Ride On Hat

Ride On Hat by Chit Chat Knits

Project Overview

The Ride On Hat is an intermediate-level knitting pattern inspired by mountain biking trails, featuring the natural rhythm of challenging terrain and smooth flowing sections. This downloadable PDF pattern from independent designer Chit Chat Knits offers knitters the opportunity to create a finished beanie or beret using a decorative stitch pattern that captures the essence of trail riding—combining technical elements with fluid transitions.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a fitted hat available in two silhouettes: a classic beanie or a beret style. The finished garment is sized for adult small/medium head measurements and features a decorative stitch pattern as the focal point of the design.

Techniques Used

• Circular knitting using 16-inch circular needles for seamless construction
• Double-pointed needles (dpns) for crown shaping and decreasing
• Decorative stitch pattern integration throughout the hat body
• Gauge-based sizing and shaping to achieve proper fit
• Bind-off finishing techniques for a polished edge

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) – foundational stitch
• Purl (p) – textural contrast
• Knit two together (k2tog) – single decrease
• Knit front and back (kfb) – increase stitch
• Yarn over (yo) – decorative eyelet or lace element
• Slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (skp) – left-leaning decrease
• Slip two stitches, knit one, pass slipped stitches over (sskp) – double decrease

Materials and Tools

Yarn: Worsted weight yarn provides structure and warmth appropriate for a hat. The worsted weight category offers excellent stitch definition, making the decorative pattern clearly visible.

Needles: Size 6 and Size 8 circular needles (16 inches) form the primary tools, with Size 8 double-pointed needles used for the crown decreases as the hat tapers toward completion.

Notions: Stitch markers help track pattern repeats and construction sections, while a darning needle is used for weaving in yarn ends during finishing.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 5 stitches and 6 rows per inch when worked in worsted weight yarn on the appropriate needle sizes. This gauge measurement is essential for achieving the correct finished head circumference for the adult small/medium size.

Pattern Difficulty

Rated as intermediate, this pattern assumes knitters have foundational skills including circular knitting, basic increases and decreases, and the ability to follow stitch pattern instructions. The decorative stitch pattern adds visual interest while remaining accessible to knitters progressing beyond beginner level.