Released for International Workers Day 2015
A simple beanie that works well in a variety of lightweight yarns, especially those rustic woolly ones with a heathered texture similar to tweed suits (handspun in particular).
Torx features hexagonal decreases that resemble those funky screwdriver heads that pop up from time to time. Although the sample is unpatterned to show off the gorgeous complexity of Brooklyn Tweed Loft, simple stripes result in a pleasing geometric crown. Sample shown in Brooklyn Tweed Loft (100% wool; 251 metres // 275 yards per 50g) in Hayloft;
Other yarns recommended for their heathered splendour include Jamieson’s Shetland Spindrift, Polo&Co Masgot Fine, and Colourmart 2/9nm Shetland. Colourmart 2/12nm Cashmere/Silk/Viscose/Merino is suggested if you prefer something softer yet still textured.
MATERIALS
200 metres // 220 yards 4ply or fingering weight yarn;
Needle A: 40cm // 16-inch circular needle, double- pointed needles, or preferred needle for working small circumferences, that gets you gauge
Needle B: 40cm // 16-inch circular needle, double- pointed needles, or preferred needle for working small circumferences, two sizes smaller than Needle A
For tubular cast-on: Needle C: 40cm // 16-inch circular needle, double-pointed needles, or preferred needle for working small circumferences, one size smaller than Needle B (or three sizes smaller than Needle A);
7 stitch markers;
Tapestry needle.
GAUGE
24 sts x 37 rows = 10 cm // 4 inches in stockinette worked in the round, washed;
Suggested needle size = 3.75 mm // US 5
SIZING & DIMENSIONS
Hat circumference (unstretched): 45 cm // 18 inches; Edge to crown length: 23 cm // 9.25 inches OR custom;
This hat will comfortably accommodate head sizes 46-52 cm // 18.5-20.75 inches.
ABBREVIATIONS
k = knit;
k2tog = knit 2 stitches together (1 stitch decreased);
m = marker;
p = purl;
pm = place marker;
sl = slip (as if to purl, unless specified);
sl (wyib) = take yarn to back of work, slip the next stitch as if to purl, bring yarn forward;
sl (wyif) = bring yarn forward, slip the next stitch as if to purl, take yarn to back of work;
ssk = slip the next 2 stitches knitwise and knit together through the back loops (1 stitch decreased);
sts = stitch(es).
DIRECTIONS
Using Needle C, cast on 108 sts using a tubular method. (If you choose not to use a tubular cast-on, a medium- stretchy method is recommended e.g. long-tail. Use Needle B and omit the set up rows.)
Set-up row 1 [RS]: * K 1, sl 1 wyif, repeat from * to end. Set-up row 2 [WS]: * Sl 1 wyib, p 1, repeat from * to end.
Join to work in the round. Pm for start of round.
Change to Needle B.
Ribbing round: * K 1, p 1, repeat from * to end of round.
Work ribbing until hat measures 4 cm // 1.5 inches from edge, or desired length.
Change to Needle A.
Transition round: * Sl 1 wyib, p 1, repeat from * to end of round.
Knit until hat measures 19 cm // 7.75 inches or 4 cm // 1.5 inches shorter than desired length.
Decrease set-up round: K 9, * pm, k 18, repeat from * four more times, pm, k to end of round.
Decrease round: * K to 2 sts before m, ssk, sl m, k 1, k2tog, repeat from * five more times, k to end of round. 96 sts.
Even round: K all sts, slipping all markers. Repeat the last two rounds six more times. 24 sts.
Next round: * Ssk, remove m, k2tog, repeat from * five more times. 12 sts.
Final round: * K2tog, repeat from * five more times. 6 sts.
Break yarn and draw end through the remaining stitches.
FINISHING
Weave in ends.
Block gently to the dimensions given in Sizing.