Naughty or Nice Pompom Hat

Naughty or Nice Pompom Hat by Helen Stewart

What is Being Made

The Naughty or Nice Pompom Hat is a reversible knitted beanie designed by Helen Stewart that offers versatile styling options for both children and adults. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a warm, cosy hat that can be worn in multiple ways: with the brim folded up for a fitted beanie style or inside out for a slouchy silhouette. Both wearing styles showcase cable detail on the brim, making this hat as visually interesting as it is functional. The hat features an interchangeable pompom that can be attached permanently or secured with a pin or brooch back, allowing crafters to change the look without re-knitting.

Sizes and Fit

The pattern is available in two sizes to accommodate different head sizes:

• Child size: To fit head size 53cm/21"
• Woman size: To fit head size 58cm/23"

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate knitting project incorporates cable stitch work as a key design element. The cable detail is featured prominently on the brim, creating texture and visual interest that remains visible regardless of which way the hat is worn. The reversible construction requires thoughtful stitch selection and shaping to ensure both the inside and outside of the hat are equally attractive. The pattern demonstrates intermediate-level knitting skills, making it suitable for crafters with some experience beyond basic stockinette stitch.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Naughty or Nice Pompom Hat uses DK weight yarn, which is a light worsted or sport weight that creates a fabric with good drape and warmth without excessive bulk. Total yardage required is approximately 248m/272 yards for the child size and 272 yards for the woman size, requiring 2 x 50g balls of yarn, one ball of each colour.

Woman's Red and Purple Hat: The pattern specifies Zealana Performa Rimu DK, a premium yarn blend containing 60% Fine New Zealand Merino and 40% Brushtail possum fibre. Each 50g ball yields 128m/140 yards. The colourways used are Colour A: 25 Kura Berry and Colour B: 10 Fuchsia.

Child's Pink and Teal Hat: This version uses Jaeger Matchmaker DK, a 100% wool yarn with 120m/131 yards per 50g ball. The child's hat features Colour A in the Teal colourway, though this yarn is noted as discontinued.

Crafters will need appropriate knitting needles sized to work with DK weight yarn, typically in the US 3-5 (3.25-3.75mm) range, though the specific needle size should be verified in the complete pattern for proper gauge.

Design Features

The reversible design is the standout feature of this hat, allowing crafters to create two distinct looks from a single knitted piece. The cable detail on the brim serves as both a structural and decorative element, adding visual interest to the hat's most visible area. The flexible pompom attachment system—offering both permanent and temporary securing options—adds practical versatility, allowing the hat to be customized with different pompoms or worn without one entirely.