Ahoy Hat in Spud & Chloe Sweater - Downloadable PDF

Ahoy Hat in Spud & Chloe Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Ahoy Hat is a free downloadable knitting pattern designed by Elizabeth Mautz-Redmann for Spud and Chloe. This project creates a pirate-themed hat featuring mock ties and a decorative band. The design is available in four size options with finished circumferences ranging from 16 inches to 22 inches and depths from 6½ inches to 9 inches, making it suitable for children and adults of varying head sizes.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for advanced beginners. The hat combines circular knitting worked in the round for the main crown sections with flat knitting for the mock ties and band components. Decreasing techniques are utilized to shape the hat crown, including knit two together (K2tog) for standard decreases and slip, slip, knit (SSK) variations for left-leaning decreases. The pattern also incorporates knit into front and back (Kfb) for increases where shaping requires expansion. Additional techniques include knit through back loop (Ktbl) for twisted stitches and slip stitches for seamless transitions between sections.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Ahoy Hat features two primary stitch patterns that create visual and textural interest. Stockinette Stitch worked in the round forms the main body of the hat, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric. Garter Stitch, worked flat with light stretching, constructs the mock ties and band, producing a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. The pattern uses fundamental stitches including knit, purl, and various decreases and increases to achieve the pirate hat silhouette.

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. In Stockinette Stitch worked in the round, the gauge is 20 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches. In Garter Stitch worked flat and lightly stretched, the gauge is 20 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches. The pattern provides four graduated sizes to accommodate different head measurements, allowing knitters to customize the finished hat to the intended wearer.

Materials Required

This pattern calls for Spud and Chloe Sweater yarn, which is an aran-weight yarn. The project requires 2 hanks of 100 grams each, yielding 160 yards per hank for a total of approximately 320 yards. The yarn comes in multiple colors; the sample shown uses Barn #7518 and Penguin #7522. In addition to yarn, knitters will need double-pointed needles appropriate for aran-weight yarn and circular needles for working in the round. The pattern also requires a sewing needle and matching thread in colors to coordinate with both yarn colors for attaching Velcro® coins as decorative and functional embellishments to the finished hat.

Difficulty Level

Designated as Advanced Beginner skill level, the Ahoy Hat is accessible to knitters who have mastered basic knitting fundamentals and are ready to tackle projects involving circular knitting, shaping techniques, and working with multiple yarn colors. The combination of in-the-round construction and flat sections provides a balanced learning experience.