Double Brim Cat Hat

Double Brim Cat Hat Knitting Pattern by Gina Marquis

What Is Being Made

The Double Brim Cat Hat is a beginner-friendly knitted hat featuring a distinctive double brim construction. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a playful cat-themed hat suitable for those new to knitting who want to explore shaping and colorwork techniques.

Craft and Primary Technique

This project uses knitting as its primary craft method. The hat is constructed by knitting in the round, a fundamental technique that allows crafters to create seamless, tubular fabric without seaming. This method is ideal for hat construction as it produces a continuous spiral of stitches that naturally forms the crown and body of the hat.

Stitches and Construction Methods

The pattern employs several key knitting techniques:

• Knit stitch (k) — the basic foundation stitch used throughout the hat
• Provisional cast on — a temporary casting method that allows stitches to be picked up later, essential for creating the double brim effect where the two brims are joined
• Three-needle bind off — a joining technique that securely binds two sets of live stitches together, used to connect the two brims of the hat
• Duplicate stitch — a finishing embellishment technique for adding details

Materials and Yarn Requirements

One skein of worsted weight yarn is sufficient to complete this project. The pattern recommends Lion Brand Heartland yarn or any yarn that matches the specified gauge. Alternative suggestions include Brava Worsted by KnitPicks and Impeccable by Loops & Threads. Crafters should note that there is typically leftover yarn remaining after completing one hat, making it possible to create an additional hat in alternating colors using the spare yarn.

The pattern calls for approximately 3.5 yards of spare yarn in a similar weight but contrasting color, which is used for the provisional cast-on technique.

Tools and Equipment

• Two sets of US size 8 (5 mm) circular needles measuring 16 inches, or double pointed needles of the same size
• J-10 crochet hook — used specifically for creating the provisional cast-on with the spare yarn
• Tapestry or yarn needle for finishing work and executing duplicate stitch embellishments
• Stitch marker to denote the end of each round
• Scissors for trimming yarn

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 16 stitches by 21 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) using US size 8 (5 mm) needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for ensuring the hat fits properly and maintains the intended finished dimensions.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for knitters who have mastered basic knit stitches and are ready to learn in-the-round construction. While the pattern introduces intermediate techniques such as provisional cast-on and three-needle bind-off, these are foundational skills that expand a knitter's capabilities and are supported by helpful video tutorials.

Pattern Structure

The Double Brim Cat Hat begins with a provisional cast-on using a crochet chain and spare yarn. The initial cast-on creates 72 stitches, which forms the foundation for the first brim. The pattern then progresses through knitting in the round to build the hat's body and second brim, ultimately using the three-needle bind-off technique to join the two brims together securely.