Prairie Hat

Prairie Hat by Kay Jones

What is Being Made

The Prairie Hat is a knitted hat designed by Kay Jones, inspired by the designer's love of Laura Ingalls Wilder's book series and the imagery of wheat fields blowing gently in warm summer breezes. This design builds upon the success of the designer's earlier Prairie Socks pattern from 2017, adapting the same distinctive texture stitch for a hat project. The Prairie Hat features a pretty ribbed brim paired with an engaging textured body, creating a visually interesting and wearable accessory.

Techniques Used

The Prairie Hat employs circular knitting techniques, worked on circular needles to create a seamless, tubular construction. The pattern incorporates a modified ribbing technique for the brim, which provides both structure and elasticity at the edge of the hat. The primary design feature is a texture stitch pattern that runs through the hat body, creating visual interest and depth throughout the piece.

Stitches Used

The hat body showcases a texture stitch pattern called the Prairie Stitch, which was originally developed for the Prairie Socks design. This stitch pattern reflects the movement and flow of wheat fields and creates an engaging, dimensional fabric. The brim utilizes modified ribbing, which differs from traditional ribbing to provide a refined finish while maintaining the functional stretch needed for a comfortable hat fit.

Materials

• Yarn: One skein (100g) of fingering weight yarn, approximately 440 yards (400 meters). The pattern sample in size M/L used 48 grams. Additionally, one skein (25g) of laceweight mohair blend yarn, approximately 220 yards, is required.
• Needles: 2.75mm 16-inch (40cm) circular needle and 3mm 16-inch (40cm) circular needle

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as a beginner level project, making it accessible to knitters who are new to hat construction and circular knitting techniques. The straightforward stitch pattern and clear construction method allow beginners to successfully complete an engaging, finished garment.