Spring Twist Hat

Materials:

• US 6, 16″ circular needle (or DPNs)
• ~150 yards worsted weight cotton yarn (My choice is Knit One Crochet Too Ty-Dy Cotton. It is considered worsted weight, but I think it is a little lighter so check your gauge if you use a different yarn.)
• Tapestry needle, ruler, and button

Gauge:

• 5 sts x 8 rows = 1 in. x 1 in.

Abbreviations/Stitches Used:

• k – knit
• p – purl
• k2tog – knit two together
• pm – place marker

Hat Instructions:

co 88 stitches (I used the long tail cast on method. Instructions here.)

Row 1:  K, P across the 88 stitches; turn, do not join

Row 2: k2tog, yo; *P, K; repeat from * until two stitches remain; yo, k2tog

Repeat rows 1 and 2 two more times to create three eyelets.

Row 7: K, P across the 88 stitches; co 20 using the single cast on (instructions here); 108 sts

Row 8:  Join to work in the round and knit all stitches.

Continue in stockinette until you are approximately 4.5-5 inches from the edge.

Crown Decreases:

*k10, k2tog, pm; repeat from * to end (99 sts)

Knit 2 rounds

*Knit to 2 sts before marker, k2tog; repeat from * to end (81 sts)

Repeat the last three rounds (72 sts)

Knit 1 round

*Knit to 2 sts before marker, k2tog; repeat from * to end (63 sts)

Repeat last round until 9 stitches remain

Cut yarn leaving approximately 6 inches; use a tapestry needle to thread the tail through the remaining stitches a few times and fasten off.

Weave in any remaining ends.

The last part of this hat are the twists (instructions below). Three of the twists are put through the eyelets and then buttoned at the top of the hat. This creates the “bow” portion of the hat. The part of the twists that goes through the eyelets will then be sewn to the inside of the hat. The twists will create a bump of sorts on the inside of the hat, but it is not noticeable from the outside. If you want to make the twists less intrusive I suggest a lighter weight yarn that matches your hat yarn. Another option is to use the yarn as a bow without twisting it.

The rest of the twists are used for the top of the hat. (I used 18.) Thread a piece of scrap yarn through the “top” ends of each tassel using a tapestry needle. (The top end is the end without the knot.) Then run the piece of yarn holding the twists together through the top of the hat to the inside. Weave in the ends and you’re done!

Twist Instructions:

First, double 15 inches of yarn and cut

15" doubled

Second, place your finger at the end of the loop and use it two twist the yarn. Twist until the yarn feels tight against your finger.

Third, bring your loop finger up to the other end of the yarn and hold them together. The yarn will twist up on itself as below.

Last, while holding the yarn together in your left hand, use your right hand to sort of straighten the twist.

Thanks and enjoy!

Note: This is a relatively simple pattern; however, it has not been tested. Please let me know if you have any feedback! Also, this pattern may be used for whatever purpose you would like to use it. If you happen to sell something using this pattern, please put a link to my blog.

Edit: 08/03/2011