I ❆ L.A.

I ❆ L.A. Knit Hat by bunnymuff - Mona Zillah

What Is Being Made

The I ❆ L.A. is a knitted hat pattern inspired by the dramatic winter weather phenomenon documented in the Los Angeles Times on February 7, 2019. The design captures the striking visual contrast of snow falling on palm trees, suburbs, skyscrapers, and snow-capped mountains visible simultaneously in the Los Angeles landscape. This intermediate-level knitting project combines colorwork techniques with refined Shetland yarn to create a winter accessory that celebrates an unexpected natural event in a typically warm climate.

Craft and Techniques

This pattern employs knitting as the primary craft method. The design utilizes colorwork knitting, incorporating multiple yarn colors to represent the visual elements of the L.A. winter scene. The hat is constructed using circular knitting needles and double-pointed needles (DPNs), allowing for seamless, in-the-round construction—a technique that produces a polished, professional finish without visible seams.

The pattern demonstrates intermediate-level complexity, requiring knitters to manage color changes and execute specialized stitch techniques while maintaining consistent tension and gauge throughout the project.

Stitches Used

The pattern incorporates the following key stitches and techniques:

• Knit (k) - The foundational stitch forming the primary fabric structure
• Knit through the back loop (ktbl) - A twisted stitch variation that adds texture and structural definition
• Knit two together (k2tog) - A right-leaning decrease stitch used for shaping the hat crown
• Central double decrease (cdd) - A centered decrease executed by slipping two stitches knitwise together, knitting one stitch, then passing the slipped stitches over the knit stitch. This technique creates a vertical line of decreases ideal for crown shaping
• Make one knitwise (m1) - An increase stitch created by lifting the horizontal strand between stitches and knitting through it, used for expanding the hat circumference where needed
• Long-tail cast on (CO) - The cast-on method specified for creating a stretchy, professional edge that accommodates the hat's opening

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The pattern calls for fingering-weight yarn in a 2-ply construction, specifically recommending either Jamieson & Smith 2 Ply Jumper Weight or Shetland Spindrift by Jamieson's of Shetland. Both options are 100% Shetland wool, prized for their softness, elasticity, and traditional heritage in knitwear production.

The yarn quantities are distributed across three colors:

• Main Color (MC) in Marroon (9113) - 33 grams; approximately 165 yards (152 meters)
• Contrast Color 1 (CC1) in Dewdrop (1280) - 9 grams; approximately 45 yards (42 meters)
• Contrast Color 2 (CC2) in Damask (72) - 4 grams; approximately 20 yards (19 meters)

The pattern requires 2.75mm (US size 2) circular needles or DPNs for the ribbed cuff and initial rounds, and 3.25mm (US size 3) circular needles measuring 16 inches (41 centimeters) in length, plus matching DPNs for the main body and crown shaping. The needle size progression allows for proper gauge control and the transition from fitted ribbing to the larger hat body.

Pattern Summary

This downloadable PDF pattern provides intermediate knitters with a complete set of instructions for creating a sophisticated, colorwork hat celebrating an iconic Los Angeles weather moment. The combination of Shetland fingering-weight yarn, precise needle sizing, and specialized decrease techniques produces a refined finished garment with professional construction throughout.