Simply Chevron Hat

Simply Chevron Hat works well in a cotton or wool blend. The hat is worked in diagonal left & right stitches (400 knitting stitches, p30, 31) giving the knitter something interesting to do, but keeping the texture simple enough for either gender. This hat takes just a few hours to knit, and makes the Simply Chevron Hat perfect for gifts or charity.

Photo: (toddler) Simply Chevron Hat is knit in Plymouth Encore worsted; 75% acrylic/ 25% wool;  color 1445

Finished sizes:

Adult/Teen: flat 16”, stretches to 22”circumference, height 9”

Child: flat 14”, stretches to 20”circumference, height 8”

Toddler: flat 12”, stretches to 18”circumference, height 7.5”

Newborn/Infant: flat 10”, stretches to 16”circumference, height 6.5”

Gauge: 5 stitches = 1”; (Toddler gauge: 5.5 stitches = 1”) Adjust needle size to match gauge.

Materials:

Yarn: cotton or wool blend in worsted weight

Adult/Teen: 150 yards / 2.5 oz;

Child/Toddler: 125 yards /2 oz

Infant: 90 yards / 1.5 oz

Needles: Size US#7, and Size US#8, 16” circular needles, set size US#8 double pointed needles

(for Toddler: Size US#6, and Size US#7, 16” circular needles, set size US#7 double pointed needles)

Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle

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

Special Stitches: Chevron (these 24 stitches and 12 rounds create the chevron pattern)

Rnds 1, 2: p1, k5, p1, k10, p1, k5, p1 

Rnds 3, 4: k1, p1, k5, p1, k8, p1, k5, p1, k1

Rnds 5, 6: k2, p1, k5, p1, k6, p1, k5, p1, k2

Rnds 7, 8: k3, p1, k5, p1, k4, p1, k5, p1, k3

Rnds 9, 10: k4, p1, k5, p1, k2, p1, k5, p1, k4 

Rnds 11, 12: k5, p1, k5, p2, k5, p1, k5 

Key:  Knit       , purl -

 

                 

   

Directions: Directions are written for adult size. [child and newborn/infant directions are in brackets] (for toddler, follow child directions using smaller needles)

Use the long-tail cast-on method, with size US#7, 16” circular needles. Cast on 96 [72, 48] stitches.

Place marker & join together by knitting first stitch being careful not to twist.

(toddler: size US#6, CO 72sts)

Brim:

Rnds 1-12[10, 8]: * Knit 1, purl 1; repeat from * to end

Hat: With size US#8 needles, (toddler: size US#7needles) (place maker after 24sts for repeats)

Rnds 1, 2: * P1, k5, p1, k10, p1, k5, p1; repeat from * to end

Rnds 3, 4: * K1, p1, k5, p1, k8, p1, k5, p1, k1; repeat from * to end

Rnds 5, 6: * K2, p1, k5, p1, k6, p1, k5, p1, k2; repeat from * to end

Rnds 7, 8: * K3, p1, k5, p1, k4, p1, k5, p1, k3; repeat from * to end

Rnds 9, 10: * K4, p1, k5, p1, k2, p1, k5, p1, k4; repeat from * to end

Rnds 11, 12: * K5, p1, k5, p2, k5, p1, k5; repeat from * to end

Work the hat in pattern for 8” [7.5”(7”), 5.5”] from CO ending on rnd 12.

For a taller hat, or fold-up brim work extra rounds of the pattern before starting the crown decreases.

Crown: Change to double pointed needles when needed.
Rnd 1: Knit

Rnd 2: K3, k2tog, * K6, k2tog; repeat from * to last 3sts, k3 

Rnd 3: K2, k2tog, * K5, k2tog; repeat from * to last 3sts, k3 

Rnd 4: K1, k2tog, * K4, k2tog; repeat from * to last 3sts, k3

Rnd 5: K2tog, * K3, k2tog; repeat from * to last 3sts, k3

Rnd 6: K1, * K2tog; repeat from * until 12,[9,6] sts remain.

Finishing: Cut 12” yarn and thread end through remaining stitches.  Pull together, and tie off neatly.

