Product Description
The Ball Cap was designed for a very special, and very smart-alec'ed friend who is going through a rough time, health-wise. His last name is Ball, he has hinted quite strongly for a hand-knitted hat, AND I had an armful of Blue Moon's bouncy and amazing Targhee Worsted, so what's a knitter to do? I had to make the boy a hat! And then I got a bit obsessed and ended up making five.
This is a quick pattern, perfect for holiday knitting. It takes very little time, and the finished product is perfect for anyone on your list. There are two crown options - rounded or pointy.
Size/Finished measurements Small, medium, large, extra large: 13 (15.25, 17.5, 19.75)” circumference, unstretched (easily stretches to fit much larger circumference). Hats are sized to fit head circumference: 16-18 (18-20, 20-22, 22-24)”
The Ball Cap by Shannon Squire
What is Being Made
The Ball Cap is a knitted hat pattern designed by Shannon Squire. This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for creating a classic ball cap-style hat available in four sizes: Small (13" circumference), Medium (15.25" circumference), Large (17.5" circumference), and Extra Large (19.75" circumference). The finished hats are unstretched but feature excellent stretch capacity, making them adaptable to fit a wide range of head sizes beyond the base measurements.
Knitting Techniques and Construction
This pattern is classified as an advanced beginner project, requiring foundational knitting skills with specific techniques including knitting in the round and decreasing. The construction method utilizes small circumference knitting, which is the standard approach for creating fitted hats without seams. The pattern incorporates a k3, p1 rib stitch pattern, which creates vertical texture and contributes to the hat's natural elasticity and stretch properties.
Stitches Used
The primary stitch pattern employed throughout The Ball Cap is a k3, p1 rib (knit 3 stitches, purl 1 stitch). This ribbed construction creates a textured, elastic fabric that hugs the head comfortably while maintaining structure. The ribbed pattern also contributes to the hat's ability to stretch significantly beyond its unstretched circumference measurements, making it versatile for different head sizes.
Materials and Yarn Specifications
The Ball Cap requires approximately 130-180 yards of worsted-weight yarn, providing flexibility depending on which size is being knitted. The pattern was originally created using Blue Moon Fiber Arts Targhee Worsted, a premium worsted-weight yarn available in multiple colorways. The designer's sample showcases the versatility of the pattern across various colors including Black Onyx (black), Spawn of Scum (green), Stormy Weather (grey), Ochroid (yellow), and Bladderwrack on the Rocks (brown).
Needles and Notions
- Needles: US 8 / 5mm needles for small circumference knitting, or the size required to achieve proper gauge
- Stitch Markers: Essential for tracking pattern repeats and increases/decreases when knitting in the round
- Tapestry Needle: Used for weaving in yarn ends and finishing the completed hat
Gauge
The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches = 4 inches (10 cm) measured in k3, p1 rib after blocking. Achieving accurate gauge is critical for ensuring the finished hat fits properly across all four size options. Knitters should swatch and block their gauge swatch before beginning the project to verify their needle size produces the correct stitch density.
```Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | Worsted |
| Pages: | 4 |
| Designer: | Shannon Squire |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
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