Hirsute

Hirsute Knit Hat Pattern by Carissa Browning

What Is Being Made

Hirsute is a whimsical knitted hat pattern designed by Carissa Browning that features customizable beard attachments. The word "hirsute" means hairy, reflecting the pattern's playful design element. This downloadable knitting pattern includes instructions for creating a fitted hat in four sizes—Toddler, Child, Adult Small, and Adult Large—with head circumferences ranging from 18 to 24 inches (46 to 61 centimeters). The pattern allows crafters to personalize their hat by selecting beard colors and skin tones that match their preferences, making each finished hat unique.

Sizes and Fit

• Toddler: 18 inches / 46 centimeters head circumference
• Child: 20 inches / 51 centimeters head circumference
• Adult Small: 22 inches / 56 centimeters head circumference
• Adult Large: 24 inches / 61 centimeters head circumference

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This beginner-friendly pattern uses stockinette stitch as the primary stitch throughout the hat body, creating a smooth, classic fabric. The pattern incorporates a tubular cast-on for k1, p1 ribbing, which creates a professional, seamless edge at the brim. This technique produces a tubular foundation that integrates the ribbed edge without a visible seam, resulting in a polished finish. The pattern also includes button-hole instructions (abbreviated as BH3, a 3-stitch buttonhole) for securing optional beard attachments with buttons, allowing for removable or adjustable beard placement.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Hirsute pattern is designed to work with worsted weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn category ideal for hats and other garments. The pattern specifies Brown Sheep Nature Spun Worsted in the colorway 144W Limestone for the main hat body, which is 100% wool. Yardage requirements for the main hat yarn vary by size: Toddler requires 105 yards (96 meters), Child requires 120 yards (110 meters), Adult Small requires 135 yards (123 meters), and Adult Large requires 150 yards (137 meters). Crafters should also obtain worsted weight yarn in various hair colors and skin tones for the beard attachments, with specific yardage requirements detailed in the beard instructions section of the pattern.

Tools and Notions

• US 6 / 4mm circular needle for working the hat in the round
• Tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and finishing
• Optional: Two buttons per beard and matching sewing needle and thread for securing beard attachments

Gauge

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 18 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for ensuring the hat fits properly across all four size options. Knitters should swatch before beginning to verify their gauge matches the pattern specifications.

Pattern Features

As a beginner-level pattern, Hirsute is accessible to knitters new to hat construction while offering creative customization options. The inclusion of optional beard attachments secured with buttons adds a playful, interactive element to the finished hat. The pattern provides references to external tutorials, such as instructions for the tubular cast-on technique from a trusted knitting resource, supporting knitters who may be unfamiliar with this particular method.