Pocket hat

Pocket Hat by Kelly Spenhoff

What Is Being Made

The Pocket Hat is an adult-sized knitted hat featuring a unique functional design element. This hat is finished to a circumference of 21.25 inches (54 cm) and stands 11 inches (28 cm) tall, making it a standard adult fit. The design incorporates a pocket detail, distinguishing it from traditional hat patterns and adding both visual interest and practical utility to the finished garment.

Techniques and Stitches Used

This advanced-level knitting project employs several key techniques that require intermediate to advanced knitting skills. The primary stitches and techniques include:

• Knit stitch (k) — the foundational stitch used throughout the hat
• Knit front and back (kfb) — an increase technique used to shape the hat
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) — a decrease technique for shaping
• Two-color stranded knitting — a colorwork method that creates patterns using two yarns held simultaneously, alternating between main color and contrast color as the pattern requires
• Button sewing — finishing technique to secure a button accent to the completed hat

The stranded knitting technique is central to this design, allowing the knitter to create a cohesive color pattern throughout the hat while maintaining consistent fabric structure and elasticity.

Yarn and Materials

The Pocket Hat is designed using DK weight yarn, which provides a lightweight yet durable fabric suitable for a hat that sits close to the head. The pattern requires a total of 220 yards of yarn split between two colors: 115 yards (105 m) in the main color and 105 yards (96 m) in a contrast color. The original pattern sample uses pink as the main color and green as the contrast color.

Construction requires US8 16-inch (40 cm) circular needles and double-pointed needles (dpns) for working in the round, sized to achieve the specified gauge. A US7 16-inch (40 cm) circular needle (one size smaller) is also needed for ribbed sections. Additional notions include a stitch marker for tracking rounds, stitch holders or waste yarn for holding stitches, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, and a button with matching needle and thread for the finishing detail.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 22.5 stitches and 29 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) when measured in stockinette stitch within the color pattern. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the finished measurements and ensuring the hat fits properly. The pattern is sized for adult heads.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an advanced project, the Pocket Hat is best suited for knitters with solid foundational skills and experience working with colorwork techniques. The combination of two-color stranded knitting, shaping decreases and increases, and working in the round on both circular needles and dpns requires confidence and attention to detail.