 
This pattern is available on MarilynnsGardenKnitDesign.blogspot.com

Simply Chevron Hat pattern pdf is available on Ravelry.com

Copyright 2015, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 10-22-15

For pattern support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com

Sew What? Mermaid's Tail Sofa Snuggler

Yes, this is my knitting blog, but sometimes fleece and sewing seem like a better choice!
My Roller Derby daughter asked for a mermaid's tail blanket like she'd seen on Pinterest. There are some beautiful patterns to knit and crochet, but I'd rather sew this project because I'd be making a mermaid's tail for my daughter and two grand-daughters. (And a sparkle costume for the NH grand-daughter.)



Let me share the process:

I made a trip to JoAnn's.  With sales & coupon magic, I spent $36.  The pattern was 40% = $9. The fleece kit, and fabric were 50% = $10 + $10.  I also bought some sparkle fabric to make the NH grand-daughter a Halloween costume.  (Next time, I'd purchase 2 yards fleece, and/or the 60"x72" kit.  Mermaids have long tails!) 

I came home, gathered supplies, and unfolded the pattern. The adult pattern was very large so I opted to use the children's, and placed it on fabric not concerned that it was also very wide.  I used pattern for the adult tail.

I folded the fleece right-sides together lengthwise 24"x 60", and again 12" x 60".
I placed and pinned the pattern. I trimmed the fabric around the bottom of the tail and fin.
(Next time, folded to 24"x72", and 12"x72".  Place the pattern at the bottom, leaving the extra fabric above the pattern. Mermaids have long tails!)

I continued to work with the right-sides together sewing the tail and fin.  I also zig-zag stitched the tail, but not the fin. 

Then I turned the work right-side out. I top stitched the edge and interior of the fin. 

 I took the work to the sofa.  Great fit for me, but as you remember from other posts, I am not 5' tall. These girls are 5'5".  Finished snuggler: 47" circumference, 60" length, but only 48" available for tail.  I did some thinking, and remembered most lap blankets are 72" long.

To solve that problem, I made a second trip to JoAnn's.  With sales & coupon magic, I spent an additional $14.  I purchase a yard of the chevron fabric, on the left, so I could  fussy cut an 18"strip centering the two blue chevrons.  The fabric, to the right, I cut in half creating two 48"x18" strips to sew at the top of the two tails. 

 Finished measurements: 47" circumference, 77" length, with 65" available for the tail. 

These are the finished Mermaid's Tail Sofa Snugglers.

Copyright 2015, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 10/4/15

For content support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com

(And a sparkle costume for the NH grand-daughter.)

Ballet Wrap - Lots of Love

The Ballet Wrap - Lots of Love works well in worsted weight acrylic, cotton, or wool blend. The wrap can be finished in a weekend or two, and makes a perfect gift or accessory for any little dancer. This may be considered an intermediate level pattern because you'll be making yoke increases and following a chart simultaneously. The wrap is designed to fit a 4 or 5 year old, but can easily be made larger with more yoke increases. 

Finished sizes: Child: 22” chest, 10” height neck to hem, 9” sleeve

Gauge: Size US#8, 4.5 stitches = 1”; size US#7, 5 stitches = 1”   Adjust needle size to match gauge.

Materials: Yarn: acrylic, cotton or wool blend in worsted weight; 315 yards,170grams

Photo: Ballet Wrap Lots of Love was knit in Caron Simply Soft; 100% acrylic (This size required one skein.)

Needles: Size US#7 and US#8, 16”, 24” circular needles, and/or sets double pointed needles

Use your choice of two circular needles, or set of double pointed needles for the sleeves (I prefer working both sleeves at the same time, using the two circular needles.)

Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle

Abbreviations: CO=cast on      K=knit      KFB=knit front&back     k2tog=knit 2 stitches together      k2togtbl=knit 2 stitches together through the back loop      p=purl      p2tog=purl 2 stitches together      pm=place marker      rm=remove marker      sm=slip marker      Rnd=round      sts=stitches      RS=right side      WS=wrong side      yo=yarn over

Ballet Wrap Directions

Yoke: With size #7, 24” circular needles, CO 31 sts. Do not join, work back and forth in rows.

