Simple Pleasures Hat
For this hat, I wanted to use the most luxurious fibers I could get my hands on and to let the yarn speak for itself by keeping the shape casual and the design simple. Jade Sapphire’s 2 Ply Cashmere Silk answered the call. Doubled for the cuff and combined with a laceweight mohair (Rowan’s Kid Silk Haze or Alchemy’s Haiku) for the crown, the Cashmere Silk is one of Purl’s gems. It is unbelievably soft and supple; it’s beautifully hand dyed; its materials are of unparalleled quality; and it’s surprisingly affordable. Whenever I knit with it, I spend as much time admiring what I’ve knit as I do actually knitting!
If you’ve never knit a hat before, this is a wonderful place to start. You will learn to knit in the round (with circular needles), but can delay the dreaded double pointed needles because they’re not necessary for this pattern. Even if you’ve knit hundreds of hats, this may be welcome news!
To get started, please visit keep on reading. If the yellow mittens are catching your eye, check out last March’s EZ’s Mitts entry – it’s a great time of year to be thinking about mittens! -Whitney
Update: A New Simple Pleasures Hat
AUGUST 2012
Over the years, thanks to the feedback of our wonderful readers, we found that dropping down a couple of needle sizes is a good idea. Cashmere blooms quite a bit with wear, so at first, the 14 1/2-inch circumference may seem a bit small, but after a wear or two, it will feel just right! For more information on the New Simple Pleasures Hat, click here.
Update: Our Newest Simple Pleasures Hat
February 14, 2020
Our Simple Pleasures Hat is surely simple and definitely a pleasure. Super soft, slightly slouchy, and 100% lovely, it’s one of our favorite hats around! Now knit at a slightly different gauge using our Line Weight and Tussock, this beloved Purl Soho classic is back and better than ever! View the updated pattern here!
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Whitney Van Nes.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, and #PurlSohoSimplePleasuresHat. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- 1 ball of Rowan’s Kid Silk Haze, 70% super kid mohair and 30% silk. This color is “Majestic”, #589. (For more color options, consider Alchemy’s Haiku mohair/silk blend. The equivalent gauge of Kid Silk Haze, it’s a beautifully hand dyed alternative.)
- 1 skein of Jade Sapphire’s 2 Ply Cashmere-Silk, 45% cashmere and 55% silk. This is color is “Tea Leaves”.
- A US 8 (5 mm), 16-inch circular needle
- A US 9 (5.5 mm), 16-inch circular needle
- A tapestry needle
Shop our wonderful collection of lace-weight yarn to find a suitable substitute for this project, and remember that it’s always a good idea to check your gauge before you cast on… Our All About Gauge Tutorial shows you how!
Gauge
4.75 stitches = 1 inch in stockinette stitch, using the larger needle and 1 strand of cashmere silk and 1 strand of mohair
Size
18 inches in circumference, unstretched. To fit an average woman’s head.
Notes
For this pattern, I call the Cashmere Silk “Yarn A”. (It is doubled for the cuff.) I call the Mohair “Yarn B”. (For the crown, one strand of Yarn A is combined with with one strand of Yarn B.)
To double Yarn A, either wind the skein into two balls and pull one strand from each ball. Or, wind a center-pull ball (by hand or, more easily, on a swift) and pull one strand from the inside of the ball and one from the outside.
Pattern
Cuff
Using 2 strands of Yarn A, cast 92 stitches onto the smaller needle. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Join for working in the round, being careful to not twist the stitches. Place marker to indicate the end of the round.
Round 1: *K2, p2, repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat Round 1 until the piece measures 6 inches from the cast on edge.
Crown
Cut one of the strands of Yarn A and add one strand of Yarn B (so that you’re knitting with one strand of A and one strand of B).
Change to the larger needle, and knit every round until the crown measures 7 inches from the top edge of the cuff.
Next Round: *K2, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. (69 stitches)
Knit 2 rounds.
Next Round: *K1, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. (46 stitches)
Knit 2 rounds.
Next Round: *K2tog, repeat from * to end of round. (23 stitches) (This round will be a little tight on the circular needle. Feel free to switch to double pointed needles if you want, but I didn’t find it necessary.)
Finish
Cut a 12 inch tail and thread it onto a tapestry needle.
Thread the tail through the remaining 23 stitches.
Remove the circular needle and pull the tail tight. Thread the tail through the center top to the inside of the hat.
Weave in all the tails. (Remember to weave in the cast on tail on the right side because the cuff will be worn folded up.)The hat looks a little funny…
…but starts to look a little less funny when you fold the cuff…
…and then looks totally cute when you put it on!
Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our free knitting patterns and knitting tutorials, buy one of our many knitting kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!
I think this is so pretty, yet simple. Its a great idea to use the two different yarns.
Awesome job Whit! It’s beautiful! I can’t want to make this!!!
whit’ … it’s a deliciously beautiful hat … what color is the koigu kpppm of the sweater … and when did that get whipped up?! … 😉 … kisses … kisses … kisses …
Very nice pattern! And yes, totally cute when you put it on! Can’t wait to make this one. 🙂
I loved the mittens in March, and I still love them now! Might have to get started on some of those, too. Thanks for the post!
Thank you for the pattern. The hat looks very nice and the pattern seems easy. I have been following your blog for a little while. Thanks for the nice posts as well.
Love the hat and am anxiously awaiting everything to be back in stock at Purl to make it! Just lovely…
Beautiful project… this will be my holiday indulgence. Can you tell me what pattern you used to make your sweater?
I love this hat. I made it really fast in just one day. It’s so cozy. Thanks for the great pattern!
I love it, I think I might make it for somebody as a Christmas gift!
Lovely!
this is so great! its cute, fancy and easy (looking, im such a beginner!) all at once 😀 thanks for the pattern!
Could you please tell me what pattern that sweater is from and the yarn too…Thanks
Has anyone made this hat for a man? Would it just be and inch or two more in circumference?
Thanks,
Hi Becky,
Yes, that should do it! Good luck!
Thank you so much.
I love this more and more. It is indeed simple – and beautiful.
im giving it a shot with dpns and a more chunky yarn. why the pattern uses #8 needles if the yarn looks so thin in the picture? if it comes out nice im gonna use the cashmere blend im saving for something special since im a beginner and i dont wanna make a mess with it.
wow! this is such a great pattern! so simple and really beautiful. i made this hat in just a couple of days, and though mine is chunkier and a lot less elegant than yours, it’s still really cute! i made mine with stripes and i put a big pom-pom on the end. it’s a great winter hat because it’s really warm. thank you so much!! 🙂
Il est vraiment très joli ce bonnet et il a l’air très confortable.
I’m a bit of a beginner and am a little confused with using two strands of the same yarn–do you cut the whole skein in half, do you just double it while making it into a ball? I can get my head around knitting with two SEPARATE yarns, but I’m getting a little confused with two of the same. 🙂
Hi Lydia,
The easiest way to do it is to make a ball where you can pull from both ends of the yarn at once (this is most easily accomplished by winding the ball on a ball winder, you pull one strand from the outside of the ball and one from the center). If you can’t do this, you can instead wind two balls of the yarn and pull one strand from each ball. You won’t need to make two equal halves, maybe one ball that is approximately 1/3 of the total length and the other approximately 2/3.
Hope this helps!
Thanks so much! I ended up doing the two balls and I’m finishing up the cuff tonight which is great because tomorrow is my day off and we just got a lot of snow here in Massachusetts, so now my head can be warm and cozy!
Sorry, this is probably common knowledge, but what’s the purpose of knitting the band of the hat on a smaller needle, and then the rest on a larger needle?
Thanks!
I just finished this for a friend’s birthday, and I don’t think I’ll be giving it to her. I put it on to see how it looked and I don’t want to take it off even long enough to weave in the ends. It is so cute and incredibly comfortable – thank you!!!!!!
How does a doubled up lace weight work on a size 8 needle? I tried this and it looks nothing like it. What am I doing wrong?
Hi Heather,
Without knowing what yarn you are using, or being able to check your gauge, it's going to be a bit of guesswork to help you figure out what is wrong. But here are a few pointers to help you get going in the right direction:
Make sure that you are getting the required gauge, which is 4.75 stitches per inch in stockinette. If your gauge is looser, you will need to go down in needle size, if it is tighter, you will need to go up in needle size.
The other issue is that one of the yarns that Whitney used is mohair which “blooms” when it is knit, filling in the space between the stitches. So you'll want one of your yarns to have this property.
Please let us know if this helps, or if you need further assistance.
Good luck!
Hi, want to know pattern for the sweater, yarn and color for the sweater too, thanks, Rita
Hi Rita,
The sweater is just a simple raglan that I knit up without a pattern, although if there is enough interest I may have to write it down and post it!
The yarn I used was Koigu's KPPM which is here: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/409-Koigu-Wool-Designs-Koigu-Painters-Palette-Premium-Merino-KPPPM . I no longer know which color it was exactly, and unfortunately it can be very hard to find an old Koigu colorway – sometimes they make a color only once!
