Blue Ribbon Lined Hat

Blue Ribbon Lined Hat by Janet Baltosser

What Is Being Made

The Blue Ribbon Lined Hat is an adult-sized knitted hat designed by Janet Baltosser to complement the Fiddlehead Mittens collection. This is a mohair-lined hat that provides extended coverage over the ears and delivers exceptional warmth. The hat features a colorwork design and is finished with a large fur pom pom for added visual appeal and texture.

Yarn Materials

This pattern uses multiple yarn types and colors to create its distinctive look:

• Berroco Ultra Alpaca (Worsted Weight): Main color (MC) in Cardinal (06234) requires 2 skeins; Contrast Color 1 (C1) in Grove Mix (62180) requires 1 skein; Contrast Color 2 (C2) in Grapefruit Mix (62178) requires 1 skein
• Debbie Bliss Lace Mohair & Silk: Color Ruby is used as the hat lining, requiring 1 skein
• Fur Pom Pom: One large pom pom for crown finishing

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires US 5 and US 7 circular needles in 16-inch length, plus US 7 double-pointed needles (DPNs) for crown shaping. The use of two needle sizes allows for proper gauge control between the ribbed brim and the larger body sections.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is designed for Adult Medium sizing. Knitters should achieve a gauge of 20 stitches and 22 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch to ensure proper fit.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Ribbed Brim Construction: The hat begins with a cast-on of 98 stitches using smaller needles and C2. The brim is worked in 1x1 rib stitch (alternating knit and purl stitches) for 10 rows, then continues in rib stitch with the main color for an additional 4 inches (30 rows). This ribbed section provides stretch and a fitted edge that hugs the head securely.

Stockinette Stitch Transition: After the ribbed brim is complete, one row of stockinette stitch is worked in the main color before switching to larger needles. This creates a smooth transition between the textured brim and the body of the hat.

Colorwork Design: The body of the hat features a colorwork chart that is followed for 25 rows. This technique involves knitting with multiple colors in the same row to create a patterned design. Colorwork adds visual interest and demonstrates advanced knitting skill.

Crown Shaping: The pattern includes crown shaping using larger needles and double-pointed needles to decrease stitches as the hat tapers toward the top. The abbreviation K2tog (knit 2 stitches together) is used to create these decreases.

Circular Knitting: The hat is worked in the round using circular needles, which eliminates the need for seaming and creates a seamless, professional finish.

Pattern Difficulty

This pattern is rated as Advanced, reflecting the combination of techniques required: working in the round with circular needles, managing multiple yarn colors in a colorwork chart, executing crown shaping decreases, and incorporating a mohair lining. Knitters should be comfortable with these intermediate-to-advanced skills before beginning this project.

Special Features

The mohair and silk lining in Ruby adds luxury and warmth while creating a soft interior surface against the skin. The extended brim coverage over the ears and the combination of alpaca and mohair yarns make this hat exceptionally warm and suitable for cold-weather wear.