Texture Times Two Hat

Texture Times Two Hat by Triona Murphy

What is Being Made

The Texture Times Two Hat is a reversible knitted hat designed by Triona Murphy that offers two distinct stitch patterns in a single garment. This intermediate-level project creates a finished hat with an approximate circumference of 19 inches for the Small size or 21.5 inches for the Large size. The innovative reversible construction means knitters can wear the hat with either the Sunburst pattern or the Wave pattern facing outward, effectively creating two different hats from one knitting project.

Techniques and Stitches Used

This hat employs cable knitting techniques as a primary construction method. The pattern incorporates cable stitches that create textured, dimensional surfaces on both sides of the fabric. Specific cable abbreviations used include 1/3FC (slip 1 stitch to cable needle and hold to front, purl 3, knit 1 from cable needle) and 1/3BC (slip 3 stitches to cable needle and hold to back), which are foundational cable crossing techniques that produce the raised, twisted stitch patterns characteristic of cable knitting.

The hat features two distinct stitch patterns: the Sunburst pattern and the Wave pattern. Both patterns are worked in the round using stockinette stitch as a base, with cable crossings creating visual interest and texture. The reversible nature of the design means that the cable placements and stitch manipulations create entirely different visual effects depending on which side faces outward.

Materials and Gauge

This project is worked in Malabrigo Yarn Merino Worsted, a 100% merino yarn available in 210-yard skeins. The pattern calls for one skein in the color Purple Mystery. The yarn weight is aran, a medium weight suitable for creating fabric with good drape and structure.

Knitters should work to the following gauges to ensure proper fit:

• 20 stitches and 27 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in the Sunburst Wave pattern
• 18 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch

Gauge checking is essential for this project, as the cable patterns may require needle size adjustments to achieve the correct measurements.

Needles and Notions

The pattern recommends US #8 (5.0 mm) circular needles in either 16 or 20-inch lengths for the main body of the hat. Additionally, one set of US #8 (5.0 mm) double-pointed needles (four or five needles) is required for the crown decreases when the hat becomes too small to work comfortably on circular needles.

Essential notions include a cable needle for executing the cable crossings, a stitch marker to denote the beginning of rounds, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends upon completion.

Difficulty Level

This hat is rated as an intermediate knitting project, appropriate for knitters with experience in basic stitch techniques and cable work. The reversible construction and cable pattern complexity make it more challenging than beginner projects but accessible to knitters who have completed several basic garments and are comfortable with cable stitches and working in the round.