Set up(WS): Knit3, pm, k5, pm, knit15, pm, k5, pm, k3 (garter stitch neckband)

Row 1(RS): KFB, k2, sm, KFB, k3, KFB, sm, KFB, k13, KFB, sm, KFB, k3, KFB, sm, k1, KFB, k1    (39sts)

Row 2 (WS): Knit

Row 3(RS): KFB, k3, sm, KFB, k5, KFB, sm, KFB, k15, KFB, sm, KFB, k5, KFB, sm, k2, KFB, k1    (47sts)

Row 4(WS): Knit

To insert the Lots of Love Heart, find the center back, and count back 8sts, place a different colored marker, count through the 15sts, and place yet another marker. (My markers were placed at 16st and 31sts, framing the chart, and I'm going to work rows 5,6 just one time before starting the chart.) When working the Row 5 increases, as the first colorful marker arrives, follow the chart. Check your work as your approach the 2nd colorful marker, then continue working Row 5 increases. (Work the chart through row 17.)

Row 5(RS): With size #8, 24”circular needles, Knit 3, yo, * knit to 1stitch before marker, yo, k, sm, k, yo; repeat from * to last 3sts, yo, k3

Row 6(WS): Purl

Repeat Rows 5 - 6 a total of 12 times.           (10 sts increased on RS rows, creating 167sts)

Work the WS row: Purl

Divide Body and Sleeves:

RS: Knit 3, yo, knit to 1st marker, sm, slip33 sleeve sts onto holder, rm, CO3 underarm sts, k43 across back, rm, slip33 sleeve sts onto holder, CO3 underarm sts, sm, knit to last 3sts, yo, k3 (front 30sts, back 49sts, front 30sts= 109sts)

WS: Purl. Snug the underarm stitches.           (109sts)

Body:

Row 1 (RS): Knit 3, yo, knit to last 3 sts, yo, k3

Row 2 (WS): Purl

Repeat Body Rows 1-2

If working the body plain, complete Rows 1-2 a total of 14 times. (front 44sts, back 49sts, front 44sts= 137sts, about 5.5” from underarm)

If inserting Lots of Love Hearts, repeat Rows 1-2 just a total of 4 times, about 1.5” from underarm. To insert the Lots of Love Hearts, find the center back, and count back 8sts, place a different colored marker, count through the 15sts, and place yet another marker. Continue counting 15sts, and placing markers. Repeat counting 15sts, and placing markers on the other side. (My markers were placed at 6sts, pm,(15sts, pm)7times, then 6sts to end = 117sts. I also removed the underarm/side markers.) When working Row 1, remember to start with the Knit 3, yo, as the colorful markers arrive, follow the chart. Check your work as you approach the next colorful marker, then continue to repeat the chart, and remember the yo, k3 edge. Also enjoy the front edges of the wrap growing, without partial hearts making an appearance. Repeat Body Rows 1-2 a total of 10 more times to complete the chart through row 20. (137sts, about 5.5” from underarm)

Bottom Border:

Row 21(RS): K3, yo, knit (removing markers) to last 3sts, yo, k3

With size#7, 24”circular needle, work the garter stitch lace border by following Rows 22 - 28 of Chart, and remembering to include the K3, yo and yo, k3 edges.

Row 22(WS): P4, knit to last 4sts, p4

Row 23(RS): K3, yo, knit to last 3 sts, yo, k3

Row 24(WS): P3, * p2tog, yo, p1; repeat from * to last 3sts, p3 (This happens to be a wrong side row. Follow the  written directions to create the desired eyelet on the right side.)

Row 25(RS): K3, yo, knit to last 3 sts, yo, k3

Row 26(WS): P4, knit to last 4sts, p4

Row 27(RS): K3, yo, knit to last 3 sts, yo, k3

Row 28(WS): P4, knit to last 4sts, p4 (145sts)

Row 29(RS): With size#8 needle, Bind Off loosely in knit.

Ties:

With size#7 double pointed needles, pick up 3sts on the inside corner of bottom border/hem, and make a 3stitch I-Cord, 24” long. Repeat for other side.

Second option: With size#7 double pointed needles, make two 3stitch I-Cords, 24” long. Secure the I-Cords to the inside corner of bottom border/hem of the wrap.

Third option: (no I-Cord) Sew buttons along one side of the front border. The eyelets will be used as button holes.