Thank you for your questions!
Whitney
I want to make this with just one ball of yarn, is this possible? Would I use a worsted to get the same effect just with plain wool?
Hi Anon –
I'm not sure whether your one ball is long enough to make the hat. I would guess that you'd be safe with 200 yards of yarn, so check your label to see if you have enough.
And, sorry to say, I'm also not sure whether your worsted will work. It depends on whether it's a light or heavy worsted. The gauge of this pattern is 4 3/4 stitches to the inch which is a light worsted weight. I recommend doing a gauge swatch with what you have to see if it will work. Here's our tutorial on knitting gauge swatches: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/swatch-tutorial/
Good luck and thanks for your question!
Whitney
This pattern is super easy, if not a bit boring to knit, and turned out great. I used Lion Brand Amazing yarn in Olympia (wool/acrylic blend) instead but followed the pattern otherwise and it turned out lovely, with just the right amount of fuzz that you got from the mohair. I like that since the yarn I used has bands of subtle color changes it added some interest to the plain stockinette. Since the pattern is so basic I can see how it's perfect to show off a beautiful yarn. Thanks so much for sharing this pattern, I can see this becoming a favorite hat!
Hi, Whitney,
I would LOVE to have the pattern for the Koigu raglan sweater! as pictured here. It looks like it is so cute with the Koigu yarn. Even though the original yarn lot is not available, there are plenty of beautiful choices. I have used Koigu in the past, but not for a sweater. I love this yarn.
Thank you!
Hello Whitney,
I am wondering which cast on method you used for this hat? Thanks to you and all the folks at Purl Bee for putting together such a nice blog! This is one of my very favorite places to visit on the Web.
All the best,
Angela
i was quite surprised to see that the yarns that the hat was made of are no longer available. Do you have another recommendation?
Hi Raynetta.
Both the yarns for the New Simple Pleasures Hat are available! You can click on the yarns listed at the top of the post or on the links listed below.
https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/614-Jade-Sapphire-2-ply-Cashmere
https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/1025-Alchemy-Haiku
Thanks,
Laura
Hi Phyddy,
Even though I was eight months pregnant in that photo, that sweater sprung right back into shape, and I still wear it and love it! Koigu is amazing!
I knit this sweater without a pattern, but you could easily replicate it with Ann Budd's fabulous book, The Knitter's Hand Book of Sweater Patterns: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/597-Interweave-Press-The-Knitters-Handy-Book-of-Sweater-Patterns . It has basic patterns for five sweater types (drop shoulder, raglan, yoke, saddle shoulder and set in sleeve) in tons of sizes and gauges. That's how I learned to make my own sweaters, and it's a great place to start!
Thanks for asking!
Whitney
Hi Angela,
Although I know some people get fancier when a ribbing is involved, I almost always just use a simple long tail cast on!
Thank you for your question!
Whitney
Do you have a suggestion for a less expensive replacement for the cashmere wool? I have my 'fuzzy' one ready (think it would work with sequins in?) but I can't afford the other 🙁
Hi Ness-
Any thin fingering weight or a substantial lace weight yarn would work. Swans Island Fingering is a good choice:
https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/6281-Swans-Island-Fingering
As is Anzula Sebastian:
https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/8197-Anzula-Sebastian
Thank you for writing in!
Molly
I knit the original hat, and like you mentioned, it has bloomed and gotten bigger. I was wondering if you had any suggestions on how to “shrink” it so that it's a little more snug when wearing. Can I wash it in hot water?
I am also planning to knit the new smaller-needle version. I love this hat!
Hi Whit,
How many skeins of KPPPM do you think are needed for a sweater like the one you are wearing on the photo? I know the answer can't be too precise, but I am just wondering if it is around 10 or 15 or???
All best and thanks,
ida
HI Melissa,
You could try a little light felting which is caused more by agitation than hot water actually. So try popping it in the washing machine for a few minutes of the wash cycle. Check on your hat's progress very often, there's no going back!
Thanks for your question. I hope it works out!
Whitney
Hi Ida,
No, not that many! I think I used 7 skeins for about a 38-inch chest. I also knit it a little bit loose at 6 stitches to the inch or so. It sounds like you already know this, but just a little warning that nothing is more upsetting than not having enough Koigu! It's so difficult to find more of your same colorway, and when you do, it often looks really different. So, buy more than you think you'll need, don't wind it all into balls, save your receipt and exchange what you don't use!
