What you'll need
| Circumference, in: | 18.5 | 20 |
|---|---|---|
10181064
|
1 | 1 |
Product Description
Don’t you just love the Cheshire Cat? Of course, you can easily modify this hat to make any color cat you want. A black cat for Halloween, perhaps? >>If you like fun knitting content, be sure to sign up for my emails. I’m always creating new patterns and knitting-themed art to entertain you! Click on my name (found above and below this description) and then click the link in my profile.
The best thing about this hat is the construction of the ears, they stand up on their own. Ear stitches are picked up and knit in the round directly on the finished hat, so there’s no attaching to worry about, either.
Cat Hat by Kelly Spenhoff
What is Being Made
The Cat Hat is a playful knitted hat designed by Kelly Spenhoff, available in two sizes to fit both children and adults. This whimsical project features a charming cat-themed design created through colorwork knitting techniques. The finished hat measures 18.5 inches (46.25 cm) in circumference for the child size and 20 inches (50 cm) for the adult size, making it a versatile accessory for different age groups.
Techniques and Construction Methods
This advanced-level knitting project employs several essential knitting techniques to create its finished structure. The pattern requires proficiency in fundamental skills including casting on, working knit and purl stitches, and knitting in the round. Decreasing techniques are central to shaping the hat, specifically using ssk (slip, slip, knit) and k2tog (knit two together) methods to achieve proper crown shaping. The pattern also incorporates pick up and knit techniques, allowing knitters to add stitches along existing edges for seamless construction. Working in the round is accomplished using circular needles and double-pointed needles, creating a seamless, tubular garment.
Stitches Used
- Knit stitch (k) – the primary stitch forming the fabric base
- Purl stitch (p) – used for textural variation and design elements
- Knit two together (k2tog) – a right-leaning decrease for crown shaping
- Slip, slip, knit (ssk) – a left-leaning decrease for balanced decreasing
- Pick up and knit – for adding stitches along edges
Materials and Gauge
The Cat Hat is worked in worsted weight yarn, offering excellent stitch definition for the colorwork design. The sample was created using Knit Picks Preciosa Tonal Worsted yarn in two colors: color A (purple) requiring 70 yards (66 meters) and color B (pink) requiring 75 yards (69 meters). The pattern specifies a gauge of 21.5 stitches and 31 rounds over 4 inches (10 cm) when working in the round, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.
Needle requirements include a US 8 circular needle in 16-inch length and matching double-pointed needles (dpns), or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge. Additional notions include a yarn needle for weaving in ends and 5 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points throughout the construction.
Difficulty Level
This pattern is classified as advanced, making it suitable for experienced knitters who are comfortable with colorwork, working in the round, and managing multiple decreases. The combination of techniques and the precision required for proper gauge and fit positions this as a project for knitters with solid foundational skills.
```Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | Worsted |
| Pages: | 0 |
| Designer: | Kelly Spenhoff |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Advanced |
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