Shawn's Double Knit Hat

Men's Hats: They're the hardest to find a pattern for, aren't they? My husband Shawn is a plain kind of guy, and I love that about him, but boy, does it make hat knitting for him boring! I much prefer playing around with techniques, colours, and stitch patterns. So when he asked me for a new hat, I figured it was a good time to try something new: double knitting!

Double knitting (unrelated to DK or double knitting weight yarn) is a technique in which you create two layers of fabric at the same time – one to the front of the work, and one on the back/inside, depending on whether you are knitting flat or in the round. This results in a project that is completely reversible and is also extra thick and warm. These features are perfect for an outdoorsy guy in our Canadian winters.

It’s simple enough for even the plain-loving folks in your life, but you could also jazz it up with variegated yarn, or brighter colours for those who crave more excitement in their headwear.