Thanks for asking!
Whitney
I just knit this hat in red wool for my first non-flat item, and I love it!! Thank you so much for sharing this and giving me a good starting point that doesn't use scary dpns haha
I'd like to make one of these super Awesome hats with size17 knitting needles for the big bulky look…what do you suggest as far as the pattern goes….?
Hi Kimberly-
If you'd like to use your larger needles we'd suggest finding a different pattern. You can browse all of our free hat patterns here: http://purlbee.squarespace.com/hats-knitting/
Thank you for writing in!
Molly
Hi! Love the look of this hat. I have only knit a few hats and the number of knit sts between the decreases are almost always sequential (i.e., k6, k2tog round followed by k5, k2tog round…. until there's only a few sts left to run the yarn through at the end). What is the purpose of going from k21, k2tog followed by k2, k2tog with 21 sts remaining at the end? Does this particular set of decreases result in a flatter but more gathered top?
Just curious. I'm working on a similar hat but with fingering weight yarn — CO 144 sts and I'm wondering if I can decrease similarly to this pattern and how to work the math on that… Thanks for any insight you can provide!
Hi Wendy,
Four years later, I honestly cannot figure out why I started the crown with that round of k21, k2tog! Although I suppose no harm comes from making those four decreases, they really aren't necessary, and I intend to streamline the pattern.
And to answer your other question, starting the crown with K2, k2tog decreases and ending with lots of stitches is a rapid decrease that does create a bit of a gathered top, which I like for this style of hat (that part was intentional!).
Thanks for your intelligent question! I'm so glad you pointed me in the direction of a very valid improvement!
Whitney
Love this hat! Do you have this pattern written out for a toddlers size?! Thank you!
I'd like to make this hat with your new instructions (smaller needles) but am a bit confused about a new gauge with the size 7 needles in the crown. Do you have a gauge and do I still cast on 92 stitches with the #6 needle? I found this on Ravelry and some knitters used two strands of the cashmere throughout and added the mohair for the crown (3 strands total). Any comments about how the finished product might differ from your original of the crown being just two strands? I have the Jade Sapphire 2-ply cashmere and Shibui Silk Cloud. Thank you! Can't wait to make it…
Hi! I was in a yarn shop near my house and they had a sample of this beautiful hat! I want to try this out using the Blue Sky Alpacas Alpaca Silk. Which has a gauge of 5-6 stiches per inch, 3-5 US. My yarn shop suggested a size 6 needle, I was curious if you had any suggestions about using an even smaller needle on the cuff? Perhaps a 5? Also, would you use less stitches there? I'm not great at conversions so any help would be lovely! 🙂
Hi Jill,
The second version of this hat (the white one) was knit at a gauge of 6 1/4 stitches to the inch. This works up into a very small hat that stretches a whole lot because it is made out of cashmere. The Alpaca Silk also stretches, but not quite to the extent of the cashmere. So, I would suggest following the pattern exactly as written, but with a gauge of about 5 1/2 or 5 3/4 stitches to the inch. Whatever needle size gets you to that gauge is what you should use, and then choose a needle one size smaller for knitting the cuff.
I hope this helps sort things out for you. Please let us know if you have any other questions and thanks for these!
Whitney
How can i adapt the pattern to make this for my daughter who is 9? I've never made a hat before 🙂
Thank you
Darleane
Hi Darleane,
I'm sorry, we don't currently have the resources to adapt patterns to different sizes (unless they are extremely basic). This pattern has a few issues you would have to consider to resize it, so if it's your first hat, you might want to try one that is already sized for a 9-year old, like our Heel Stitch Hat (https://www.purlsoho.com/create/the-purl-bee/2011/9/1/lauras-loop-heel-stitch-hat.html); Winter Hats for Everybody (https://www.purlsoho.com/create/the-purl-bee/2010/11/21/whits-knits-winter-hats-for-everybody.html); Cozy Ear Flap Hat (https://www.purlsoho.com/create/the-purl-bee/2013/3/10/whits-knits-cozy-ear-flap-hat.html); or Super Soft Merino Hats for Everyone (https://www.purlsoho.com/create/the-purl-bee/2012/11/23/whits-knits-super-soft-merino-hats-for-everyone.html).
Please let us know if you have any more questions and good luck!
