The Boyfriend Hat in Line Weight’s Newest Colors
The Boyfriend Hat is that kind of hat, the kind that’s someone else’s, the kind that you’ll beg, steal or lie to make yours. Well, skip the thievery and just knit one up for yourself… And once you do, don’t let it out of your sight!
We knit up our original Boyfriend Hats in classic marled neutrals, but this season we’re dipping into our new rich and spicy palette to put a colorful spin on the subject. Either way, two strands of Purl Soho’s incredibly soft Line Weight merino make this hat perfectly tempting!
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoBoyfreindHat, and #PurlSohoLineWeight. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- 2 skeins of Purl Soho’s Line Weight, 100% merino wool yarn. Each skein of this fingering weight yarn is 494 yards/ 100 grams.
- Yarn A: 1 skein; approximately 235 (265, 305, 355) yards required.
- Yarn B: 1 skein; approximately 235 (265, 305, 355) yards required.
- A US 3 (3.25), 16-inch circular needle
- A set of US 3 double pointed needles
- 4 stitch markers, 1 of which is a different color or type to indicate beginning of round
Here are the colors we used for this season’s Boyfriend Hats…
- Left: Purl Soho’s Line Weight in Paprika Red and Pink Grapefruit
- Middle: Purl Soho’s Line Weight in Ochre Yellow and Yellow Zest
- Right: Purl Soho’s Line Weight in Green Turquoise and Black Green
Gauge
9¾ stitches and 8½ rows = 1 inch in 1 x 1 rib with yarn held double, unstretched
Sizes
- Finished Circumference: 14¾ (16½, 18, 19¾) inches, un-stretched, comfortably stretching to approximately 19¾ (21½, 23, 24¾) inches
- Finished Height: 9½ (9¾, 10, 10¼) inches
Pattern
For the original Boyfriend Hat pattern click right here!
LEARN ABOUT LINE WEIGHT + ALL OUR BEAUTIFUL YARNS
Line Weight is a lovely choice for this project because it is sumptuously soft with a subtle luster. A lithe single ply of 100% merino wool, this fingering-weight yarn knits up into a smooth fabric that blooms beautifully when you hand wash it. Enjoy 494 yards of beautiful knitting with every 100-gram skein and choose from over 20 riveting colors!
More Free Knitting Patterns
- Be sure to explore our collection of (mostly free!) Line Weight patterns and cast on!
More Fingering-Weight Yarns
- Shop our entire collection of fingering-weight yarns
- If you want to use a different yarn, be sure to take the time to get the correct gauge. Need help? Check our All About Gauge Tutorial!
More Yarns With Similar Fibers
- Shop merino wool yarn
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 look forward to receiving your emails and patterns I am resident In The United Kingdom and was given your address by my nephews wife and they live in Calgary my question is what thickness is the wool used For your hats so I could find the equivalent in England.and get knitting for my family for Christmas
I look forward to hearing from you
With thanks
Jan
Hi Jan,
The hats are made by knitting with two strands of fingering weight or 4ply yarn, pulled together at the same time. Please let us know if you have any questions! And I hope you continue enjoying our emails and patterns!
Laura
Do you think this hat is suitable for men? Thank you!
Hi Jeanne-
Yes! It’s sized (and suitable) for men and women!
Thank you!
Molly
Your hats are so lovely! I was wondering how I’d have to alter the pattern if I wanted to use size 7 needles instead, as those are the only needles I have at the moment. Thanks!
Hi Monica-
We wouldn’t recommend trying to change the gauge on this pattern since it would basically mean you’d have to rewrite the entire pattern. But we do have some other hat patterns that could work on a size 7 needle (just make sure to do a gauge swatch before you start)
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2012/09/09/whits-knits-thank-you-hats/
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2011/12/11/colorful-crafting-with-jen-the-sweetie-pie-hat/
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2008/11/26/whits-knits-simple-pleasures-hat/
Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
thank you
After seeing these I couldn’t resist any longer and took the plunge in ordering some of your own brand wool even though I live in the UK. The colours you have been devising are just so beautiful and I have to say that in real life they do not disappoint. My order arrived in the post this morning and it was worth every penny – SO soft and inviting. I can’t stop myself squeezing the skeins.
