Friendly Fair Isle Hat
January is always my favorite month around the shop. Crafters storm the doors, determined to put their New Year’s resolutions into action. So if this year you’ve resolved to move from flat scarves and blankets to round hats or to add new techniques, like simple colorwork, to your repertoire, this pattern is for you!
I knit up these cute and toasty Friendly Fair Isle Hats in Purl Soho’s single-ply Super Soft Merino. A quick bulky weight, this is indeed a friendly project, great for learning and for easy gratification!
Yarn lovers, if you adore the yarn used in this project, you’ll love exploring all of our other yarn collections! Discover over 45 thoughtfully designed yarns in nearly every natural fiber and in every spectacular color you can imagine. Only available here at Purl Soho’s online yarn store, where every skein is created with care and your creativity in mind!
Of course, once you’ve knit this hat, you’ll be equipped to take on the sweater pattern that inspired it, our original Friendly Fair Isle Sweater. So, get ready to expand those resolutions and happy New Year! -Laura
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Laura Ferguson.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoFriendlyFairIsleHat, and #PurlSohoSuperSoftMerino. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- Main Color (MC): 1 (1, 1, 2) skeins of Purl Soho’s Super Soft Merino, 100% merino wool yarn. Each skein of this bulky weight yarn is 87 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 46 (67, 80) yards required.
- Contrast Color (CC): 1 skein of Purl Soho’s Super Soft Merino, 100% merino wool. Approximately 9 (10, 18) yards required.
- US 10.75 (7mm), 16-inch circular needles
- A set of US 10.75 double pointed needles
- 4 stitch markers, including 1 of a different color or shape
- Optional, but helpful: Clover’s Pom Pom Maker, size Large
BABY HAT
- MC: Super Pink
- CC: Heirloom White
KID HAT
- MC: Heirloom White
- CC: Pink Grapefruit
ADULT SMALL HAT
- MC: Sea Salt
- CC: Super Pink
Gauge
13 stitches and 18 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch
Sizes
Baby (Kid, Adult Small, Adult Large)
- Finished Circumference: 14 ¾ (17 ¼, 19 ¾, 22) inches
- Finished Height (without pompom): 7 (8 ½, 9 ½, 10) inches
Samples: Sizes Baby, Kid and Adult Small are pictured here.
Note
s2kp [slip slip knit pass]: Slip two stitches together knitwise, knit 1, pass slipped stitches over knit stitch and off needle. [2 stitches decreased]
Pattern
Begin at Bottom Edge
With MC and circular needles, cast on 48 (56, 64, 72) stitches.
I used a Long Tail Tubular Cast On, because it’s nice and stretchy, but a basic Long Tail Cast On would also be beautiful (and less complicated)! If you do a Long Tail Tubular Cast On, be sure to work the Foundation Rows before joining in the round (they are described both in our tutorial and below).
IF YOU DID A LONG TAIL TUBULAR CAST ON…
Foundation Row 1: *Knit 1 through the back loop, slip one with yarn in front, repeat from * to end of row.
Foundation Row 2: *Knit 1, slip 1 with yarn in front, repeat from * to end of row.
IF YOU DID A LONG TAIL CAST ON OR SIMILAR…
Continue to the following section, Work Ribbed Edge.
Work Ribbed Edge
Place unique marker and join for working in the round, being careful to not twist the stitches.
Round 1: *K1, p1, repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat Round 1 until piece measures 1 1/4 (1 1/2, 2, 2 1/4) inches from cast-on edge.
Continue, Now in Fair Isle
Joining CC…
Round 1: *K1 with CC, k1 with MC, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 2: *K1 with MC, k1 with CC, repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 one (1, 2, 3) more time(s).
Repeat Round 1.
Cut CC.
Continue in Main Color
With MC, continue in stockinette stitch, knitting each round, until piece measures 4 1/2 (5 1/2, 6, 6) inches from cast-on edge.
Shape Crown
NOTE: Switch to double pointed needles when necessary.
