In Law Chaser Hat Knitting Pattern

I know you’re probably wondering where in the world the name for this hat knitting pattern from Jennifer Berg came from. You know when it looks like it’s going to rain or snow, but you end up only getting a few drops? This has been our life where I live lately — so many days of rain on the radar and very little actually falling.

The Navajo call that kind of weather “the in law chaser.” Maybe because it’s the kind of weather that keeps your in-laws from visiting? I don’t really know.

In any case, this sweet colorwork hat pattern is also inspired by the simple repeating patterns found on Navajo rugs. The original is worked in three colors of DK weight yarn, but you could just use two if you want to make it even simpler (or a multicolored yarn as the contrast to make it look more complex).

However many colors you choose, you can stitch it up in four different sizes, from child-sized to large adult, so everyone can have their own in law chaser, even if they don’t have in laws!

You can grab this pattern on Ravelry.

Just for fun I was looking around for more knit hat patterns on the site, and it looks like it’s been a while since I’ve done a good hat roundup. There’s a nice collection of easy, warm hat knitting patterns from way back in 2014 (!) and another knit hat collection from 2015. I have hats inspired by the hat Chloe Kim wore at the 2018 Olympics (which, let’s be honest, I didn’t even remember, but it is super cute).

And there’s a collection full of heart-themed hat knitting patterns, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any other time you want to spread a little love.

Looking for a particular kind of hat pattern? Let me know and I’ll see what I can find!

[Photo: Jennifer Berg]

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Blankets are a great blank slate project that you can change up in a million different ways. From color to stitch pattern to size, the possibilities are almost endless.

Jared Flood, the designer behind Brooklyn Tweed, was inspired by a log cabin quilt his mother made in 1995 to re-create that design in knitting, which led to more blankets and ultimate Brooklyn Tweed’s Knit and Crochet Blankets, which includes 25 patterns from an array of designers using different skills and techniques to make cozy, pretty blankets.

The patterns are divided into three aesthetic themes: traditions, minimalism and colorplay. The patterns are rated on a scale of one to five, with one being the easiest, and there aren’t any pieces rated five. Two blankets are rated one, 14 are two, eight are three and one is four.

In addition, three of the 25 patterns are crocheted, but they either use single crochet or granny stitch, so they are pretty easy even if you don’t do a lot of crochet. You can see all the patterns on Ravelry.

Some of my favorites include Rattan by Rastus Hsu, a chunky blanket worked in knits and purls with simple crossing stitches to make a raised woven look; Homewood by Seth Richardson, covers in dramatic, loopy cables; Ainur Berkimbayeva’s Tessellate, one of the beginner projects that doesn’t really look beginner but is totally worked in knit and purl stitches; Warp + Weft by Aist? Butkevi?ien?, which is mostly knits and purls but makes a fun woven look fabric that blew my mind a little bit; and the same designer’s Canyonland, a multicolored blanket with wavy stripes.

The patterns tell you how to resize them for different dimensions and include information on pattern repeats where it is possible to make a totally custom size.

Many different techniques are included here such as cables, lace, shadow knitting, intarsia and other colorwork techniques, as well as modular knitting and lots of sewing pieces together. The patterns are all presented with charts, but there are line by line written instructions available on the Brooklyn Tweed website if you need them.

The book ends with a deep dive into log cabin knitting, telling the story of the quilt Jared’s mom made and how he made it in knitting, as well as the multitude of variations you can make if you want your own log cabin style design.

The back of the book includes a little written information about some of the special techniques needed, but there are no photos.

This is a lovely book full of inspiration for knitting and crochet blankets for any skill level. If you like to make blankets as gifts or aspire to have a handmade blanket in every room of the house, these designs would be a great place to start.

About the book: 192 pages, paperback, 25 patterns. Published 2024 by Abrams Books, suggested retail price $24.99.

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