I can’t wait to make one of these for myself and another for my boyfriend (so he doesn’t steal mine).
thanks! Rach
My hats are knitting up just beautifully and I am so taken with your line weight wool that I now want to make hundreds of them. However, without being able to see the wool in person I can’t quite decide on colours. Could you suggest a second colour to go with the Clementine Orange that would make a really warm autumnal combination? I am looking at the browns, but can’t quite picture whether they would go…
thanks!
Hi Rachel-
If you’d like to go bright we would recommend Pink Grapefruit or Super Pink to go with the Clementine Orange. Or, if you’d like a subtler combination I’d try Otter Brown or Sea Salt.
Thank you for this fun question!
Molly
I just finished making a hat for my husband in the black and gray and he loves it. Would like to make a hat for myself using the Woolfolk Tynd yard since I have not tried it. Do you think it would be a good substitution for the Purl Line Weight? Thanks so much for this great pattern.
Hi Stacy!
I think the Tynd might be just fine as a substitution. The yarn is just a little thicker than the line weight though, so you might have a hard time achieving the gauge of the boyfriend hat. If you do a swatch and get the gauge right, I say go for it!
Happy Knitting!
Thomas
Happy Thanksgiving!
I just ordered a skein of your line weight to make my husband a hat. Love it! However, I’ve since changed my mind about the pattern and wonder if one skein (pulling from both ends) would be enough to finish one of these beauties? Thanks!
Diana
Hi Diana!
I do think that 1 skein held double would be enough to make either of the smaller two sizes. For the larger two sizes, I think it would be safest to get a second skein.
Happy Knitting!
Thomas
Hi there,
I started knitting this up in the women’s medium, but fear I may have to size down as its looking a little large. I tried this hat on in the store in the yellow and red samples last week and loved the way they fit. Could you tell me what sizes these hats are for comparison?
Hi Alex!
The yellow and red hats are actually the women’s medium! Be sure to check that your gauge is correct; these hats use a very tight gauge to keep it snug on your head!
Happy Knitting!
Thomas
Hi! I was wondering which size the ochre yellow hat is…I saw it in person at purl and determined that’s the right size but not sure if it is men small, medium? Thanks!
Hi Sara!
The yellow hat is the women’s medium!
Happy Knitting!
Thomas
Can I use Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino for this hat? The girl at the yarn store said it was a little heavier than the line weight but it wouldn’t matter–so I bought it. I have no idea how much latitude one has in substituting yarns. The band says 125m/50g and 25 sts over 10 cm on size 3 needles. Way too heavy?
Hi Diane!
It sounds like the gauge Baby Cashmerino is actually between the gauge of the line weight held single and the gauge of it held double. My guess is that the doubled line weight would be equivalent to a DK weight yarn, maybe sport weight. I would probably try holding your yarn single to see if you can obtain gauge first!
Happy Knitting!
Thomas
Hi! Great looking hats for men. How did you make them not curl? I bet they are super fast and quick and easy!
Hi Ali-
These don’t curl because they are ribbed! Only certain stitches curl and ribbing like this isn’t one of them!
Please let us know if you have any more questions!
Thanks!
Molly
Hi ! I many of your hats pattern we would need to switch to double point needles… Is there a workaround to keep using the circular needles ? (I don’t have yet dble point needles… 🙁 ).
thanks 🙂
Hi Kim.
If you don’t have dpns, maybe try one of two methods for working a small circumference in the round. You could use 2 circular needles or you could use one long circular needle for magic loop. Sadly we don’t have a tutorial for either of these. But Knittinghelp dot com explains…
– magic loop: http://www.knittinghelp.com/video/play/magic-loop
– using 2 circular needles on a small diameter: http://www.knittinghelp.com/video/play/2-circular-needles
If you do get some dpns… you can check out our tutorial here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2008/07/25/double-pointed-needles/
Hope this helps.
Please write us back with any questions!
Laura
Hello, I am going to try to make this hat for my boyfriend. I’m looking for a good substitute yarn. Would any merino wool yarn work for this? What do you think would be a good substitute?
Hi Natalie.
