Weird Flex

Weird Flex Hat by Luke Gilligan

What is Being Made

The Weird Flex is a knitted hat designed by Luke Gilligan, featuring a two-color brioche construction. This intermediate-level project creates a finished hat with a length of 10 inches (25.4 cm) and is available in three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large, with head circumferences of 18, 20, and 24 inches respectively. The hat is designed to be worn with positive ease of +1 inch (+2.5 cm), providing a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Techniques Used

Brioche Knitting: The primary technique employed in this pattern is two-color brioche knitting, worked in the round. Brioche is an advanced stitch technique that creates a highly elastic, textured fabric with distinctive horizontal ridges. This method involves knitting into stitches from the previous row while simultaneously slipping stitches, creating the characteristic brioche appearance. The pattern specifies that 2 rounds of brioche knitting equal 1 brioche round, indicating the density and construction method used throughout the hat.

Circular Knitting: The hat is constructed using circular needles, which allows for seamless, in-the-round knitting. This technique eliminates the need for seaming and creates a continuous, uniform fabric.

Stitches Used

The Weird Flex pattern centers on brioche stitches, the signature stitch technique that gives the hat its distinctive appearance and elastic properties. The gauge is measured at 16 stitches by 24 rounds (2 rounds = 1 brioche round) over a 4 inch by 4 inch (10 cm by 10 cm) swatch, providing the foundation for accurate sizing and fit.

Materials

Yarn: The featured yarn is KnitPicks Swish Worsted, a 100% fine superwash merino wool with a yardage of 110 yards per 100 grams (100 meters). Two colors are used throughout the pattern: Dove Heather (Color A) and Cobblestone Heather (Color B), with each color requiring 1 skein of 110 yards (100 meters). The worsted weight yarn provides structure and drape suitable for brioche knitting.

Needles: The pattern calls for US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles with a 16-inch (40 mm) cable length for the main body of the hat, worked in the round. US 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) are used for the crown decreases when the circumference becomes too small for circular needles.

Additional Notions: The pattern requires a stitch marker to denote the beginning of each round and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends upon completion.

Pattern Notes

Knitters should adjust needle size as necessary to obtain the specified gauge before beginning the project. The measurements provided reflect the finished hat after blocking, ensuring accurate sizing. This pattern is not for resale.