Set-Up Round: With MC, *k12 (14, 16, 18), place marker, repeat from * two more times, knit to end of round.
FOR BABY SIZE ONLY
Omit Rounds 1-8, below.
Joining CC…
Work Round 9.
Knit one round with MC.
Work Round 9 one more time and then shape crown, working Rounds 10-17.
FOR KID SIZE ONLY
Omit Rounds 1-6, below.
Joining CC…
Work Round 7.
Knit one round with MC.
Work Round 7 one more time and then shape crown, working Rounds 8-17.
FOR ADULT SMALL SIZE ONLY
Omit Rounds 1-4, below.
Joining CC…
Work Round 5.
Knit one round with MC.
Work Round 5 one more time and then shape crown, working Rounds 6-17.
FOR ADULT LARGE SIZE ONLY
Do not omit any rounds.
Joining CC…
Round 1: [K2 with CC, (k3 with MC, k1 with CC) four times, slip marker] four times.
Round 2: Knit with MC.
Round 3: Repeat Round 1.
Round 4 (Decrease Round): With MC, *k1, k2tog, knit to 2 stitches before next marker, ssk, slip marker, repeat from * to end of round. [64 stitches]
Round 5: *K1 with CC, k3 with MC, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 6: Repeat Round 4. [56 stitches]
Round 7: [K1 with CC, k2 with MC, (k1 with CC, k3 with MC) two times, k1 with CC, k2 with MC, slip marker] four times.
Round 8: Repeat Round 4. [48 stitches]
Round 9: [K1 with CC, k1 with MC, (k1 with CC, k3 with MC) two times, k1 with CC, k1 with MC, slip marker] four times.
Round 10: Repeat Round 4. [40 stitches]
Round 11: [K2 with CC, (k3 with MC, k1 with CC) two times, slip marker] four times.
Round 12: Repeat Round 4. [32 stitches]
Round 13: *K1 with CC, k3 with MC, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 14: Repeat Round 4. [24 stitches]
Round 15: *K1 with CC, k2 with MC, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 16: Repeat Round 4. [16 stitches]
Cut MC.
Round 17: With CC, *k1, s2kp (see NOTES section, above), repeat from * to end of round. [8 stitches]
Cut CC and thread onto tapestry needle. Draw the needle through the remaining stitches and pull taut.
Finish
Make + Attach Pom Pom
Use CC and Large Pom Pom Maker to make a pom pom 3 ½ inches in diameter. Attach securely at crown. Here’s how…
You should have two long tails coming from the pom pom. Thread one tail onto a tapestry needle, and insert it through the top of the hat, directly to one side of the closure at the crown. Pull the tail through to the inside. Repeat with the other tail, this time inserting the needle on the opposite side of the closure at the crown. Turn the hat inside out, and firmly tie the two tails together in a double knot. Thread both tails onto the tapestry needle and bring the needle up through the closure at the crown and through the center of the pom pom. Trim the tails to the same length as the rest of the pom pom.
Weave + Block
Weave in the ends and block as desired.
LEARN ABOUT SUPER SOFT MERINO + ALL OUR BEAUTIFUL YARNS
The best reason to use Super Soft Merino for this project is because it is the dreamiest, cuddliest, toastiest yarn you can imagine! A single ply of 100% merino wool, Super Soft Merino has a nice, loose spin that shows off the softness of its fiber and keeps it nice and lightweight. Its gauge ranges from a chunky/bulky-weight to super bulky-weight (2.75-3.25 stitches per inch), making it a great choice for quick (and beautiful!) hand-knit gifts. And more… Super Soft Merino comes in over 30 amazing colors, too!
More Free Knitting Patterns
- Be sure to explore our vast collection of (mostly free!) Super Soft Merino knitting patterns and cast on!
More Chunky/Bulky + Super Bulky-Weight Yarns
- Shop our entire collection of chunky/bulky weight yarns
- Shop our entire collection of super bulky-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
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!
Hi
could this hat be knit with merino script as well? Would there need to be adjustments?
