Aberrant

Aberrant Knit Hat by Teresa Gregorio

What is Being Made

The Aberrant is a downloadable knitting pattern for a hat inspired by the chullo, a traditional style designed to tie securely beneath the chin. This design draws creative inspiration from Chinese folklore traditions regarding ghost imagery. The hat is sized as one size that stretches to accommodate a finished circumference of 21 inches, making it a versatile accessory suitable for various head sizes.

Craft and Construction Techniques

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several advanced techniques that elevate it beyond basic hat construction. The pattern incorporates charted cables as a primary design element, creating textured visual interest throughout the piece. The cable work is inspired by the Rib Braid cable found in Barbara Walker's A Second Treasury, a respected reference for traditional knitting stitch patterns.

The hat construction begins with an Eastern or Turkish cast-on method, a technique that creates a seamless, flexible foundation ideal for fitted garments like hats. The edging is finished with I-cord, a tubular knitted cord that provides both structural integrity and a polished, professional appearance. These techniques combined require intermediate knitting skills and familiarity with reading charted patterns.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the garment is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric surface. The cable patterns are worked into this stockinette base, creating dimensional texture. The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations including knit (k), purl (p), knit into front and back (kfb) for increases, slip stitches (sl), and pass slipped stitch over (psso) for decreases. Stitch markers are utilized to track pattern repeats and cable sections.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The pattern calls for Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock yarn, a premium blend consisting of 80% Superwash wool and 20% nylon. One hank provides 435 yards (398 meters) of yarn, offering sufficient yardage for the complete hat. This yarn weight is classified as 4-ply, a medium-weight option that knits to a gauge of 7 stitches and 9 rows per inch in stockinette stitch.

The needles required include 2.75 mm (#2) double-pointed needles (dpns) and circular needles of the same size. Double-pointed needles are used for the crown shaping in the round, while circular needles accommodate the larger circumference of the hat body. The superwash wool blend ensures easy care and durability, while the nylon content adds elasticity and resilience to the finished hat.

Pattern Details

• Designer: Teresa Gregorio (canaryknits.com)
• Craft: Knitting
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Format: Downloadable PDF pattern
• Sizing: One size, stretches to fit 21 inches
• Yarn Weight: 4-ply
• Yarn Quantity: 1 hank (435 yards / 398 meters)
• Gauge: 7 stitches and 9 rows per inch in stockinette stitch