Norwegian Ridge Hat

Norwegian Ridge Hat by Threebagsfulled

Project Overview

The Norwegian Ridge Hat is an intermediate-level knitting pattern designed as part of the "Tri-Wizard Dragon Hat Collection." This downloadable PDF pattern from independent designer Threebagsfulled offers a fun, quick-to-knit hat that can be worn in multiple ways, making it a versatile addition to any knitter's wardrobe.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a structured knit hat featuring a distinctive Norwegian ridge design. The hat is constructed with a flat-worked brim that is later joined in the round, allowing for creative styling options and a unique visual element that sets it apart from standard hat designs.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Norwegian Ridge Hat employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques:

• Flat knitting: The brim is worked back and forth on circular needles rather than in the round, creating a structured foundation
• Decreasing: Strategic decreases shape the hat and create the ridge detail characteristic of this design
• Circular needle knitting: Transition from flat to in-the-round construction for the crown
• Double-pointed needle (DPN) work: Used for the crown shaping and final decreases
• Marker placement: Helps track pattern repeats and shaping points throughout the construction

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern utilizes core knitting stitches combined in a textured pattern:

• Knit stitch (K): Forms the base fabric
• Purl stitch (P): Creates texture and visual interest in the brim pattern
• Knit two together (K2tog): Right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• Purl two together (P2tog): Decrease worked in purl
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk): Left-leaning decrease for balanced shaping
• Knit front and back (kf&b): Increase stitch used for expanding the fabric

The brim features a repeating textured pattern combining knit and purl stitches in a sequence that creates visual dimension before the hat transitions to stockinette stitch in the crown.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Norwegian Ridge Hat is an efficient project requiring minimal yardage:

• Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted weight (approximately 110 yards used from a 210-yard skein)
• Needles: US Size 10 circular needles in 18-24 inch length for the brim and body
• Additional needles: US Size 10 double-pointed needles (DPNs) for crown decreases

The pattern begins with a cast-on of 82 stitches, with decreases worked throughout to shape the hat to its finished dimensions. The modest yardage requirement makes this an ideal project for using yarn from your stash or as a gift-friendly design that doesn't require a large investment in materials.

Pattern Structure

The hat is constructed in distinct sections. The brim is established through repeated set-up rows that create the textured ridge detail, followed by shaping rows that decrease stitches while maintaining the pattern integrity. The transition from flat to circular knitting occurs after the brim is complete, allowing the crown to be worked seamlessly in the round using the circular needles before transitioning to DPNs for the final decreases.