Thanks
Hi Lisa.
Great question, I’m glad you asked… Merino Script is an Aran or Chunky weight yarn and quite a bit thinner than our Super Soft Merino which is a bulky yarn. To work this pattern in Merino Script you’d definitely need to increase the cast-on number. If you plan to do that, I would recommend taking the largest cast-on number I give and adding multiples of 8. So 72 + 8 or 72 + 16, etc. Depending on how many stitches you increase, you may want to sketch out the fair isle pattern to figure our which Rounds in the shaping section to omit.
Thanks for writing in.
Laura
Hello – Thank you very much for this free pattern! I’m in the process of knitting hats, etc. for some of the Syrian refugees coming to Canada, and this is perfect for my project. Once again, thanks.
I am also knitting scarves and hats for Syrian refugees and love this pattern. Thank you for providing it!
Tks I will enjoy making the free hat pattern.
As a novice knitter, I am somewhat dazzled with the instructions, but am eager to get my yarn and get going! Thank you, Purl Soho, for this pattern and the nudge to break out of my comfort zone.
Needle size is 103/4 ?
Do you sell that size?
Hi Debbie.
Yes, ma’am! We do, we do…
Circulars: https://www.purlsoho.com/tools/knitting-needles/addi-turbo-rocket-circular-needles.html
Double Points: https://www.purlsoho.com/tools/knitting-needles/double-pointed-bamboo-knitting-needles.html
Thanks for writing in Debbi!
Laura
What size in mm is 10 3/4 ?
Hi Louise,
Thanks for reaching out! A US 10 3/4 (or US 10.75) translates to a 7mm!
Warmly,
Gianna
thank you for your beautiful work and colour schemes
and sharing the pattern
Thank you for the beautiful pattern!
Thank you for this sweet hat pattern. I’m knitting red hats for Heart Healthy Awareness February.
These are so cute! And I love the colors. I’m kind of hatted out right now after making three knit hats for winter, and I’m busy knitting scarves, requested by family right now, but I’m saving this for the next Go-round on hats. You are so generous with your patterns. To boot, you include sizes from babies to adults. Thank you!
Hats are so adorable & fit my budget.Thank you so so much!
I think these hats are darling and I will make some very soon! As a granny on social security, I really appreciate you giving us a free pattern. Most of what I make is for charities so I can rarely afford to purchase a pattern. Thanks again!
Although I have knit Fair Isle for many years, this is the perfect pattern for my charity knitting making hats for the local homeless shelters to distribute. Thanks.
Thank you for the great pattern! I love that there is a matching sweater as well,
I love your patterns – thank you for sharing!
My question is –> How can I substitute the “wool” for “worsted weight yarn” (i.e. poly/acrylic – Red Heart or Bernat)? Would it be the same amount?
Thank you!
Hi, DEB!
Thank you very much for writing in! The wool that we used for this pattern is a bulky weight yarn, getting 2-3 stitches per inch. A worsted weight yarn usually gets 4-5 stitches per inch. So, if you were to use a worsted weight yarn you would need to adjust the pattern a bit. Please let us know if you have further questions!
Best,
Kumeko
Thank you so much for the free hat pattern. I can’t wait to make one for my baby grandson. I love that you are so generous to give us all of the sizes. May God bless you!
Very cute ! and I love these colors !
One of my knitting goals for 2016 is to learn how to knit a Fair Isle sweater. I think that this hat and then the matching sweater are a great place to start. Thanks!
Your free patterns are a lovely gift but I wonder if you could release them in a printable format?
Thanks,
Sherrie
Hi, Sherrie!
Thank you for writing in! We do have our patterns available in a prinitable format. If you’re on a desktop version of the site, you will find a “print” icon in the right column just below the date and tags. If you’re on a mobile version of the site, you will find a “print” icon below the pattern and above the comments.
Follow the easy on-screen instructions to delete whichever parts of the pattern you don’t want to print or save. For example, you may decide to shorten the pattern by omitting certain images or the list of materials.
