Fear hat

Fear Hat by Kelly Spenhoff

What Is Being Made

The Fear Hat is a knitted beanie designed by Kelly Spenhoff, available in sizes from large child to adult. This downloadable knitting pattern produces a finished hat with an 18-inch (45 cm) circumference. The design features a striking two-color stranded knitting pattern that gives the hat its distinctive visual impact. While the pattern is offered in one primary size, knitters can adjust their gauge to create a slightly larger version measuring 20 inches (50 cm) in circumference if desired.

Techniques Used

The Fear Hat employs two-color stranded knitting as its primary technique, a method where two yarn colors are carried simultaneously and floated across the back of the work to create colorwork patterns on the front. This advanced technique requires careful tension management to ensure even stitches and prevent puckering. The hat is worked in the round using circular needles and double-pointed needles, which allows for seamless construction and maintains the integrity of the colorwork pattern throughout.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with colorwork techniques. Essential stitches include:

• Knit stitch (k) – the primary stitch forming the fabric
• Purl stitch (p) – used selectively within the pattern
• Knit two together (k2tog) – a decrease stitch used for shaping the crown

These stitches are worked across two colors (Color A and Color B) using stranded knitting methods to create the pattern repeat. The colorwork requires consistent tension and proper yarn management to achieve professional results.

Materials Required

Yarn: This pattern calls for worsted weight yarn in two colors. Color A requires 125 yards (115 meters), while Color B requires 65 yards (60 meters). The sample was created using Knit Picks Swish Worsted in Amethyst Heather (Color A) and Sugar Plum (Color B), providing a rich, coordinated colorway suitable for the stranded knitting technique.

Needles: US size 8 circular needles (16-inch length) and double-pointed needles (dpns) in the same size, or needles sized to obtain the correct gauge. The circular needle is used for the main body of the hat, while dpns are employed for the crown decreases as the stitch count diminishes.

Additional Notions: A yarn needle for weaving in ends and a stitch marker for tracking round beginnings complete the required materials.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 28 rounds over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and ensuring the colorwork pattern displays as intended. Knitters who prefer a larger hat can adjust their gauge to 20 stitches per 4 inches (10 cm) to achieve a 20-inch (50 cm) circumference.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an advanced pattern, the Fear Hat is best suited for experienced knitters who are comfortable with two-color stranded knitting. The combination of colorwork technique, circular needle construction, and the need to manage multiple yarn colors simultaneously makes this pattern appropriate for those with solid foundational knitting skills and prior experience with colorwork projects.