I used two strands of fingering weight merino. Some people have been knitting it with a single stand of light dk or sport weight wool. The pattern is quite adaptable.
Here is a link to all of our fingering weight yarns:
https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/3-knitting-crochet-yarn?filters%5B%5D=3
Here is a link to all of our DK weight yarns:
https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/3-knitting-crochet-yarn?filters%5B%5D=5
Here is a link to all of our Sport weight yarns:
https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/3-knitting-crochet-yarn?filters%5B%5D=4
If you’re looking at fingering weights… Anzula’s Squishy would be great: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/7124-Anzula-Squishy
Or if you’re looking at DK or Sport weights, maybe check out Mulberry Merino: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/9650-Purl-Soho-Mulberry-Merino or Anzula’s Cricket
Please let me know if you have any questions on these suggestions or any other yarns!
Thanks for writing in.
Laura
Hi there! I was wondering how many yards approximately would be used in this pattern? I was hoping to substitute yarns but not sure how much to get!
Thanks 🙂
Hi Jenna!
I think we ended up using just over half of each skein in each color. I’d assume 300 yards of each, in a thin fingering weight, to be safe!
Happy Knitting!
Thomas
Hello, I have a question about the gauge. Are 9 3/4 stitches at 8 1/2 rows supposed to produce a 1″ square? I tried it out (doubling it, 10 stitches and 17 rows) and my swatch is 2″ long just as I had hoped, but it is nearly 3″ wide. Thanks!
Hi Margaret!
It does sound like your stitch gauge is a little big. I usually suggest doing a gauge that is at least 4″ big, and measuring across about 2″ inches in the middle in several places. Then if you have two few stitches in those 2 inches, you need to go down in needle size.
Thanks for your question!
Thomas
What sale line weight colors would look good together for a men’s hat? Also, would the moody green go with the pistachio green? Need to make two men’s hats and want them different but want to use only 3 skeins.
Hi Karen,
Thank you for commenting! I think the moody green and pistachio green would be really nice together! I also think the Extra Green would be look amazing with the pistachio green as well. The color Ice Blue held with the Pistachio Green would be really lovely combination too if you wanted something with a little more contrast!
I apologize for the delayed response and I hope this helps you in your color choice! Feel free to write back if you have anymore questions!
Good Luck!
Jake
Hello! I’m planning to make this soon, and I’m in love with the yellow palette suggested! I see you guys still carry Yellow Zest in stock, but I’m looking at the gorgeous colors in the Line Weight yarn and wondering whether the current darker-yellow shade, Yellow Yellow (1320) is the same as Ochre Yellow you mention above.
If it’s a different shade, would those two yellows (Yellow Yellow & Yellow Zest) pair as well for this hat?
Hello Krissa!
Unfortunately all of our Line Weight in Ochre Yellow is sold out. Yellow Yellow is a much more neon, bright, sunshine yellow. Yellow Zest has a more lime tone to it. They don’t have too much contrast, but they would be lively and fun together!
We’re so glad you like this hat! -Alyson
Hello! I’m wondering about the shade of yellow line weight currently for sale at Purl Soho. I see the YELLOW ZEST is still available, but there’s no longer a shade called OCHRE YELLOW — is YELLOW YELLOW the same or comparable if I wanted to make the yellow hat? Thanks!
Hello Krissa,
Ochre yellow was much more of a jeweled tone and Yellow yellow is a bright, almost neon duck yellow. Yellow zest is also a really bright shade of yellow, but it has more of a greenish tone than Yellow yellow. Pairing those together would be a really fun and lively combination!
Happy knitting! -Alyson
I made this hat for the first time during Downton Abbey (Jan 2015). (My first venture into knitting with such small needles!) I’m not new to knitting and have learned that my cast-ons are always loose, so I down-sized (to US2 here) for the cast-on and first 4-6 rows; I have found over the years that doing so makes a visually imperceptible, yet “sturdier/firmer” edge. Great pattern, great instructions, beautiful yarns!
Hello, LeafyG100!