Sleeves:

Move 33 stitches from holder onto size#8 circular/or double pointed needles. Pick up and knit 10 sts from underarm, pm, and join to work in the round. 43sts

Rnds 1-4: Knit

Rnd 5: K1, k2tog, knit to last 2 sts before marker, k2tog

Repeat Rnds 1-5 a total of 5 times.                (33sts)

Work even until sleeve measures 8” from underarm.

Cuff:

With #7needles, work the garter stitch lace border by following Chart rows 22 – 28. (You'll be working in the round on the RS. It will be easier to follow the chart.)

Rnd 22: Purl

Rnd 23: Knit

Rnd 24: * K1, yo, k2tog; repeat to end

Rnd 25: Knit

Rnd 26: Purl

Rnd 27: Knit

Rnd 28: Purl

Rnd 29: With #8 needle, Bind Off loosely in knit.    

Repeat for other sleeve.

Finishing: Weave in all the tails.

Heart Chart Directions: 

Row 1(RS): K2, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, k2tog tbl, k1, k2tog, yo, k1, yo,    k2tog tbl, k2

Rows 2-20 even (WS):p15

Row 3(RS): K1, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, k3tog, yo, k3, yo, k2tog tbl, k1

Row 5(RS)): K1, k2tog, yo, k4, yo, k2tog tbl, k3, yo, k2tog tbl, k1

Row 7(RS): K1, k2tog, yo, k9, yo, k2tog tbl, k1

Row 9(RS): K3, yo, k2tog tbl, k5, k2tog, yo, k3

Row 11(RS): K4, yo, k2tog tbl, k3, k2tog, yo, k4

Row 13(RS): K5, yo, k2tog tbl, k1, k2tog, yo, k5

Row 15 (RS): K6, yo, k3tog, yo, k6

Row 17(RS): K7, yo, k2tog tbl, k6

Row 19(RS): K15

Let me share a few photos of the work in progress:

I gathered supplies.  This size used just one skein of yarn.

I worked the yoke with a heart centered in the back.

I used size US #4, 16" circular needles as the stitch holders for the sleeves.

 

I worked rows 1 - 21 of the chart to create the heart detail. Then moved/knitted the work to size US #7 needles to complete the garter stitch lace border. 

I used a size US #8 needle to bind off.

I picked up stitches, and knitted both I-Cords on the same needle by working the yarn from the inside and out of the skein.

I picked up the stitches, and worked both sleeves.  As I was getting near the end of the skein, I carefully unwound the remaining yarn, found the center, and rewound.  Then moved to size US #7 needles to work the cuff.

I used a size US #8 needle to bind off.  

Ballet Wrap Lots of Love

is available at MarilynnsGardenKnitDesign.blogspot.com

Intwined Pattern Studio pdf available at Ravelry.com

Copyright 2015, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 9/1/15

For pattern support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com

Dessert First Cowl

This was looking like a great pattern, and I was excited to get started on the cowl. I thought I'd found yarn with plenty of magenta to keep me happy, but here I go again. As I neared the center of the skein, I just didn't care for the white/bright strand following the teal/green. To solve that problem, I broke the yarn, and started knitting again with the teal.  All of this reminded me of being a kid. When given an oatmeal cookie, I'd take a look, pick out the raisins, politely I hope, eat the cookie, and have a little stack of raisins on my napkin, ready to be thrown away.  While my children were growing up, I do not think we had raisins in the house, and we solved the cookie problem with this  Choc-Oat Chip cookie recipe.   And now I have another problem, no kids to help eat that batch of cookies, so first things first, let me give you a great  1/2 recipe.  

Choc-Oat Chip Cookie 1/2 Recipe

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter - softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 Tbs milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/4 cup Quaker Oats
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup nuts - chopped

preheat oven to 375F.
Beat together butter and sugars until creamy.     Add eggs, milk and vanilla; beat well.
Add flour, baking soda and salt; mix well.     Stir in oats, chocolate chips and nuts.
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto cookie sheet.
Bake 9-10 minutes  at 375F.
Cool 1 minute on cookie sheet; remove to wire rack. Cool completely, and store in container.

