Skully

Skully Knit Hat by Melissa Leapman

What Is Being Made

Skully is a knitted hat designed by Melissa Leapman, available in two finished sizes: Small/Medium with a circumference of 20 ½" and height of 8 ½", and Large/1X with a circumference of 23 ½" and height of 9 ½". This intermediate-level knitting project creates a finished hat suitable for a range of head sizes.

Craft and Techniques

This is a knitting project worked primarily in the round using circular needles. The construction employs both circular needles and double-pointed needles, which is a standard technique for seamless hat knitting. The pattern incorporates slip stitch details worked with the yarn held in specific positions to create textured colorwork effects. The hat is constructed using a combination of knit and purl stitches arranged in strategic rounds to build the overall structure and visual design.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k)
• Purl stitch (p)
• Slip stitch purlwise with yarn in back
• Stitch repeats worked in the round

Materials and Specifications

The pattern calls for Jade Sapphire's Zageo 6-Ply Cashmere yarn in a worsted weight (55g/150 yards per ball). One ball each of two colors is required: Black with Benefits #184 (Color A) and Ivory #000 (Color B). The total yardage needed is approximately 150 yards per color, making this an efficient project for yarn usage.

Needles required include a 16" circular knitting needle in size 7 (4.5 mm) and one set of double-pointed knitting needles in size 7 (4.5 mm). The pattern specifies that needle size should be adjusted as needed to obtain the correct gauge for proper fit.

Design Features

The hat incorporates a two-color design using the slip stitch colorwork technique. Specific rounds alternate between colors A and B, with slip stitches creating a textured pattern. The patterning includes sequences where knit stitches are separated by slip stitches worked purlwise with the yarn positioned in the back, creating visual interest and dimensional texture throughout the hat.