If you have further questions, please let us know! Again, thank you for your question!
Happy knitting,
Kumeko
Thank you for all of your beautiful free patterns, I’m a beginner but this actually seems doable! A question- can I make this hat more “slouchy” by adding some extra rows in the middle? Or will that just make it too tall not slouchy?
Hi, Jeanne!
Thank you for writing in! Sorry about the very delayed response! This is a great hat for a beginner! You can totally make this hat more slouchy by repeating some rows in the body of the hat. What size were you thinking of making? If you were making the adult small, you could knit with the main color until your hat measured 6 1/2-inches from the cast on edge instead of the 6-inches that we have written in the pattern.
If you have further questions, please let us know!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
To increase adult hat size to medium then large, would I increase in multiples of 8 stitches? Thank you for such a pretty pattern.
Hello, Deb!
Thank you for writing in! Sorry about the very delayed response! I am having trouble understanding your question. The pattern for an adult large is here in the pattern. I’ll paste here, so you can see it:
FOR ADULT LARGE SIZE ONLY
Do not omit any rounds.
Joining CC…
Round 1: [K2 with CC, (k3 with MC, k1 with CC) four times, slip marker] four times.
Round 2: Knit with MC.
Round 3: Repeat Round 1.
If you have further questions, please let us know!
Best,
Kumeko
Round 4 (Decrease Round): With MC, *k1, k2tog, knit to 2 stitches before next marker, ssk, slip marker, repeat from * to end of round. [64 stitches]
Round 5: *K1 with CC, k3 with MC, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 6: Repeat Round 4. [56 stitches]
Round 7: [K1 with CC, k2 with MC, (k1 with CC, k3 with MC) two times, k1 with CC, k2 with MC, slip marker] four times.
Round 8: Repeat Round 4. [48 stitches]
Round 9: [K1 with CC, k1 with MC, (k1 with CC, k3 with MC) two times, k1 with CC, k1 with MC, slip marker] four times.
Round 10: Repeat Round 4. [40 stitches]
Round 11: [K2 with CC, (k3 with MC, k1 with CC) two times, slip marker] four times.
Round 12: Repeat Round 4. [32 stitches]
Round 13: *K1 with CC, k3 with MC, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 14: Repeat Round 4. [24 stitches]
Round 15: *K1 with CC, k2 with MC, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 16: Repeat Round 4. [16 stitches]
Cut MC.
Round 17: With CC, *k1, sskp (see NOTES section, above), repeat from * to end of round. [8 stitches]
Cut CC and thread onto tapestry needle. Draw the needle through the remaining stitches and pull taut.
Thanks for the pattern. It is a fast knit (in the baby size)!
Hi
I really love this pattern and I am intending to knit it. As I live in the UK the knitting needle sizes are different. There is no actual equivalent to 10 ¾, its probably around 7.5. However the information regarding the superset merino suggests a 9-10mm. Which would be the best to use??
Many thanks
Anne
Hello, Anne!
Thank you for writing in! Sorry about the delayed response! Thank you for your kind words, we are delighted that you adore this pattern. For these hats you’ll want to use a 7mm needle. If you have further questions, please let us know!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
Hi! I’m excited to get started. Can I use my size 11 circulars? Thanks!
Hi Emily,
If you would like to use your US 11s, I would recommend doing a gauge swatch and seeing if you get the correct gauge on your larger needles. If you do not get the correct gauge, I would suggest going down to the suggested needle size.
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Is it possible to have PDF format to download for free patterns?
Hi Billie,
Thank you for writing in! We do have our patterns available in a prinitable format. If you’re on a desktop version of the site, you will find a “print” icon in the right column just below the date and tags. If you’re on a mobile version of the site, you will find a “print” icon below the pattern and above the comments.
Follow the easy on-screen instructions to delete whichever parts of the pattern you don’t want to print or save. For example, you may decide to shorten the pattern by omitting certain images or the list of materials.
If you have further questions, please let us know! Again, thank you for your question!