Makes about 2 dozen Choc-Oat Chip Cookies.

Dessert First Cowl

Marilynn Blacketer '15

The Dessert First Cowl is a companion to the the Dessert First Mitts and Hat. The Fancy Cable is fun to work, and the knitter is given the choice of a few vertical cables working their way toward the top, or fancy cables throughout. The cowl can be knit in a weekend, or two, making it the perfect gift or accessory. This may be considered an intermediate level pattern because knowledge of cables is helpful. If finished neatly, the cowl is interestingly reversible!

Finished sizes:

Large : flat 36”, stretches to 48”circumference, height 8”

Small: flat 16”, stretches to 24”circumference, height 10”

Gauge: 4.5 stitches = 1” It's a cowl, check yarn label, and softness of fabric is more important.

Materials:

Yarn: cotton or wool blend in worsted weight

Large : 400 yard/ 7oz;       Small: 200 yards/ 3.5 oz

Photo: Dessert First Cowl is knit in Universal Yarn Classic Shades worsted;

70% acrylic/ 30% wool; 197 yards / 100 grams color #726 Pompidou (2 skeins)

Needles: Size US#8, 24”or 16” circular needles, Size US#9 needle for Bind Off

Notions: Stitch markers, cable needle, tapestry needle

Abbreviations: CO = cast on       k=knit      p=purl       cn=cable needle       pm = place marker

Rnd/s=round/s       sts=stitches      c8B=cable 8 Back        c8F=cable 8 Front

Special Stitches:

c8B = cable 8 Back = slip 4sts to cn and hold in back, work 4sts on left needle as presented

(k1, p2, k1), work sts from cn as presented (k1, p2, k1)

c8F = cable 8 Front = slip 4sts to cn and hold in front, work 4sts on left needle as presented

(k1, p2, k1), work sts from cn as presented (k1, p2, k1)

Special Stitches: Fancy Cable (these 20 stitches and 10 rounds make the fancy cable)

Rnds 1-9: * Knit 2, purl 2; repeat from * to end

Rnd 10: K1, c8B, c8F, k1, p2

Directions: Directions are written for size large [small directions are in brackets] (Notes in Italic)

With size US#8, 24”[16”] circular needles, use long-tail cast-on method, cast on 240 [120]stitches.

Place marker & join together by knitting first stitch being careful not to twist.

Cowl:

(the first 20 stitches and 10 rounds make the Fancy Cable)

Rnds 1- 9: * Knit 2, purl 2; repeat from * to end

Rnd 10: * K1, c8B, c8F, k1, p2, (k2, p2) ten times, pm; repeat from * to end        (60st repeat)

Optional Extra Fancy Rnd 10:* K1, c8B, c8F, k1, p2, pm; repeat from * to end    (24st repeat)

Work cowl with Fancy Cable pattern for 8” [10”] ending on rnd 9.

For a taller cowl work extra rounds of pattern before starting the bind off.

With size US#9 needle, Bind Off loosely in pattern.

Finishing:Cut 12” yarn, tie off neatly, and weave in tails for a very reversible cowl.

Fancy Cable Chart

Key:(Rnd 10) knit , cable8B >//<, cable8F >\\<, k , purl - , p -

This pattern is available on MarilynnsGardenKnitDesign.blogspot.com

pattern pdf is available on Ravelry.com (login needed)

Copyright 2015, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 5/1/15

For pattern support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com 

Here are a few photos of the project in progress:

 

This pattern is available on MarilynnsGardenKnitDesign.blogspot.com

pattern pdf is available on Ravelry.com (login needed)

Copyright 2015, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 5/1/15

For pattern support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com

 

Brioche Basic Beanie Let's Bark & Burp!

Why does beautiful Brioche have such amusing acronyms for the stitches? Well, it just does.   As you knit a stitch with its yarn over, that's called brioche knit, also known as a bark.   In the next round, you'll purl a stitch with its yarn over, and that's a brioche purl, also know as a burp.    Once you are familiar with working in Brioche, you can make increases, decreases, cables, and more.  As I tried working a couple hat patterns, I soon noticed I was not familiar enough with Brioche to do any of those, so I developed this pattern, to practice basic Brioche, and would like to share it with you.  