Whitney
Hi Whitney, did you ever get around to writing up the pattern for that sweater? I love it and am looking for a simple (top down) raglan pattern 🙂
HI Mils,
I never did turn this sweater into a written pattern, but we do have several resources for top-down knitting:
https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/7786-Stewart-Tabori-Chang-Modern-Top-Down-Knitting
https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/8814-Interweave-Press-Top-Down-Sweaters
https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/6122-Schoolhouse-Press-Knitting-from-the-Top-Down
I hope this helps you find what you're looking for! Thanks for your question!
Whitney
Hello there. I will be knitting this hat as a Christmas gift and I am very excited about it, but I am a bit unsure of the needle size that I should be using. The hat will be knitted using Rowan Fine Lace paired with Rowan Kidsilk Haze, but I feel that leaves me somewhere between the original and updated patterns. I don't expect this yarn to bloom like the cashmere, but I haven't used it before and cannot be certain. Which pattern should I use?
Thank you,
Laura E. Pate Bridgers
Hi Laura,
Have you tested your yarns at both gauges? If not, I would recommend that as a staring point, since it can be tricky to predict how two fibers together will behave.
If, once you've seen the two fabrics, you're not happy with either choice, then you can either alter the pattern (if you feel comfortable doing that) or your yarn.
I hope this gets you on the right path. Please let us know if you have any other questions and thanks for this one!
Whitney
Hi there, can you tell me approximately how much of the cashmere and mohair/silk was used? I have some leftovers I would like to use but I'm not sure if I will have enough.
Thanks, Sarah
Hi Sarah,
I'm sorry that I don't have an exact number, but I would guess you'd be safe with 200-250 yards of each yarn!
Thanks for asking and good luck!
Whitney
I just saw the circumference of the hat and it made me a little nervous. I have a big head and a lot of hair, so I cast on 100 instead of 92. But it still looks so small! Should I make it a little bigger? I measured my head with my hair up in a bun and if was about 21in, and should be more with my hair in full frizz mode.
Hi Robin-
The finished measurement for this is 18-inches un-stretched and it will easily fit around a head 21-inches in circumference. Ribbing always looks deceptively small but it stretches a ton!
Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
Womenfolk in my clan have REALLY BIG heads (23 inches). In fact, the updated pattern will likely fit my 10 yr old perfectly, but not the rest of us. (It’s very hard to buy hats, which is why I’m going to learn to knit them after a year of scarves under my belt!)
I understand this yarn/stitch combo “blooms”, but am wondering how many stitches to add. We also get headaches from too-tight hats, but, like Goldilocks, don’t want them too loose, either.
Love all your patterns, wish I were accomplished enough to take on the trickier ones. I need easy patterns for commuter train knitting, and this one looks like the perfect First Hat. Thanks!
Hi Calif Mom,
If you’re using cashmere or a silk-cashmere blend, it really does stretch and grow, but to make the hat a bit bigger you just need to cast on 4 or 8 stitches more. Every four stitches will add slightly less than inch to the circumference (provided you’re getting the correct gauge).
Thanks for asking and please let us know if you have any questions along the way!
Whitney
Hello ~ Gosh this hat looks so lovely! I need one! I've knitted a wool scar using a variegated yarn that goes from medium blue to dark navy. What two colors would u suggest using the cashmere & haiku?
Hi Nancy,
We think that Jade Sapphire's Blue Steel or Slate Blue (for the 2 Ply Cashmere) would go beautifully with Alchemy's Blue Jay (for the Haiku).
Please let us know if you have any other questions and thanks for this one! Sounds beautiful!
Whitney
Hi! I'm planning on making this hat for a second time, but I'd like to skip the mohair and only use the cashmere this time around. Would I need to double the cashmere for the entire hat, and would I need to purchase two skeins instead of just one?
Thanks so much!!
Amy
Hi Amy,
The important thing is that whatever you decide for the crown portion of the hat, it has to knit up to 4 3/4 stitches per inch. So you may need to experiment to see which you prefer: one strand of cashmere would be a bit loose at that gauge and two strands may be a bit tight.
Of course, if you use one strand, one skein would be plenty. If you decide to use two, I think you'd have just enough, but it's close! You might want to buy an extra skein to be sure (if you don't end up needing it, you can exchange it within six months in its original skein).
Please let us know if you have any more questions and thanks for this one!
Whitney
Hi, I love this hat in the Tea Leaves color, but the new yarn option doesn't seem to match the original coloring. Can you give another suggestion? Is there a color in haiku that might look nice with the Pewter color in the cashmere?