Thank you so much for writing in! Everyone’s knitting tension is unique and it is wonderful that you’ve come up with such a great solution to a loose cast on. If you’ve never tried it (and are open to it), I highly recommend the long tail tubular cast on, we’ve got a tutorial here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2014/10/21/long-tail-tubular-cast-on-tutorial/ #sthash.rSRWitna.dpuf. This sort of cast on gives a nice firm edge. Again, thanks for your comment!
Happy knitting,
Kumeko
Hi, can I use two strands of alpaca lace yarn for this hat? Thanks
Hi, Minitoni!
Thank you for your question! Do you know the gauge of the alpaca lace yarn? I recommend making a gauge swatch with your yarn to see you if you get the same gauge that is called for in the pattern. This will help you determine how you can make adjustments, for example you might need to use a different needle size to get the correct gauge with your alpaca lace. If you have you further questions, please let us know!
Best,
Kumeko
Hello … Have picked this pattern to be my 1st project for circular knitting due to its wonderful color and easy pattern. Got the yarns and my CN, followed the correct number of casting which is 160 till I hit a problem I couldn’t figure out. They say that the castings should not get twisted. It’s shd face the same direction toward inside circle. My castings faces same direction upto a certain point but I noticed that as it increases certain parts gets a little twisted. I would always straightened it out by spreading the stitches out. As I continue to knit , some part would start to curl again. Any advice on how to correct the twisting? Thank you.
Hi Dina,
Thanks for writing in! Every knitter deals with this problem at a certain point, me included. Unfortunately, when you twist the stitches around the needle, you cannot fix it midway through. Starting over is frustrating, but believe me you will never twist your stitches again after mastering it! Do make sure that all your cast on edges are facing each other before joining in the round. I hope this helps and good luck!
Best,
Adam
Dear PS,
My brother who lives in New York would like me to knit him
a hat that is “wind proof” for his walks in Central Park. Is the
Boyfriend Hat pretty close knit and warm? Would you
suggest any other hats that are super warm?
Thanks so much,
Sandi
Hi Sandi,
Thanks for writing us! I think the boyfriend hat is a good match because it’s knit tightly, which will prevent wind from getting through and it’s very warm. If you wanted to make this hat in two skeins of Jade Sapphire 2 ply Cashmere, the hat would be even warmer! Be sure to do a gauge swatch because there are a lot of stitches per inch in this hat! If you want to knit another pattern, then I’d suggest the Traveling Cable Hat in Alpaca Pure. It’s very warm! I have several myself. Good luck and happy knitting!
-Adam
Hi PurlBee!
What do you think of making this hat using the Cashmere Merino Bloom or Mulberry Merino? I’m looking for something super soft and warm for the upcoming New England winter.
Thanks!
Dani
Hi Danielle,
Great question! I think that Cashmere Merino Bloom may well work for this pattern. Two strands of Line Weight work up at roughly a DK weight which is the weight of Cashmere Merino Bloom. Just be sure to use just one strand rather than two!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Hello! I love this pattern – so simple yet classy! I’d like to substitute the yarn for “finch” by Quince and Co. – it’s fingering weight. Would this be a reasonable substitute? Only difference I noticed is that the gauge is slightly different (9 sts /inch on size US 1 [2.25 mm] needles; 7 sts / inch on size US 3 [3.25 mm] needles) – however, maybe this is changed by having two strands…? Any input or advice you have would be much appreciated!
Hi Rachel,
Thanks for the question! I don’t think that the yarn you are using is going to make the gauge required for this hat. It’ll be too thick doubled and too thin single. I suggest doubling the yarn on a US 3 or 4 and eliminating a handful of stitches. A gauge swatch in the round would really help you estimate a cast on number. When changing this pattern, it’s important to know you must choose a cast on that is an even number and also has an even number when divided by four. Thanks!
-Adam
Hi there! if one were to wear this hat unrolled, would it be slouchy? My husband is saying he wants it to be slouchy in the back, vs. either sticking straight up in back, or rolling t and wearing it tight. I am at the 8inch mark, about to start decreasing. It is on the looser side already which will help but let me know if you have any suggestions. Thanks!
Hi Lindsay,
Thanks for writing in! If you do not fold up the brim, this hat can be worn slouchy. I have made 3 of these hats now and what I love most is that they can be worn as a beanie with the brim folded and as a slouchy, more casual styled hat when the brim is not folded!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Thank you!!
