Slalom Hat

Slalom Hat by Julia Schwartz

What is Being Made

The Slalom Hat is a knitted hat design created by independent designer Julia Schwartz. This intermediate-level knitting project produces a finished hat suitable for various occasions, combining classic hat construction with decorative twisted stitch details.

Construction Method

The Slalom Hat is worked flat on straight needles throughout the entire pattern, rather than being knitted in the round. Once all pieces are completed, the hat is seamed together at the end to create the finished three-dimensional garment. This flat-working approach makes the pattern accessible to knitters who prefer working with straight needles and provides clear row-by-row progression.

Stitches and Techniques

The Slalom Hat features two special twist stitches that create visual interest and texture:

• Right Twist (RT): This stitch is executed by knitting 2 stitches together while keeping both stitches on the left needle, then knitting into the first stitch, and finally pulling both stitches onto the right needle to complete the stitch.
• Left Twist (LT): This mirror stitch begins by knitting through the back loop of the second stitch while keeping it on the left needle, then knitting into the first stitch, and pulling both stitches onto the right needle to finish.

These twisted stitches create a slalom-like diagonal pattern across the hat, adding visual movement and texture to the finished piece. The combination of right and left twists working together produces the characteristic design element of this hat.

Materials Required

Yarn: Lion Brand LB Collection Baby Alpaca 3, a light weight yarn made from 100% baby alpaca. One skein of 50g/1.75oz (146 yards/133 meters) in the color tan is required to complete this hat.

Needles: Size 6 (4.25mm) straight needles are used throughout the entire pattern.

Notions: A yarn needle for weaving in ends upon completion.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic knitting techniques and are ready to work with special stitches and shaping. The twisted stitches require attention to detail and understanding of stitch manipulation, while the flat construction method provides a more straightforward working experience than in-the-round knitting.