What The Kids Are Wearing

What The Kids Are Wearing: Knit Hats by Lynne Sosnowski

Project Overview

What The Kids Are Wearing is a collection of three knit hat designs created by designer Lynne Sosnowski. These lightweight hats are constructed from fingering weight yarn and feature a slouchy, draped silhouette with a finished band measuring 50 cm (19.5 inches). The one-size design accommodates a wide range of head sizes due to its relaxed fit. Each hat variation showcases different aesthetic approaches, allowing knitters to choose based on yarn characteristics and personal style preferences.

Hat Design Options

The pattern provides three distinct variations to suit different yarn and design preferences:

• Plain Hat: A simple, minimalist design that highlights patterned or variegated yarns. This option works exceptionally well when using yarn with interesting color variations or texture, as the clean stitch structure allows the yarn's natural beauty to be the focal point.
• Patterned Hat: Features stitch patterning that creates clear stitch definition, making it ideal for solid-colored yarns. The incorporated stitch pattern adds visual interest and texture to the finished hat.
• Striped Hat: A fun variation that incorporates color work using a main color and contrasting color, allowing knitters to demonstrate color coordination and striping techniques.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

These hats employ fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners. The construction utilizes standard knitting stitches with an interesting finish detail at the crown. The slouchy style is achieved through strategic shaping and the relaxed fit created by the yarn weight and stitch gauge. The pattern incorporates color work options for the striped variation, introducing basic stranding or striping techniques.

Materials and Yarn Weight

What The Kids Are Wearing is designed using fingering weight yarn, also known as sock weight. This lightweight yarn produces hats that sit comfortably without adding bulk or excess weight to the wearer's head, making them ideal for children and those preferring lighter headwear.

Yarn Requirements by Hat Variation:

• Plain Hat: Approximately 200 m/220 yd of fingering weight yarn. The pattern example uses Tanis Blue Label Fingering Weight (115 g, 365 m/400 yd per skein) in the colorway "glacier," requiring 1 skein.
• Patterned Hat: Approximately 230 m/250 yd of fingering weight yarn. The pattern example uses Shelridge Farms Soft Touch Ultra Solid Colors (50 g, 169 m/185 yd per skein) in "moss," requiring 2 skeins.
• Striped Hat: Approximately 275 m/300 yd total. The pattern example uses Regia Extra Twist Merino (50 g, 210 m/230 yd per ball) for the main color in colorway #9358, with Koigu yarn for the contrasting color.

Recommended fiber content includes wool or wool blends, which provide warmth, elasticity, and durability suitable for children's hats.

Difficulty Level

Designed as a beginner-friendly pattern, What The Kids Are Wearing requires basic knitting knowledge. The straightforward construction and simple stitch work make this an excellent project for newer knitters looking to expand their skills while creating practical, wearable items.

Format and Availability

This pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, allowing immediate access to the complete instructions for all three hat variations.