 Brioche Basic Beanie

Marilynn Blacketer '15

 Brioche for beginners! I thought we might benefit from a really basic Brioche beanie pattern with lots of Brioche, and a quick crown. The beanie is designed to be very tall, creating a deep fold-up brim to highlight the reversible brilliance of Brioche. Although the pattern is titled basic, this may be considered an intermediate level pattern because knowledge of stitch construction, and research about Brioche is helpful.

Finished size:

Adult: flat18”, stretches to 24”circumference; height 10”

Child: flat 16”, stretches to 22”circumference; height 8”

Infant: flat 14”, stretches to 20” circumference; height 6”

Gauge:

Worsted, #5 needles, loose Brioche stitch: 5 stitches = 1”

Materials: Yarn: superwash wool in 2 colors

MC = Main Color for the front of work and the knit stitches

CC = Contrasting Color for the back of work and purl stitches. (I used purple for purl!)
Adult: 200 yards /3.5oz; MC 100 yards and CC 100 yards

Child: 180 yards /3.25oz; MC 90 yards and CC 90 yards

Infant: 160 yards /3 oz; MC 80 yards and CC 80 yards

Photo: size Adult: MC: Worsted Merino Superwash Solids by Plymouth Yarn; 100% Merino wool;

218 yards/ 100grams; color #7 soft gray CC: Painted Sky by Knitting Fever; 100% Superwash Wool; 218 yards/ 3.52oz; color #205 Wine Violet (this project used 210 yards/104grams of yarn)

 Needles:

Size US #8, 16” circular needles (one size larger than yarn label recommendation for CO)

Size US #5, 16” circular needles, (two sizes smaller than yarn label recommendation for beanie)

and Size US#5 set of double pointed needles

Notions: Stitch markers, needle caps, tapestry needle

(I used a very small “end of round” marker, to avoid a tangle in the first BrK. When I set down my work, I used green needle caps if working a knit round, and purple caps for a purl round.)

Abbreviations: CO = cast on      CC = contrasting color      MC = main color       k = knit       p = purl k2tog = knit 2 stitches together      Rnd/s = round/s       sl = slip all stitches purlwise      st/s = stitch/es BrK = brioche knit       BrP = brioche purl      BrK2tog = brioche knit 2stitches together

sl,yof = slip one stitch, yarn over&forward      yf, slyo = yarn forward, slip one stitch&yarn over needle

Special Stitches:

BrK = brioche knit,“bark”= Knit the MCslipped stitch together with its CCyarn over.

BrP = brioche purl, “burp”= Purl the CCslipped stitch together with its MCyarn over.

BrK2tog = brioche knit 2 stitches together = MCslipped stitch and CCyarn over are considered one stitch, together with the CCpurl (you'll have 3 loops), knit those “2” stitches together.

yf, slyo = Bring the MCworking yarn under the needle to the front of the work, slip the CCstitch purlwise. Then bring the MCyarn over the needle(and over the CCslipped stitch)to the back, ready to work the BrK. This “yf,slyo” is considered one stitch.

sl, yof = slip one stitch, yarn over&forward = With the CCyarn already in front, slip the MCstitch purlwise, then bring the CCyarn over the needle(and over the MCslipped stitch), and under the needle to the front, ready to work the BrP. This “sl, yof” is considered one stitch.

Resources/ Research:

(I found “2- Color Brioche Knitting on Circular Needles”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgRgfCgQTPA; to be very helpful. If you knit continental, watch Brioche Stitch with Nancy Wynn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TjJelUaxog.)

KnittingBrioche, by Nancy Marchant is an excellent resource for inspiration and getting started.

KnittingWithout Tears, by Elizabeth Zimmerman, p95-97, A Watchcap is knit in the flat, but offers a quick look into Brioche.

Directions: Directions are written for size adult [child, infant are in brackets] (Notes are in italic)

With MC, size US#8needles, use the long-tail cast-on method, loosely cast on 72 [64, 56] stitches.

Place marker & join together by knitting first stitch being careful not to twist.

Continue with MC, size US#5needles, knit one round.


Set up round:

With size US#5needles, leave MC in back, introduce/pull CC to front, * sl, yof, p1; repeat to end.

