Carbondale

Carbondale Knit Hat by Melissa Schaschwary

What is Being Made

Carbondale is a downloadable knitting pattern for a fitted hat available in three sizes: Small (18" circumference), Medium (21" circumference), and Large (22" circumference). This design is suitable for advanced knitters seeking a structured, well-proportioned hat with a full-bodied construction.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Carbondale hat employs fundamental circular knitting techniques worked in the round using circular needles. The pattern incorporates decreasing techniques, specifically knit-two-together (K2tog) reductions, which are essential for shaping the crown and achieving the hat's fitted silhouette. The construction begins with a cast-on edge and progresses through stockinette stitch fabric before transitioning to the crown shaping phase. The use of contrasting color (CC) elements adds visual interest and allows for colorwork opportunities within the design.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K): The primary stitch forming the stockinette stitch base fabric
• Purl (P): Used as needed for pattern texture and construction details
• Knit Two Together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used for crown shaping and tapering
• Stockinette Stitch: The foundational stitch pattern worked over 4 inches at a gauge of 20 stitches and 24 rows on larger needles

Materials and Gauge

Yarn: The pattern recommends Dia Twist DK by Colour Adventures for the main color (MC), requiring 1 skein of this DK weight yarn (250 yards/229 meters). The contrast color (CC) calls for 120 yards of additional DK or 8 ply yarn. Dia Twist DK is noted as a full-bodied yarn with substantial loft, meaning thinner DK alternatives may produce different gauge results and may require casting on 7 additional stitches to achieve proper fit.

Needles: The pattern uses two needle sizes to create gauge and fabric texture variation. Size 4/3.5mm circular needles (available in 16" or 20" lengths) are used for the initial cast-on and ribbing or cuff sections. Size 6/4.0mm circular needles (16" or 20") are used for the main body stockinette sections where the primary gauge is established. Size 6/4.0mm double-pointed needles (dpns) or a circular needle using the magic loop method are employed for the final crown decreases when stitches become too few for circular needles.

Gauge: 20 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches of stockinette stitch on the larger (size 6/3.5mm) needles. Achieving proper gauge is critical for obtaining the correct hat circumference.

Additional Notions

• Darning needle for weaving in yarn ends
• Stitch marker to denote the beginning of each round when working circularly

This advanced-level pattern is ideal for knitters with experience in circular knitting, gauge work, and crown shaping techniques who wish to create a polished, professionally finished hat.