What you'll need
| One size only: | variable |
|---|---|
YAR005_203
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2 |
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Knitwhits Freia Handpaints Freia Ombre Worsted - Pixie
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1 |
Product Description
This lovely hat is a great way to use up that one-of-a-kind hank of luxurious yarn or handspun you've been saving. Starting at the top means you can increase to whatever size you want (close fitting or slouchy), work straight until you're getting low on yarn, and then work the ribbing until you've finished up every last inch. Please note: the pattern was originally designed to use handspun yarn, and includes detailed instructions for spinning a worsted weight singles yarn. However, you can substitute any worsted or aran weight commercial yarn as desired. Sample shown was knit with one skein of Knitwhits Freia Handpaints Freia Ombre Worsted.
Messier 51 Knit Hat by Rachel C. Brown
What Is Being Made
Messier 51 is a downloadable knitting pattern for a hat designed by Rachel C. Brown. This design is inspired by the Whirlpool Galaxy (Messier 51, also known as M51), discovered by Charles Messier in 1773 and located in the constellation Canes Venatici. The hat features a distinctive spiral structure that echoes the natural spirals found throughout nature—from water drains to snail shells to distant galaxies. The pattern is particularly suited for knitters looking to use up special handspun yarn in a single skein or hank.
Techniques Used
The primary construction technique in Messier 51 involves working from the crown downward, which allows knitters to customize the final fit of the hat. The crown features yarn over eyelets that spiral outward from the top of the hat down around the head, creating the visual effect that inspired the galaxy-themed design. This top-down approach provides flexibility for adjusting the hat's final dimensions and accommodates varying yardage amounts, making it an excellent pattern for using up handspun or specialty yarns where yardage may be unpredictable.
Stitches Used
- Yarn over eyelets (creates the spiral effect characteristic of the design)
- Increases at the crown (to shape the hat and allow for customizable sizing)
- Stockinette stitch or similar even fabric (worked straight after the crown shaping)
Materials and Specifications
Messier 51 is designed for aran weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn that works well for creating structured hats with good stitch definition. The pattern accommodates a range of yardage amounts, making it ideal for working with one-of-a-kind hanks of handspun yarn. Knitters can work the hat to their desired length before running low on yardage, allowing for both close-fitting and slouchy sizing options. Standard knitting needles appropriate for aran weight yarn are required.
Difficulty Level
This pattern is rated as beginner level, making it accessible to knitters new to hat construction. The straightforward top-down method and basic stitch techniques mean that even newer knitters can successfully complete this project while creating a visually striking finished hat.
Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | Aran |
| Pages: | 7 |
| Designer: | Rachel Brown |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
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