-Cassy
Love these hats! Kind of a crazy question, but what did you put inside the hat when taking the photos without kids?
Hello, Cornell!
Thank you for writing in! Sorry for the delayed response! I am not certain what was used to stuff the hats for these photos, but in the store we are big fans of using gift wrap tissue paper for stuffing our displays.
Best wishes,
Kumeko
As someone new-ish to knitting in the round, I’m quite confused with this one but I’m determined! For the foundation rows on the long tail tubular cast on, you don’t connect the round before you begin the foundation rows yet for some reason mine seemed to connect because I began knitting right away. Is this correct? Sorry if this is a stupid question but I’m quite stumped!
Hi, Hannah!
Thank you so much for writing in! For the record, there are no stupid questions! It sounds like you might be joining in the round and not realizing it. After you’ve cast on turn your work (move the needle that’s in your right hand to your left and the needle that’s in the left to the right) and then you’ll be ready to work those foundation rows. We’ve got a great tutorial here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2014/10/21/long-tail-tubular-cast-on-tutorial/ that explains this cast on in detail. If you have further questions, please let us know!
Happy knitting,
Kumeko
Hi there,
Just wondering if it would make much difference if I used size 11 needles instead of 10.75?
Thanks!
Hello Heather,
That’s a great question. The best way to know is to knit a gauge swatch and see if you get the same fabric. If you are a bit of a tight knitter this might be the perfect needle for you! With some projects, gauge isn’t crucial, but for things like hats, gloves, and sweaters, you want to make sure they fit. I hope that helps. Let me know if you have any questions on swatching.
Happy knitting,
Allison
I am considering knitting the Friendly Fair Isle Hat for my granddaughters and I was thinking of using the same contrasting color on both hats. Would one skein of the contrasting color be enough for both hats. The sizes would be either 2 kids sizes or 1 kid size and one adult small.
Hello Anita,
Thank you for your question. Yes, you will have enough yardage for 2 hats with 1 skein for the contrast color, regardless of the size you knit. I hope that helps.
Happy knitting,
Allison
I would like to make this hat for my 1 year old grandson for next winter. Does this wool come in colors for a boy? Thanks.
Hi, Debbie!
Thank you so much for writing in! We have some really great color combinations for a boy! You could do the Black Green with the Peacock Blue. Or Timeless Navy with Steel Blue. Or Peacock Blue with Dragonfly Blue! The combinations are seemingly endless, the hardest part will be to choose! You can find all of our Super Soft Merino colors here: https://www.purlsoho.com/yarn/knitting-crochet/super-soft-merino.html.
If you have further questions, please let us know!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
I am confused on rows 7 and 9 where there are parentheses and brackets. I don’t know which to follow and where the repeats should be. Thanks for your help
Hi, Sandy!
Thank you so much for writing in! Let’s break down the directions and see if that helps. Currently, row 7 reads:
“Round 7: [K1 with CC, k2 with MC, (k1 with CC, k3 with MC) two times, k1 with CC, k2 with MC, slip marker] four times.”
You are repeating the part in the parentheses twice and then repeating everything inside the brackets four times. The same goes for row 9. I’ll break down row 7 so you can see it clearer.
FIRST
K1 with CC.
K2 with MC.
K1 with CC.
K3 with MC.
K1 with CC
K3 with MC
K1 with CC.
K2 with MC.
Slip Marker
SECOND
K1 with CC.
K2 with MC.
K1 with CC.
K3 with MC.
K1 with CC
K3 with MC
K1 with CC.
K2 with MC.
Slip Marker
THIRD
K1 with CC.
K2 with MC.
K1 with CC.
K3 with MC.
K1 with CC
K3 with MC
K1 with CC.
K2 with MC.
Slip Marker.
FOURTH
K1 with CC.
K2 with MC.
K1 with CC.
K3 with MC.
K1 with CC
K3 with MC
K1 with CC.
K2 with MC.
Slip Marker.
Does that help? Please let us know!
