Nevermind

Nevermind Knit Hat by Melissa Schaschwary

What is Being Made

Nevermind is a downloadable knitting pattern for a fitted knit hat designed by Melissa Schaschwary. This intermediate-level project creates a classic hat available in two sizes: Small and Medium/Large, fitting head circumferences of 20 inches (51 cm) and 22–24 inches (56–61 cm) respectively. The hat showcases a structured crown shaping technique that creates a polished, finished appearance.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques to achieve its design. Cable knitting is a primary technique, featuring 2/2 right cross (RC) and 2/2 left cross (LC) cable stitches that add visual interest and texture. Decreasing techniques are used during crown shaping, including knit three together (K3tog) reductions to taper the hat toward the top. Make one (M1) increases are incorporated to shape the hat structure. The pattern also uses knit through the back loop (K tbl) for specialized stitch variations. Construction begins with circular knitting on larger needles before transitioning to double-pointed needles (dpns) for the final crown decreases.

Stitches Used

The Nevermind pattern utilizes fundamental and intermediate knitting stitches. Stockinette stitch forms the primary fabric base, created by alternating knit and purl rows in the round. Cable stitches—specifically 2/2 right cross and 2/2 left cross patterns—are worked using a cable needle to create twisted, rope-like vertical lines. Decreases including K3tog (knit three stitches together) shape the crown. Make one (M1) increases add stitches where needed for shaping. Knit through the back loop (K tbl) creates twisted stitches for textural variation.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The pattern recommends Natural Colors Merino Bulky yarn by Swans Island, a 12-ply bulky-weight yarn. One to two skeins are required depending on size, with each skein providing 130 yards (119 meters) and weighing 100 grams (3.53 ounces). The sample hat shown in the pattern is knit in the Shale colorway. Gauge is set at 14 stitches and 22 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) of stockinette stitch using size 10.5/6.5mm needles.

The needle requirements include:

• Size 9/5.5mm circular knitting needles, 16 inches long, for the initial cast-on and ribbed sections
• Size 10.5/6.5mm circular knitting needles, 16 inches long, for the main body of the hat
• Size 10.5/6.5mm double-pointed needles (dpns), a set of four, for working the crown decreases when stitches become too few for circular needles

Additional notions required are a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, a stitch marker to track rounds, and a cable needle for working the cable stitches throughout the pattern.