Thanks,
Sheryl
Hi Sheryl,
Wow, I agree that our website's photo of the Tea Leaves looks a lot different than the Tea Leaves I used here! You may want to call the warehouse to talk with someone who can put her eyes on the actual skeins available to let you know if any of them are a closer match to this Tea Leaves. The number to call is (800) 597-7875 Monday through Friday 12-6 EST.
Otherwise, I did check with our store team to see what they thought would be a good alternative. They report that the 2 Ply Cashmere in Silver Fox with the Haiku in Amethyst would be close, but lighter; and the 2 Ply Cashmere in Pewter with the Haiku (also) in Pewter would be a grayer, darker choice.
I hope you find something you love! Please let us know if we can help you further and thanks for asking!
Whitney
greetings. wondering if you could help me identify an appropriate yarn (ideally in cashmere still) so that i can make this hat in black. seems as though the black that you used to carry (La Nuit) in Jade Sapphire is no longer available…
thanks!
MJ
Hi MJ-
Thanks so much for getting in touch about this. We do still carry the La Nuit but we seem to be out of stock. If you email customerservice AT purlsoho DOT com they will get in touch with you about when it’s coming back!
Thanks again for your question!
Hi,
I have the materials and am very excited to start, however I am confused by two aspects:
1) in the instructions you indicate to knit every row for the crown, this woud give garter stitch however the hat looks like stockinette. This also applies to the rounds between the decreases, surely those should be purl rows?
2) when you say to knit in the round on a 16′ circular needle do you mean using magic loop? It’s not possible to knit in the round with that size of cord and it’s too short for magic loop.
Thanks for clarifying!
S
Hi SDG-
Thanks for writing in! Here are some answers:
1- When knitting in the round, stockinette stitch is made by knitting every round because you are always on the same side of the stitch.
2- No, this pattern doesn’t use the magic loop method. You can knit a larger than 16-inch circumference on a 16-inch circular needle since the stitches squish up next to each other on the needle.
I have a feeling that once you get going on this pattern everything will seem a lot more clear!
Good luck with the pattern and please let us know if you have any more questions!
Best-
Molly
Thanks, I totally misunderstood the pattern there…however having started the ribbing I did find it challenging to knit in the round so am using magic loop. Maybe my Addi lace long circulars are too long for this, or maybe I just need to learn to knit in the round better!
Thanks for your time and help! Stefi
Hello,
I am quite unsure now. I am knitting with Filatura Crosa Superior held double on 3,5 mm needles, achieving the right gauge of 6,25 AND I have a standard head of 21 inch. But still when casting on it feels like knitting a cowl because it turns out so big when I put it on.
What am I doing wrong?
Thanks for your help!
Regards,
N
Hi Nakuna-
I’m so sorry you’re having problems with this! If you are getting 6.25 stitches per inch and casting on 92 stitches you should be getting the correct size hat. Make sure you don’t just try on the cast on round because it will be very large before you start the ribbing. The ribbing will make it much smaller around. So, if you haven’t, please try doing several inches of the ribbing to see if that solves your issue. And do let us know if you need any more help!
Best-
Molly
I love this hat and have been meaning to make it for a while. I would like to use some leftover Worsted Twist and Line Weight that I have. Do you recommend two strands worsted for the cuff and then, with larger needle, one strand of line weight, one strand of worsted? I may have to do the dreaded swatch gauge!
Oops, I meant to say, what do you think of combining worsted twist and line weight for the entire hat, smaller needle size for ribbing. Thanks.
Hi Catherine!
Worsted Twist is thicker by far than the 2 ply cashmere. You will absolutely need to swatch if you want to use these two yarns together, and if it will work at all, it will only work if you hold 1 strand of worsted twist throughout. The gauge is even very small for the Worsted Twist alone.
Thanks for your question!
Thomas
Hi there,
Apologies in advance if this has been asked already….tried to scroll thru comments but did not find what I’m looking for. Would you be able to tell me what the yarn is that was used for the sweater in the photo?
Hi Tina-
It’s Koigu Painter’s Palette Premium Merino (KPPPM): https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/409-Koigu-Wool-Designs-Koigu-Painters-Palette-Premium-Merino-KPPPM
Unfortunately it’s a very old color that is no longer available but this yarn comes in some of the most beautiful hand dyed multi colors so hopefully you can find something you like just as much!
Please let us know if you have any more questions!
Molly
That is the most beautiful hat. I have to make it! Could I possibly make it without the double yarn at the crown? Instead, could I just work with the Jade Sapphire and Kid Silk Haze throughout? I’m just about to place an order and was hoping you could advise! I’m assuming if I opted to work it that way the co sts and needle sizes would remain the same as noted. . . Thanks and have a great day!