Best,
Kumeko
Thanks so much for explaining everything in so much detail. You have a wonderful site and you are so accommodating!
Sandy
Thanks so much
Ah so so glad someone asked this question and the instructions make sense now. Loving this pattern!! Thanks
Hello, would I be able to use number 10 needles if I am a relatively loose knitter? if not, what adjustments should I make? I love this yarn! but don’t have the correct needles…
Hi Shull,
You may be able to get away with using US 10s. Gauge on hats is very important in order to get a good fit. I would suggest knitting a gauge swatch to see if you can get the recommended 13 stitches and 18 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. If the gauge is off, I would recommend trying the US 10 3/4 needle suggested here.
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Would this hat be good practice before attempting the Friendly Fair Isle Sweater? I have knit a few projects but this one would be my first integrating different colors.
Hi Peggy,
I love the idea! Smaller projects are great places to try out new techniques! My first color work project was a hat and I think that it was a great way to get comfortable with color work!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Beautiful! Could I knit this pattern on straights?
Beautiful!! Could I knit this pattern on straights?
Hi Nellie,
Thanks for writing in! Unfortunately this pattern is only for knitting in the round. Knitting fair isle is much easier and more polished when knit in the round. If you do fair isle flat, you might have some tension issues. Best of luck!
-Adam
Exactly how much yarn is needed to make the adult large hat? I know it says 2 skeins of the recommended yarn but I will be using a different yarn so I wanted to know how many skins I might need if there was 110 yards per skein? Thanks!
Hi Danielle,
Thank you for your question! You might be able to get away with knitting the adult large in 110 yards, but it might also be close. I’d buy the second skein just in case and hopefully you can exchange it for store credit.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
Best,
Adam
Thanks for the pattern using it for my donations to school kids without hats!
when you do the long tail tubular cast on – do you add an extra stitch for joining in the round? I always do that for the long tail cast on – but I’m having trouble with this one.
Thanks
Hi Lori,
Thanks for writing in! We do not cast on an additional stitch with the long tail cast on. I have heard of a lot of knitters who do do this but for simplicity, we cast on only the called for number and then join in the round.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Confused. Row 9 instructions please explain
Please explain.
Hi Delores,
Thanks for writing in. What is it exactly that you are having trouble with? In round 9 you are repeating all the directions within the brackets [] four times. However, within the four repeats you will repeat the directions within the parenthesis () two times. Hope this helps!
-Adam
Thanks. Did not realize that Helps a lot.
Thanks for sharing this beautiful pattern. I just want to know if it’s possible to make it using regular needles instead of the circular ones? Thanks
Hi Ligia,
For a hat it is best to use circular needles. This pattern works only for knitting in the round, the other option you have is to use double pointed needles. Knitting fair isle is much easier when knit in the round. If you do fair isle flat, you might have some tension issues.
I hope this helps,
Melissa
Love this pattern and have knit it a few times in the kid and adult sizes. I have the yarn to make a matching mama and baby hat but I’m on the fence for the size for the baby. The baby is almost 6 months old with a big noggin’. Do you think the baby hat would still fit? The circumference for the baby hat seems small. Thanks!
Hi Megan,
Is the baby in between sizes? I would still recommend the baby size I think the next size up would be to big and would not stay on babies head.
I hope this helps,
Melissa
Like the colourful hats going to knit them
Hello!
I love this hat and wanted to make it for my hubs who has a large head…measures about 24inches. Any tips on how to add more stitches or do you have a similar pattern for a larger size? I’m trying to make these has for him, my daughter and myself just in different colors. I already have all the yarn.
Thank you!
Hello Valerie,
Thank you for reaching out. I love this adorable idea! The adult large has a finished circumference of 22″ which is might just work for a 24″ head circumference, because the hat will stretch. To add stitches within the established pattern you will need to add a multiple of 8. Adding 8 stitches will give you a circumference of 24 1/4″.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Thank you so much!
