Emerald Hat Big Man Style

Emerald Hat Big Man Style by Nikolett Corley Designs

What is Being Made

The Emerald Hat Big Man Style is a knitted hat designed for larger head sizes, created by Nikolett and Kevin Corley. This intermediate-level knitting project produces a finished hat with a 21-inch circumference and 7.5-inch height when the brim is folded up, making it suitable for generous fit requirements.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques to create visual interest and texture. The design features cable knitting, which involves manipulating stitches using a cable needle to create twisted, rope-like patterns. The hat is knitted in the round, a technique that creates a seamless, tubular fabric by working continuously in circular rows rather than flat pieces that must be seamed together. This method is particularly efficient for hat construction as it eliminates the need for finishing seams.

The pattern also incorporates twisted knit stitches, which add dimensional texture by working into the back loop of stitches rather than the front. Additionally, the pattern uses decreasing techniques such as knit two together (k2tog) and slip, slip, knit (ssk) to shape the crown of the hat as it tapers toward the top.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k) - the fundamental stitch that forms the base fabric
• Purl stitch (p) - used to create textural variation and contrast
• Twisted knit stitch (tk) - worked through the back loop to add dimensional texture
• Cable stitch (C) - created by slipping one stitch to a cable needle, holding it to the back, working the next stitch, then working the held stitch, producing twisted rope-like patterns
• Knit two together (k2tog) - a right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) - a left-leaning decrease used for balanced shaping

Materials and Tools

This pattern calls for Malabrigo Rios yarn in worsted weight, requiring 1 hank containing 210 yards and weighing 3.5 ounces. The yarn is composed of 100% superwash merino wool, a premium natural fiber known for softness, elasticity, and easy care properties.

The recommended needles are US 6 (4mm) circular needles or double-pointed needles, allowing the knitter to choose their preferred method for working in the round. Additional tools required include stitch markers to denote pattern repeats and round beginnings, a cable needle for manipulating cable stitches, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends.

The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches by 30 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished hat size, and the pattern notes that knitters should increase or decrease needle size as needed to match this gauge precisely.