Wednesday 10 December 2008

Two hats in one

I love the way that this cosy knitted hat from a Argyll yarn pattern can be worn in two ways: firmly pulled over the head for maximum warmth, or perched on top for a more cheeky gamine/blimey-my-ears-are-cold sort of look.

Yarn: 4ozs DK. It's knitted in doubled-up double knitting yarn for extra warmth - you're knitting with 2 balls of yarn at the same time.

Needles: pair of No 4 UK needles.

Tension: 3sts and 7 rows = 1 inch squre measured over pattern.

Note: Wind 2 balls of yarn together before commencing. Using No 4 needles cast on 27 sts, and k 1 row. Commence pattern: -

1st row (right side): Sl 1, * k into st below next st on needle, slipping st above off needle in normal way (called K1B), k1; rep from * to end.

2nd row: Sl 1, * k1, K1; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.

These 2 rows form pattern.

Shape top:

1st row: Sl 1, * K1B, k1; rep from * to last 2 sts, turn.
2nd and every alt row: sl 1, * k1, K1B; rep from * to end.
3rd row: Sl 1, * K1B, k1; rep from * to last 4 sts, turn.

Continue in this way working 2 sts less at end of every alt row until "sl 1, * K1B, k1; rep from * to last 12 sts, turn" has been worked.

12th row: sl1, * k1, K1B; rep from * to end.
13th and 14th rows: Work in pattern across all sts.

Rep last 14 rows 9 times more. Cast off in pattern.

To make up: sew together cast-on and cast-off edges, leaving centre of crown open for pom-pom. Press. Make a pom-pom, insert through hole in corwn and sew centre seam.

Haven't tried making this hat yet - let me know how it turns out.