is Woad, and the project required 2 balls of yarn.

Needles: The pattern requires two needle sizes. US 2 (2.5mm) needles are used for the ribbed brim and initial cast-on. US 5 (3.75mm) needles are used for the main body of the hat, or a size adjusted to obtain the correct gauge. Straight needles are listed as optional for those preferring the tubular cast-on method.

Additional Notions: Knitters will need a cable needle for working the cable sections, at least one stitch marker for tracking rounds, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends after completion.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 29 stitches and 28.5 rows measured over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in the cable chart pattern after blocking and relaxing. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements.