Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

In Law Chaser Hat Knitting Pattern

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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]

Have you read?

Knitting Machine Scarves with a Fun Twist

One of my favorite things to make on a circular knitting machine is scarves, because they’re a great way to use leftover yarn and certainly faster than knitting by hand. 

But if you pay attention to the colors you’re using and how you are using them, you can make fun knitting machine scarves that look like something different when you roll them up. 

One of the first versions of this I saw was the sushi scarf, are there are a lot of variations on this one. For example this one from Flower and Anchor that uses five colors of yarn, or this one from Three Threads NE that uses four. These generally are made to look like California rolls, but you could change up the colors to make them different things if you like. Just make sure the outside of the “roll” is black or green to indicate the nori. I found another version on Pinterest if you’re looking for a free pattern, but there’s no image of it rolled up. 

Another popular variation is making a scarf that rolls up to look like a mug with coffee, tea or another fun beverage inside. This collection of three mug scarf circular knitting machine patterns from Idaho Cottage Creation includes green tea, a pumpkin spice latte with whipped cream and a candy cane colored confection (which honestly reminds me of the Grinch since it has a green mug!). Again you can change the colors of the mug part and the drink part. The little handle looks like it’s crocheted on these, and it doubles as a loop you can thread the scarf end through when you wear it.

Again there’s a version of the green tea scarf on Pinterest with crocheted elements. I also found a latte done with a striped yarn and a red mug that’s pretty cute and gives you an idea what a different beverage would look like. 

I also love this pumpkin pie scarf designed by Jodi Favish Saunier. It has a bit of crocheted edging to give it a fancy crust but you can omit that if you don’t crochet. These are all on Facebook but she also has a watermelon and lemonade pattern that are super cute.