How do you get the baby size to fit on a 16 inch needle?? Mine stretches and stretches but doesn’t come close to being able to be joined in the round
Hello Chloe,
Thanks for reaching out! You are exactly right. For the baby size you will need to knit the whole hat on Double Pointed Needles because of the circumference of the hat.
Happy knitting,
Marilla
Hi there,
For Round 1 in the Adult Large size, I’m having trouble producing what I see in your example photos on this page.
My problem is regarding the parts of the decrease where the three “tails” of CC decrease into one “tail” of CC as the stitches decrease upward. I see in your examples, Round 1 of the decrease where you first re-introduce the CC, that there are 3 stitches of MC, 1 stitch of CC. But when I knit:
[K2 with CC,
(k3 with MC, k1 with CC) four times, slip marker]
x4
This is giving me a K2 of CC…ending with K1 of CC; and beginning the bracket of K2 CC again.
SO: What it’s producing is 3 stitches in a row of CC; without the MC intermixed. So I’m not getting the spread-out little droplets of color in that first row like I see in your three finished hats. It’s 3 knit stitches of CC and then the start of the vertical CC rows….help! I loved the little droplets of color!
Would it be possible to break down the stitch-by-stitch instructions for Round 1 & 3 so that I may try it again. Your break down for Round 7 & 9 was really helpful (unfortunately, I’ve just had to rip that out twice now 🙁 ).
This has been a GREAT hat to knit, and has whipped up so quickly, until I reached this decrease! I’ve ripped back twice now and third time’s a charm for a successful finish.
I sure do appreciate your help, thank you!
Ashley
Hi Ashley,
Thanks for reaching out! It is correct to have three stitches in a row of the contrast color when you are starting the crown decreases of this hat in the Adult Large size. Our sample is the Adult Small, which starts with a few rows of alternating 3 MC with 1 CC all the way around the hat, but due to the different amount of stitches and decrease rows, the colorwork for the Adult Large starts with three CC stitches in a row at the base of each column of decreases. After Row 4, which is the first actual decrease row, the colorwork should space out the way you are expecting it to!
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
Thank you so much Julianna! That makes sense and I appreciate the clarification.
I might try to incorporate that patterning introducing the CC from the size small because I do like it so much. Overall this hat whipped up so quickly and looks great!
Thank you again,
Ashley
PS–I appreciate your time in responding during this pandemic. Means a lot and hope the Purl Soho staff are all staying healthy and happy with knitting projects.
Hello.
I am having the same problem as Julianna described in her post of May 12. I knit the kid size of this beautiful hat. I ended up with a different pattern of contrast stitches in the crown section. Instead of one straight single stitch column in the CC appearing in between the other motif, I ended up with a pattern of one round CC MC CC (the first Row 7 of the crown section), one round of MC stitches, and another round of CC MC CC (the second Row 7). I think it might have something to do with the fact that the repeat in Row 9 doesn’t have the extra 1 CC and 2 MC stitches. None of the hats in your pictures has this pattern glitch. Can you please help me out?
Thank you!
Hi Isabelle,
Thanks for reaching out! You can send a photo of your work to our team at [email protected] and we can trouble shoot further from there!
Warmly,
Gianna
Sweet hat, easy stranding, multiple sizes!
Is there a way to keep the working yarns from getting twisted around each other? First time attempting fair isle and yarns are getting twisted up!
Hi Emma,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately, that happens naturally with fair isle and working with multiple colors at once! The best way to keep them from getting too twisted is to move the balls around each other while working!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
HI – Love this hat. I noticed you have an Adult S and Adult L
Any chance you have instructions for an Adult M??
Thank you!
Hi Simone,
Thanks for reaching out. I’m afraid that we do not have instructions for an Adult Medium size! This hat requires a multiple of 8 stitches in order for the colorwork patterns to work correctly, so there isn’t a way to easily create an in-between size. However, this hat will be able to stretch a few inches extra, since hats are meant to have a snug fit, so the Adult Small size will be able to fit head circumferences up to 22 or 23 inches!
All the best,
Lili