Hat Trick #2

Hat Trick #2 by Alma

What is Being Made

Hat Trick #2 is a knitted hat pattern available in seven sizes ranging from Newborn to XL, designed to fit head circumferences from 40 cm (16 inches) up to 63 cm (24.75 inches). This intermediate-level knitting project creates a finished hat using a two-colour design with contrasting yarns that work together to produce a visually striking finished garment.

Craft and Techniques

This pattern is created using the knitting craft with circular knitting needles as the primary construction method. The hat is worked in the round, which is a fundamental technique for creating seamless cylindrical garments like hats. The pattern begins with a brim section worked on circular needles and transitions to double-pointed needles (DPNs) for the crown shaping as the stitch count decreases, a common technique for completing the top of a hat.

The pattern employs a stretchy cast-on method, specifically recommending an Estonian cast-on, which creates an elastic edge ideal for hat brims that need to stretch comfortably over the head while maintaining shape. Stockinette stitch is used as the primary stitch pattern, creating a smooth, classic fabric with characteristic V-shaped columns.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is stockinette stitch, worked in the round to create the smooth, flat appearance typical of this stitch pattern. The pattern uses a stretchy cast-on technique to begin the brim, ensuring the hat edge has adequate elasticity for comfortable wear.

Materials and Specifications

Yarn Requirements: The pattern calls for DK weight yarn in two contrasting colours. The contrast colour requires 50 grams across all sizes (approximately 300 metres per 100 grams), while the main colour ranges from 50 grams for the smallest sizes up to 100 grams for the larger sizes (Child through XL). The designer suggests King Cole Riot DK in a variegated colour for contrast and King Cole Panache DK in a solid colour for the main shade.

Needles and Tools: Construction requires a 4 mm (US 6) circular knitting needle measuring 40 cm (16 inches) long, a set of 4 mm (US 6) double-pointed needles for the crown decreases, a stitch marker for tracking rounds, and a darning needle for finishing.

Gauge: The pattern is worked to a tension of 22 stitches and 30 rows over 10 centimetres in stockinette stitch, which is essential for achieving the correct finished hat size.

Size Range

• Newborn: 40 cm (16 inches)
• Baby: 44 cm (17.5 inches)
• Child: 49 cm (19.25 inches)
• Small: 53 cm (20.75 inches)
• Medium: 57 cm (22.5 inches)
• Large: 60 cm (23.5 inches)
• XL: 63 cm (24.75 inches)