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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Just about anything you can make in fabric you can make in knitting, but there are some styles that you just don’t see that often translated into knitting.

For example, a button down collared shirt. This is a classic design, of course, and it looks great in a knit version, but it’s just not something you see much of.

Noma Ndlovu’s Guglethu shirt is the pattern to try if you want to knit your own button down shirt. This one is inspired by cashmere tops (though the sample was made out of yak yarn, not cashmere, and uses two strands of lace weight yarn held together) and includes lots of high-fashion details like double-knit cuffs, collar and shoulder seams.

It has a patch pocket on the front and 10 buttons including the button band and the cuffs.

The designer says you can also use a DK weight yarn held singly if you’d rather, and that the shirt looks good in a variety of yarns. There is another version on Ravelry that uses Berroco Remix Light, which is a mix of nylon, cotton, acrylic, silk and cellulose fibers. It has a more relaxed look but it still really pretty.

The pattern has 12 sizes, with a full bust measurement ranging from 32.35 to 72.25 inches, or 82 to 183.5 cm. The designer suggests 2 to 6 inches, or 5 to 15 cm, of positive ease when you pick your size. I could totally see knitting one that’s even bigger to wear more like a jacket, because I do that a lot with button down shirts I already own.

I love all the details on this shirt, which isn’t necessarily difficult to knit, but might introduce you to some things you’ve never knit before (like those cuffs with the plackets, or a shirt collar like this).

To learn more about this shirt and grab a copy of the pattern for yourself, head to Ravelry.

[Photo: Noma Ndlovu]

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