Moss and Blackberry Stitch Hat
A 1970s hat using blackberry stitch, with a moss stitch brim. George did not think this was very "manly", but I leave that artistic decision to you, [George has also had experience of "life on the ocean wave" and says that as long as it's warm it will be welcome].
InstructionsWith No. 6 (5mm) circular needle cast on 89 stitches, and work in rounds of k1, p1, moss stitch for 3 inches. Increase 7sts evenly across the last row. [96 sts] Change to No. 4 (6mm) circular needle and work pattern as follows: [Editor's note: this pattern (blackberry stitch) is worked over groups of 4 sts, and the hat is knitted up from the wrong side throughout.] 1st round: (wrong side) Knit. These 4 rows form the pattern. Continue in pattern until work measures 8½ inches from the beginning, ending with round 4. Shape Top as follows, keeping continuity of the pattern: Next round: K1 *k2,
k2tog. Repeat from * to last st., k1. [72
sts] Next round: *K2tog,
k1. Repeat from * to end of round. [48 sts] Break yarn, thread through remaining sts; draw up and fasten off securely. Making up: Changing the hat size, or substituting the wool.You may want to alter the size (circumference) of your hat, or compensate for a different gauge. Simply work out how many sts you need to cast on according to your own
gauge eg divide the number of sts by 18 and multiply by the number of
sts you knit to 4 inches. Do the same calculation when increasing for the blackberry stitch, taking note that your number of sts needs to be divisible by 4. Example:
I have a gauge of 18 sts to 4 inches on no UK 6 (5mm) needles. Cast on 89 sts becomes 89/18*15 = 74, and you cast on 75, as it needs to be an odd number. Increase evenly to 96 sts becomes 96/18*15 = 80. |
MaterialsExample shown is knitted in 2x 50g balls of vintage Richard Poppleton Emmerdale Chunky Tweed (an acrylic and wool blend). Size 6 (5mm) and size 4 (6mm) circular needles - short length suitable
for a hat. TensionApprox. 9st to 2 inches on No 6 needles. Size mattersThis hat worked out to about 22 inches head circumference. My estimate
is that "to fit an average sized head" means 22/23 inches for
a man's size and 20-22 inches for a woman's size. A word on the wool.Original pattern called for Patons Husky Chunky, which was, I think a
pure wool chunky, somewhat bulkier than the one I used. Disclaimer
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