Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Could This Be the Perfect Hat Knitting Pattern?

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It takes a certain something to declare that a particular pattern is perfect. I’ve made things that I thought were perfect for me, but I wouldn’t call them perfect necessarily because different people have different wants and needs and ideas of what perfect would be for them.

But having said that, Celia Llopis-Jepsen, who designed the Perfect Stocking Cap, may yet be on to something giving her design that name.

I mean, first off, take a look at that shaping on the top of the hat. That is actually pretty darn perfect and satisfying to look at.

The hat is worked with two strands of sock yarn (the designer used Malabrigo sock, which I can tell you from experience is pretty perfect), which makes it warm but not too hot. It also gives you the opportunity to use some yarn you might have bought with the intention of making socks but you and I both know that’s not going to happen. You can use two strands of the same yarn, two shades of the same color, or even mix it up with two different colors for a fun marled look.

If there’s anything that keeps it from being totally perfect, it’s that it only comes in one size, but it’s stretchy, so it should be good for teens through medium and large adults. It’s long enough that you can fold over the brim if you like, or keep it slouchy.

The other great thing about this pattern? It’s a free Ravelry download. So go check it out for yourself and let me know if you think it’s perfect.

And if you’re in the market for more patterns that use two strands of yarn at once, check out my roundup of patterns that call for two yarns being held together throughout. It’s the perfect technique for using your stash that much faster!

[Photo: Celia Llopis-Jepsen]

Have you read?

Free Knitted Crown Pattern for Kids and Adults: A Sweet Handmade Dress-Up Idea

There’s something wonderfully charming about a knitted crown. It’s playful, useful for the dress-up basket, and just the sort of small project that gives a leftover ball of yarn a proper purpose. Much better than letting it roll around the cupboard for another three years.

This free knitted crown pattern for kids and adults combines a simple garter-stitch band with shaped triangular points. The mustard-gold colour gives it that storybook crown look, although pink, purple or woodland green would be equally lovely.

A Manageable Next Step for Beginner Knitters

The construction is the appealing part of this design. Everything is knitted flat, so you won’t need double-pointed needles or experience joining stitches in the round.

You knit the band first, then work each crown point separately over a group of 12 stitches. Paired decreases gradually narrow each triangle, giving you a small, repeatable section to concentrate on.

I’d describe this as a confident beginner knitting project. You’ll need to know how to knit, work two types of decreases, hold unused stitches and sew a simple seam. There are several yarn tails to weave in, so a little patience with finishing will help.

Three Sizes With Room to Personalise

The pattern includes three sizes, with seven, eight or nine crown points. Choose by the wearer’s head measurement rather than age, and check your gauge carefully. Yarn stretch will make a noticeable difference to the fit.

For birthdays, an embroidered initial would be a sweet finishing touch. Contrasting yarn diamonds could suggest little jewels without adding hard embellishments.

What to Know Before Casting On

This is a soft knitted crown, so expect gentle points rather than a rigid costume accessory. A springy wool or wool-blend yarn should give the shaping more support than a very drapey yarn.

The stitch calculations have been checked, but the design has not yet been sample-knitted. The accompanying image is an illustrative mockup, so the finished texture and proportions may vary with your yarn and tension.

For a small handmade birthday accessory or a cheerful addition to the dress-up box, this is an appealing idea. And if an adult needs a matching crown for supervising the royal household, the larger size has that covered too.