Hat "Ruby"

Hat "Ruby" by Yelena Chen

What Is Being Made

Hat "Ruby" is a child and adult-sized knitted hat designed by independent designer Yelena Chen. This downloadable PDF pattern offers two finished sizes: one for children aged 2 years and up with a head circumference of 19"-20.5", and a larger child-adult size fitting head circumferences of 21"-23". Both versions feature a hat height of 7.5" to 8", making this a versatile accessory suitable for multiple age ranges and seasons.

Techniques Used

Hat "Ruby" employs several intermediate-level knitting techniques that add visual interest and texture to the finished garment. The pattern incorporates cable knitting, which creates raised, twisted stitch patterns throughout the design. The hat is worked in the round using circular needles and double-pointed needles, a fundamental technique for seamless hat construction. The pattern also includes ribbing at the border, which provides elasticity and helps the hat maintain its shape and fit. The crown shaping is accomplished by transitioning from circular needles to double-pointed needles to decrease stitches as the crown tapers toward the top.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure in Hat "Ruby" is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic knit fabric. The cable pattern is integrated throughout the design using cable stitches, specifically referenced in the pattern as C4R (cable 4 right), which involves slipping stitches onto a cable needle to create the characteristic twisted cable effect. The ribbing at the border combines knit and purl stitches in a repeating pattern based on a multiple of 8 stitches, providing both stretch and textural contrast to the stockinette sections.

Materials and Gauge

Hat "Ruby" requires minimal yardage, calling for just 1 skein of Lion Brand Vanna's Choice 100% acrylic yarn in worsted weight (#4 medium, also known as 10 ply). The pattern accommodates color flexibility, suggesting Scarlet or Linen as options, though any worsted or aran weight yarn works equally well. The recommended gauge is 4 stitches per 1 inch in stockinette stitch.

The needle requirements include U.S. #7 (4.5 mm) circular needles measuring 16" long for the ribbed border, and U.S. #9 (5.5 mm) circular needles of the same length for the main body. A set of U.S. #9 (5.5 mm) double-pointed needles (4 or 5 needles) is essential for shaping the crown as the stitch count decreases. Additional tools include a cable needle for manipulating cable stitches, a stitch marker to denote the beginning of each round, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends. For optional embellishment, the pattern suggests 11 to 12 gold-plated or red beads measuring 4-6 mm in diameter, allowing for personalized decoration that complements the hat's design.