Hi!
I love this pattern, I’ve already made 3 hats from this pattern.
Do you know if these (previously) new colors are coming back? I really like the yellow and red colors and would love to try them out. I can’t seem to purchase them online though.
Also, do you think Kersti Merino Crepe yarn would work if used single for this pattern? If it is, how many skeins do you reckon I purchase?
Thanks!
Hi Jenny,
Thanks for writing in! I am so glad that you love this pattern! It can be a bit addicting! The colors shown here have been retired and there are not plans to bring them back. We do release new colors each year but do not, in general, bring back older colors.
I think that Kersti would work well if held singled. You will need 2-3 skeins depending on size.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hello! I’m wondering if line weight is still available in all of these cool colors. I checked and it looks like there might be a lot less than there used to be?
Hi Claire,
Thanks for writing in! Each years we retire some colors of each of our yarns to freshen things up and make room for some new colors. The colors we used here have all been discontinued but we do have many other lovely colors!
Best,
Cassy
Hello! I’m wondering is 2 skeins (differnt color each skein) of line weight yarn at 50 grams each will be enough to make this hat? Thanks!
Hello Pauline,
Thank you for reaching out! Yes- you will have enough to knit the two smallest sizes.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hello,
Will your new Posy yarn held double work for this hat? If so, how much would I need?
Thank you,
Brigitte
Hello Brigitte,
Thank you for reaching out! Posey should work beautifully for our Boyfriend Hat. I would certainly knit up a gauge swatch before jumping in to avoid any surprises along the way!
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hello,
I purchased this yarn and I am in love with it! I knit my 8 inches and just started on the decrease. The pattern has left me with one extra stitch. Is anyone else having issues decreasing?
Hello Lauren,
Thanks for reaching out! This can be a bit tricky because you will need to stay in pattern as you decrease. I would make sure that you began your decreases with the right amount of stitches. I would count your stitches using the rib pattern. If you started with the correct number, I would go back to see where one of your decrease has gone wrong.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
I would like to make a scarf out of the Line Weight yarn to match the boyfriend hat using the same gauge and holding two strands of yarn together at the same time. How many skeins of yarn would I need to order to make a scarf for a man and how many stitches would you recommend I cast on size 3 needles and would you knit the first row, purl the next throughout the scarf length? Thank you for your guidance in this matter.
Hi Carol,
Thanks for reaching out! I would suggest casting on 104 stitches for an average scarf width of approximately 10 1/2″, and 2 or 3 skeins of each color should be plenty depending on the length you want to achieve! If you want the same look as the hat I would suggest working the same 1×1 rib (k1, p1 throughout the row) like we did in this pattern, if you want to do something different like a stockinette stitch then you could knit 1 row and purl 1 row but keep in mind that would result in a different gauge and would change the width of the scarf!
I hope this helps!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hi, I’m knitting this in your lovely line weight but for a smaller size I cast on 136. My question is: how does that change my working the set-up row? How many stitches should I work in 1×1 rib pattern before I place marker? and do I place marker then two more times before I work established pattern to end?
Do the other two rounds change as well? Or can I just knit them as written?
Thank you
Hi Deb,
Thanks for reaching out! Since 136 is devisable by 4 you should be good to go to follow the pattern as written for the setup row and the crown shaping! The only change will be the number of stitches between stitch markers for 136 it should be 34 stitches between.
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
Could you knit the boyfriend hat on straight needles and sew it together?
Hi Cheryl,
Thanks for reaching out! I am sure you can try this out on straight needles, just be sure to keep in mind that the pattern only includes instructions for the right side rows so you will need to factor in the wrong side rows!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
Hi. What colour would you recommend to go with Peony Pink? and Super pink? Thanks
Hi Di,
Thanks for reaching out. I actually think that Flamingo Pink would go better with Peony Pink! I also wanted to let you know that we’ve just started offering color cards for some of our yarns, which are a great tool for difficult color decisions. With color cards, you can compare each color you’re considering in person! You can find the color cards for Line Weight right here. Hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili