Paw-some Hat

Paw-some Hat by Stana D. Sortor

What Is Being Made

The Paw-some Hat is an advanced knitting pattern designed to create a charming, finished hat featuring paw print motifs. This downloadable PDF pattern offers three finished sizes: small (approximately 15" / 38 cm circumference), medium (approximately 18" / 46 cm circumference), and large (approximately 21" / 53.5 cm circumference). The corresponding lengths are 8.5" (21.5 cm), 9.5" (24 cm), and 10.5" (26.5 cm) respectively. The hat is worked in the round and combines a main color with a contrasting color to showcase the decorative paw print pattern.

Techniques Used

This advanced knitting project employs several intermediate to advanced techniques. The hat is constructed using the in-the-round method, which requires proficiency with either double-pointed needles (DPNs) or circular needles. The pattern incorporates colorwork techniques to create the paw print design, requiring knitters to manage two colors throughout sections of the pattern. Wet blocking is specified as part of the finishing process to achieve the correct gauge and shape. The pattern uses a 2 x 1 rib stitch worked in the round over multiples of 3 stitches, which provides structure and elasticity at the brim.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) – The fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl (P) – Used in combination with knit stitches for textural variation
• 2 x 1 Rib – A ribbed stitch pattern worked in the round over multiples of 3 stitches, creating the elastic brim
• Paw Pattern – A colorwork pattern that incorporates the main color and contrasting color to create the paw print motif

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

Yarn: The pattern recommends Cascade 220 Superwash, which is 100% superwash wool offering 220 yards (200 meters) per 100-gram skein. One skein each of two colors is required: #811 Como Blue (Main Color) and #853 Butterscotch (Contrasting Color). The pattern accommodates both DK weight and worsted weight yarns, providing flexibility for yarn substitution while maintaining gauge.

Needles: The pattern calls for US size 7 (4.5 mm) needles in a set of 5 double-pointed needles or circular needles for the main fabric, and US size 6 (4 mm) needles (one size smaller) for the ribbed brim. Knitters should select the needle type and size that allows them to achieve the specified gauge of 20 stitches and 23 rows equaling 4 inches (10 cm) in the paw pattern after wet blocking.

Notions: Additional supplies include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and securing the colorwork, and a stitch marker to track the beginning of rounds during in-the-round knitting.

Pattern Overview

This advanced knitting pattern from independent designer Stana D. Sortor combines colorwork technique with in-the-round construction to create a playful, finished hat suitable for knitters with intermediate to advanced skills. The use of superwash wool yarn makes the finished hat easy to care for, while the paw print pattern adds personality and visual interest to a classic hat silhouette.