Kelley
Hi Kelley,
Thanks for writing in and our apologies for the terribly delayed response. You could certainly hold both strands together throughout the hat. We have found that some people have some sensitivity to the mohair in the ribbing so I would definitely keep that in mind if you would like to hold the mohair with the cashmere throughout. And, you are correct, the cast on and needle size will remain the same even if you do hold the yarn together for the whole hat.
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Hi, I would like to knit this in the “slate blue” from jade sapphire. Which Haiku color would work well with this?
Thanks a lot for your help,
Viviane
Hi Viviane,
Thanks for writing in! My personal choice is Cornflower Blue, but you could also do Platinum too. Both would look great with the Slate Blue.
All the best,
Adam
Hi, beautiful hat and I love the sweater. What is the gorgeous yarn used for the sweater? Thanks!
Hi Erin,
Thanks for writing in! It’s Koigu Painter’s Palette Premium Merino (KPPPM): https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/409-Koigu-Wool-Designs-Koigu-Painters-Palette-Premium-Merino-KPPPM
Unfortunately it’s a very old color that is no longer available but this yarn comes in some of the most beautiful hand dyed multi colors so hopefully you can find something you like just as much!
Best,
Cassy
I love this pattern because it’s simple and lets the gorgeous yarn be the star. My question is: I prefer not to use mohair in the body of the hat, because of my daughter’s allergies, could I just continue with the doubled up yarn as in the ribbed cuff?
Hi Karen,
Thank you for the question! You can certainly knit the body of the hat using cashmere doubled. You won’t have to change anything in the pattern. Best of luck and happy knitting!
-Adam
I have some Lana Grossa Silkhair Lusso leftover from a project this summer, and this hat looks like a great way to put it to use. Thanks for the pattern!
I have almost three 25g balls left. If I make this lovely hat, I think I will still have quite a lot left. Do you have a matching (or co-ordinating) pattern for fingerless gloves or a neck warmer similar?
Hi Melanie,
Great question! While we do not have an item designed to coordinate with this lovely hat specifically, I do believe that our Cashmere Cowl would be a lovely accompaniment!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Thanks very much!
Hi
I would like to knit this hat with some Flax Down yarn leftover.
Is this yarn stretching as much as the cashmere? How many stitches do you recommend to cast on?
Thanks for your help!
B
Hello Beatrice,
Thank you for reaching out! To make this hat at a deferent gauge than the pattern what you will do is knit up a gauge swatch to see how many stitches per inch. Once you have this number you will multiply it by the desired circumference to get your cast on number. The only thing you will want to keep in mind is to cast on an even number. I hope this all makes sense! Happy knitting,
-Marilla
Still one of the sweetest and simplest patterns in your site. I’ve made three and they are always a favorite. I’ve used a variety of fingering yarns, but the key is doubling up with the mohair. The luxury version with cashmere is the best though.
Hello Cara,
Thank you for writing us. I’m happy to hear you love this pattern as much as we do.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
What kind of cast on method was used to make this hat? I’m not advanced enough to tell just by looking at the picture, if that even is a thing….Thanks!
Hi Megan,
Thanks for writing in! For this, and most of our projects (unless otherwise noted), we like to use the long tail cast on! We feel like it makes a neat, tidy and elastic cast on edge!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
This is the first time I am making a hat. My friends head called for 123 stitches . I am at the point where I need to decrease and realized I would not be able to follow the directions any further …could you advise me further by any chance?
Hello Lisa,
Thank you for reaching out! I would recommend doing an extra decrease row. Each decrease row reduces your stitches by 23 stitches so If you do 4 decrease rows rather than 3 (which is what the pattern says to do) you will be left with 31 stitches instead of 23. At this point you can either close up the top or do an extra row where you decrease by 8 stitches.
I hope this all makes sense and if you have any further questions let me know!
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
I’ve knitted 6” of K2,p2 for the Simple Pleasures Hat. The directions state to knit every round until the crown measures 7” from the top edge of the cuff. At what point does the decreasing began?
Hello Marie,
Thank you for reaching out! Once you have knitted to 7″ from the upper cuff edge you will begin the decreases.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
I want to make this hat in Cashmere Merino Bloom. I’m assuming that using one strand throughout will work, but I’m confused about the gauge I should aim for. Your first iteration indicated 6.25 stitches per inch, but your second version says 4.75. What am I not understanding? And should I use the larger needles you call for in the older pattern or the smaller ones in the later version? Many thanks, as always, for your help.
