Wishful Hat

Wishful Hat by Jennifer Myrick

What Is Being Made

The Wishful Hat is a knitted adult-sized beanie designed by Jennifer Myrick. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a finished hat with an unstretched circumference of 15 inches (38 cm) and a length of 9 inches (23 cm), sized to fit adult head measurements of 20-23 inches (51-58 cm). The hat features a distinctive ribbed brim and a patterned body section that showcases decorative stitch techniques.

Techniques Used

The Wishful Hat employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques worked in the round. The construction begins with a 1x1 twisted ribbing for the brim, which is created using the knit-through-the-back-loop (Ktbl) method paired with purl stitches. This ribbed section provides elasticity and a fitted edge. The body of the hat transitions from the smaller needles used for the brim to larger needles, which creates a subtle change in fabric density and allows the pattern stitches to become more prominent. The pattern itself incorporates yarn overs (YO) for decorative eyelet effects and decrease stitches to shape the fabric and create visual interest. Working in the round using circular needles or double-pointed needles ensures a seamless construction throughout the project.

Stitches Used

• Ktbl (Knit through the back loop): A twisted knit stitch that creates a tighter, more textured appearance, used in the ribbing and pattern sections
• Purl (P): The reverse of a knit stitch, used in alternating columns with knit stitches to create the ribbed texture
• Yarn Over (YO): An increase stitch that creates decorative holes or eyelets in the fabric, used in the pattern repeat for visual texture
• S2KP (Slip 2 stitches together, Knit 1, Pass slipped stitches over): A centered double decrease that reduces two stitches while maintaining a balanced, symmetrical appearance in the pattern
• K2tog (Knit 2 stitches together): A right-leaning decrease used to shape the hat
• K2togtbl (Knit 2 stitches together through the back loop): A twisted version of the basic decrease stitch

Materials

The Wishful Hat is knitted using Cascade Yarns CASCADE 220 SUPERWASH EFFECTS, a worsted-weight yarn composed of 100% Superwash Wool. One skein of the colorway #11 Dried Flowers is required, which provides 100 grams and 220 yards of yardage. The project calls for two sets of needles: US 6 (4mm) needles for the ribbed brim section and US 8 (5mm) needles for the body, allowing the knitter to control fabric density and drape. Additional notions include a stitch marker to denote the beginning of each round, a tape measure for checking gauge and finished measurements, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends. The recommended gauge is 21 stitches and 26 rounds measured over 4 inches (10 cm) of the pattern fabric worked on the larger needles.