Friday, July 11, 2014

Hat - Check It Out!



Check It Out!  I started the hat prototype with stash yarn while waiting with the grandkids for camp registration.   I knitted a couple more hats while the week was quiet because the grandkids were at camp.  I completed another while enjoying the songs of the final campfire, and waiting to pick them up.




Hat - Check It Out! 
Marilynn Blacketer '14


The Hat – Check It Out! works well in a cotton or wool blend. The 5/5 checks (400 knitting stitches, by Potter Craft, p21) and color effect give the knitter something interesting to do, and if finished neatly, the recipient can wear it inside-out for a very reversible look. This hat takes just a few hours to knit, and makes a perfect gift or accessory for either gender.



Finished sizes:
Adult: flat 18”, stretches to 22”circumference, height 9”
Child: flat 16”, stretches to 20”circumference, height 8”
Infant: flat 12”, stretches to 16”circumference; height 7”
Gauge: 5 stitches = 1” Adjust needle size to match gauge.

Materials:
Yarn: cotton or wool blend in worsted weight
Adult: 150 yards/ 2.5oz; Child: 125 yards/ 2 oz; Infant: 90 yards / 1.5oz
Photo: Hat – Check It Out! is knit in Plymouth Yarn Encore worsted; 75%acrylic/ 25%wool;
colors 515, and 517
Needles: Size US#8, 16” circular needles, set size US#8 double pointed needles
Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle

Abbreviations: CO = cast on K = knit k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
p = purl p2tog= purl 2 stitches together Rnd = round sts = stitches

Special Stitches: 5/5 Checks
Rounds 1- 7: *Knit 5, purl 5; repeat from * to end
Rounds 8- 14 : * Purl 5, knit 5; repeat from * to end
(These 10 stitches and 14 rounds create the 5/5 Checks. )
Color effect: Work Odd rnds: Color A; Work Even rnds: Color B
Directions: Directions are written for adult size. [child and infant directions are in brackets]

Use the long-tail cast-on method, with size #8, 16” circular needles.
Cast on 80 [70, 60] stitches.
Place marker & join together by knitting first stitch being careful not to twist.
Brim Rnds 1-14[12, 10]: With color B, * Knit 1, purl 1; repeat from * to end

Hat: Odd rnds: Color A; Even rnds: Color B
Rnds 1-7: * K5, p5; repeat from * to end
Rnds 8-14: * P5, k5; repeat from * to end
Work the hat in pattern for 8", [7”, 6”] from CO, ending on rnd 7, or rnd 14.
For a taller hat, or fold-up brim work extra rounds of the pattern before starting the crown decreases.

Crown: Continue to work rounds of Color A and Color B as established.
Change to double pointed needles when needed.
Crown decreases ending hat at rnd 7:
Rnd 1: * P3, p2tog, k5; repeat from * to end
Rnd 2: * P4, k3, k2tog; repeat from * to end
Rnd 3: * P2, p2tog, k4; repeat from * to end
Rnd 4: * P3, k2, k2tog; repeat from * to end
Rnd 5: * P1, p2tog, k3; repeat from * to end
Rnd 6: * P2, k1, k2tog; repeat from * to end
Rnd 7: * P2tog, k2; repeat from * to end
Rnd 8: * P1, k2tog; repeat from * to end
Rnd 9: * K2tog; repeat from * until 8,[7,6] sts remain.

Crown decreases ending hat at rnd 14:
Rnd 1: * K5, p3, p2tog; repeat from * to end
Rnd 2: * K3, k2tog, p4; repeat from * to end
Rnd 3: * K4, p2, p2tog; repeat from * to end
Rnd 4: * K2, k2tog, p3; repeat from * to end
Rnd 5: * K3, p1, p2tog; repeat from * to end
Rnd 6: * K1, k2tog, p2; repeat from * to end
Rnd 7: * K2, p2tog; repeat from * to end
Rnd 8: * K2tog, p1; repeat from * to end
Rnd 9: K1, *k2tog; repeat from * until 8,[7,6] sts remain.

Finishing: Cut 12” yarn colors A & B and thread end through remaining stitches. Pull together, and tie off neatly for a reversible hat.

This pattern is available on MarilynnsGardenKnitDesign.blogspot.com
Hat - Check It Out pattern pdf is available at Ravelry.com (login needed)
Copyright 2014, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 7/11/14
For pattern support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com

The hat's texture is created with just  knit & purl stitches. The adult hat takes about 100 yards of 
color B, and 50 yards of color A. This is a fun hat to knit, and great stash buster.