Jewel floats

Jewel Floats Knit Hat by Katya Frankel

What is Being Made

Jewel Floats is a knitted hat designed to be worked in the round from the bottom up. This intermediate-level project creates a finished brim circumference ranging from 16 to 22½ inches (40.5 to 57 centimeters) to fit head circumferences between 18 and 24 inches (45.5 to 61 centimeters), with the sample shown in the largest size of 20¾ inches. The hat showcases a distinctive visual pattern that is particularly well-suited for displaying the color variations found in variegated yarns.

Knitting Techniques Used

The primary technique employed in Jewel Floats is the creation of slip stitch floats worked against a Stocking stitch ground. Slipping stitches strategically produces floating strands that create the pattern's visual interest and texture. The hat is constructed using the in-the-round method, a fundamental technique for seamless hat construction. The pattern also incorporates simple increases and decreases for shaping the crown, making it accessible to knitters with intermediate experience who are comfortable working circularly.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The hat features two distinct stitch patterns: the Body slip stitch pattern and the Brim slip stitch pattern. Both utilize slip stitches to create the characteristic floats that give the design its name and visual appeal. The foundation of the hat is worked in Stocking stitch, which provides a smooth, classic knit fabric base. The slip stitches are worked over this Stocking stitch ground to produce the dimensional float details.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The pattern calls for Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted yarn in colorway #901, Baltic Sea. One skein provides 225 yards (206 meters) and weighs 4 ounces (114 grams), which is sufficient for completing the hat. Worsted weight yarn is ideal for this project, offering good stitch definition for the slip stitch pattern while working up at a moderate gauge.

Two needle sizes are required to achieve proper gauge and fit:

• 3.5mm (US 4) set of double-pointed needles or a short circular needle for the Brim slip stitch pattern, which should measure 20 stitches and 4 inches (10 centimeters) wide
• 4mm (US 6) set of double-pointed needles or a short circular needle for the Body slip stitch pattern, which should measure 20 stitches and 32 rounds to 4 inches (10 centimeters)

Knitters may adjust needle size as needed to achieve the correct gauge for a proper fit. The use of either double-pointed needles or short circular needles provides flexibility in working method preference.

Difficulty Level

Jewel Floats is rated as an Intermediate-level pattern. This designation reflects the skills required: comfort working in the round using either double-pointed needles or circular needles, understanding and executing slip stitch techniques, and performing simple increases and decreases for shaping. Finishing techniques are also involved. This level is appropriate for knitters who have completed basic projects and are ready to expand their technical skills with pattern work and circular construction.