Freeze-Thaw

Freeze-Thaw Hat by Christina Loman

What is Being Made

Freeze-Thaw is a playful knit hat designed by Christina Loman that combines practical headwear with creative color work. This one-size hat fits heads measuring 20–24 inches around and features a finished circumference of 20 inches unstretched and a length of 7 inches before ribbing. The design takes inspiration from a necessary practicality—the freeze-thaw cycle—and translates it into a fun, wearable accessory.

Construction Technique

The Freeze-Thaw hat is knit flat and sideways, meaning the fabric is worked horizontally rather than in the round from the crown down. This sideways construction method uses short rows to form the familiar hat shape. Working flat and sideways allows for interesting color transitions and makes it easier to incorporate multiple yarn colors throughout the piece. The hat is then finished with ribbing at the base.

Color and Design Flexibility

Each wedge of the hat is knit in a different color, adding visual interest and playfulness to the finished garment. This multicolor approach makes Freeze-Thaw an excellent project for knitters looking to use up a collection of mini-skeins or yarn scraps. The pattern uses a 6-color set, allowing crafters to either follow a specific color sequence or choose their own color combinations for personalization.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used in Freeze-Thaw is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric. The hat is worked to a gauge of 26 stitches and 33 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Ribbing is used at the base of the hat for a stretchy, fitted finish that helps the hat stay securely on the head.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The pattern calls for Lake Knits Yarns Micro Skein Set, which contains 6 micro skeins of 45 yards (41 meters) each for a total of 270 yards and 60 grams. This yarn is composed of 79% superwash merino and 21% stellina, offering both softness and subtle sparkle. The yarn weight is 4-ply, making it a light worsted or DK-weight yarn suitable for a fitted hat.

Needles and Notions: The pattern requires one 16-inch US #3/3.25mm circular needle for working the ribbing and finishing. Additional notions include a yarn needle for weaving in ends. A pom pom maker is listed as optional, allowing knitters to add a decorative pom pom to the crown if desired.

Skill Level

Freeze-Thaw is rated as an intermediate knitting project. This difficulty level reflects the sideways construction method and short-row shaping required to form the hat's shape, techniques that require some experience beyond basic knit and purl stitches.