(With CCyarn toward the front, slip MCstitch, bring CCyarn over needle and to the front, purl 1 stitch)

 

 Hat: (Work hat with size US#5needles)

Rnd 1: with MC, * BrK, yf, slyo; repeat to end

(MC BrK, MCyarn forward, slip CCstitch and bring MCyarn over top needle, ready to BrK again.)

(The very last stitch of the round: MCyarn forward, slip CCstitch, and the MC will just flop)

Rnd 2: with CC in front, * Sl, yof, BrP; repeat to end

(with CCyarn in front, slip MCstitch, bring CCyarn over needle and to the front, CC BrP)

(The very last stitch of the round: be sure to hold-up the floppy MCstitch to work the BrP. Then tuck the MCyarn under the needle tips, ready to slip the marker, and BrK the first stitch of the next round.)

 

Complete Hat rounds 1- 2 until hat reaches desired height,11” [9”, 7”] ending on rnd 2.

(Work hat with Brioche rounds 1 & 2 for 

11”[ 9”, 7”] ending on rnd 2.

For a shorter “cap”, work fewer rounds of Brioche before starting the crown. This pattern has a quick crown decrease, adding no height to the finished hat.)

Crown Decreases as follows: (Work stitches on double pointed needles when needed.)

Rnd 1: with MC, BrK 1, *BrK2tog; repeat from * to end, k1 (the last purl stitch)

(MC BrK just once, then repeat BrK2tog = brioche knit 2 stitches together = MCslipped stitch and CCyarn over are considered one stitch, together with the CCpurl (you'll have 3 loops), knit those “2” stitches together. Repeat to the end, but you'll find one remaining purl, knit that stitch.)

Rnd 2: Remove marker, with MC, *K2tog; repeat from * until 10sts remain.

Finishing: Cut 12” yarn and thread end through remaining 10 stitches.

Pull together, and tie off neatly for a very reversible hat. Weave in ends.

This pattern is available on MarilynnsGardenKnitDesign.blogspot.com

Pattern pdf is available at Ravelry.com (login needed)

Copyright 2015, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 4/15/15

For pattern support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com

  

Let me share the back story:
Ravelry Notes: 3/28/15  Brioche challenge! The manager of the LYS Creative Beginnings has been working on an intriguing Brioche cowl. She also shared a magazine,  cast on, Nov'14-Jan'15, with the article "Best of Brioche".  Arriving home, I started a Brioche hat pattern search, and printed two. I really read details, and project notes. Many notes said, check You-Tube. I found “2- Color Brioche Knitting on Circular Needles” to be the most helpful. If you knit continental, watch Brioche Stitch with Nancy Wynn. I also read project notes about Brioche and Fisherman’s Rib (working a stitch below the stitch), and took another look at my Knitting Without Tears by Elizabeth Zimmermann. Years ago, I had knit the “Prime Rib” watchcap. It was worked in the flat with one color. It was challenging, but fun.

With that, I got started, twice, and this was the third (free pattern) attempt to work a Brioche hat. I really liked the Gina's Brioche Hat and Cowl pattern by Purl Soho. I liked the rolled edge and great explanation for introducing the second color. I was off to a great start.  Modifications/notes:
#8 needles, CO 64sts, (brim 16” circumference)
#6 needles to knit 5 rounds, and work the Brioche hat.
Color B = green; Color A = purple for purl!
I used a very small “end of round” marker, to avoid a tangle in the first BK2tog. When I set down my work, green needle caps if working a knit round, and purple caps if it was a purl round. I kept working a few more inches (5.5"), then work the crown decreases. 

The public library called. Knitting Brioche, by Nancy Marchant arrived through the inter-library search! I walked to the library!

3/29/15 Finished! I was pleased I had the Knitting Brioche because the author said to use  "hanging markers for placement of decreases." I did that for the decrease sequence. With other stash yarn, I also CO 64sts, worked just a few rounds of Brioche, then worked the decreases three attempts/times to be happy with the look and feel. Modifications: (64sts)Started at rnd 4: p3tog for the purl rounds. I didn’t get the raised ridges as in the photo, but p3tog kept the “working in established pattern” established! I was very pleased with the project, and selected yarn for another.