I'll Pack A Hat

I'll Pack A Hat by Stephanie Waggoner

What Is Being Made

I'll Pack A Hat is an adult-sized knitted hat designed by Stephanie Waggoner. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a finished hat suitable for everyday wear, with a classic construction that works well in bulky weight yarns for quick completion.

Craft and Techniques

This project uses the knitting craft with intermediate-level difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic skills. The pattern employs circular knitting techniques, allowing you to work in the round to create a seamless crown. The hat can be constructed using either a long circular needle or double-pointed needles, providing flexibility based on your preferred knitting method.

The pattern incorporates a long-tail cast on to begin with 88 stitches, establishing a secure foundation edge. Circular knitting in the round eliminates the need for seaming, creating a professional finish typical of modern hat construction.

Stitches Used

The pattern features several essential knitting stitches and techniques:

• Knit (k) – the fundamental stitch that forms the primary fabric
• Purl (p) – used in combination with knit stitches for textural variation
• Ribbing (k2, p2) – a two-stitch knit, two-stitch purl pattern that creates elasticity and structure, commonly used for hat cuffs and fitted sections
• Yarn over (yo) – creates deliberate openings and lace effects within the pattern
• Knit two together (k2tog) – a decrease stitch that reduces stitch count for shaping
• Purl two together (p2tog) – a purl-side decrease for shaping
• Slip stitch (sl1) – used in combination with other stitches for decorative and structural purposes
• Slip one, knit one, yarn over, pass slipped stitch over (sl1, k1, yo, psso) – a complex decrease stitch that combines multiple techniques for refined shaping and design details

Materials and Gauge

The hat requires approximately one ball of Plymouth Yarn Baby Alpaca Grande Tweed in bulky weight yarn (the sample shown uses color 3249), though any bulky weight yarn of similar characteristics will work. Bulky weight yarn allows for rapid project completion while creating a warm, substantial fabric.

Needles required include US size 10 (6.0mm) circular needles measuring at least 32 inches (81cm) in length, or alternatively a 16-inch (41cm) circular needle paired with a set of double-pointed needles. Needle size should be adjusted as needed to obtain the correct gauge.

The pattern specifies a gauge of 12 stitches in (k2, p2) ribbing measuring approximately 2 inches (5cm). Achieving proper gauge is essential for the hat to fit correctly at the intended adult size.

Additional materials include a stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats and position during circular knitting, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends upon completion.

Pattern Information

This pattern is the original work of designer Stephanie Waggoner, with copyright protection dating to 2012. The downloadable PDF format provides convenient access to complete instructions, abbreviations, and stitch descriptions needed to successfully complete the project.