Hi Norma,
Thanks for writing in! We re-worked the Simple Pleasures Hat at a smaller gauge after many reports that the cashmere silk yarn stretched out with wear and that hat turned out too big for many people. Since we haven’t found that Cashmere Merino Bloom stretches out like the original yarn, I would suggest knitting the original Simple Pleasures Hat at 4.75 stitches per inch. As always, needle sizes are more of a suggestion than a rule, so you can use whatever needle gives you the correct gauge.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
I have a similar question to Linda W’s in 2012, to which I don’t see a response. (Forgive me if I missed it.) This is my favorite go-to hat pattern, and in re-familiarizing myself with the two versions, I realize I may be making a mistake. The original pattern clearly states you drop one strand of Yarn A, and add Yarn B above the ribbing. The updated version seems to me to say you should continue with two strands of Yarn A and just add Yarn B for the upper portion. Would you please clarify. Thank you!
Hi Kristen,
I apologize for the confusion! Although the description of the new Simple Pleasures Hat doesn’t specifically say to drop a strand of Yarn A after the ribbing, we do want you to follow the pattern for the original hat and drop one strand of Yarn A when adding in Yarn B.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
I’m wanting to make this hat and wonder if you can tell me which of your ,current’ yarns you recommend I use. Can you also confirm which pattern would work best?
Thank you!
Laura
Hi Laura,
Thanks for reaching out! After feedback from many knitters, we tried our New Simple Pleasures Hat on smaller needles and found that it held its shape much better, so I would probably go with that version! The only thing that is different is the needle size – the yarn amounts and cast on are the same. I think this hat would be just lovely in Tussock and Jade Sapphire 2-Ply Cashmere!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi!
I have Rowan Kid Classic and de Rerum Natura Gilliatt yarns in about the same red and wondered if I could make them up into this hat. I know they aren’t as fuzzy or silky. The first is 22% mohair, 70% wool and 8% polyamide, and the second is merino. Both take 4.5 to 5 mm needles, which I don’t have yet.
Thanks.
Hi Judy,
Thanks for reaching out! Your yarns are quite different from ours, so it’s hard to say if they will work for this pattern. We used two lace weight yarns held together, which is approximately the same as a fingering weight, but put them on a much larger needle than you would normally use to get a loosely knit, stretchy fabric. Both of your yarns are aran weight, which is much heavier weight than our two held together, so even if you do get the correct gauge, the knitted fabric won’t be as stretchy which may affect the fit of the hat. Instead, I would suggest knitting our Thank You Hats, which are quite similar and are written for an aran weight yarn!
Best,
Julianna
How many yards of each yarn does this hat take? I have left-over Rowan Kid Classic after making two wrist warmers and think of using Rowan Kid Silk Haze or Kid Silk Haze Vintage with it for the Simple Pleasures Hat.
Hi Judy,
Unfortunately we don’t have the exact yardage we used for this hat, but you should be safe with about 200-250 yards of each yarn!
Best,
Julianna
Hi! Is it possible to do this with only the kid silk? Maybe by doubling the yarn? Thanks!!
Hi Julie,
Thanks for reaching out! I think you could definitely try this out using only the Kid Silk! I would definitely recommend doubling it and I would also recommend working a gauge swatch first to test it out, you may end up wanting to go down in needle size so that the fabric is not too flimsy!
The mohair and silk blend if very light and airy so it might be a bit too soft for a hat on its own, so definitely test it out with a swatch first!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
Hi,
I’m wondering if this hat is a bit too slouchy for me. I love the overall fabric but how can I make it a little less slouchy? Just start the crown a bit earlier??
Thanks
Evelyn
Hi Evelyn,
Thanks for reaching out. Yes, you can definitely begin the crown a bit earlier, which will make the hat shorter and therefore less slouchy!
All the best,
Lili
Hello- I purchased when you had a store Jade Sapphire and Haiku to make a Simple Pleasures Hat. At that time an other hat pattern of yours was a possibility. Would you be able to recommend another pattern? Thank you, Cindy
Hi Cindy,
Thank you for reaching out! Were you interested in the updated version of the Simple Pleasures Hat featuring the Jade Sapphire and Haiku yarns? If so, you can find the pattern here: Simple Pleasures Hat! We updated the pattern since cashmere tends to bloom with wear, so the smaller needles in this updated version are used to provide a great fit with that in mind. Please let us know if you were interested in a different pattern, though! We’re always happy to look through our pattern collection and provide recommendations.
All the best,
Cat