The Chester Hat is perfect for beginners and experienced knitters alike.

Originally designed for my second Learn to Knit class, this pattern is ideal for anyone wanting to learn how to purl. This stocking stitch hat is great to practise your purl stitches.

The pattern is simple and easy to follow, just like all my designs, making it a really rewarding first project. And for experienced knitters, it’s a lovely quick knit — ideal as a mindful break between bigger projects or a great opportunity to play with colour.

It works beautifully in Donegal Studio Soft Chunky yarn, and you can have fun mixing shades from The Croft or Spindrift too!

CONSTRUCTION
Knitted flat from the bottom up in one piece with one seam.

TECHNIQUES USED
Cast on, knit, purl, decreasing. Joining one seam. Optional but recommended to create the feeling of joy when joining your pieces: mattress stitch.

YARN
One 100g Hank of WYS The Croft Shetland Aran
100% Shetland wool 166m/181yds per 100g
AND
One 25g ball of Jamieson’s Spindrift
100% Shetland wool 105m/114yds per 25g
OR
One 100g hank of Studio Donegal Soft Chunky
100% Merino wool 125m/136yds per 100g

SUGGESTED NEEDLES
6mm.

GAUGE (tension)
14 stitches and 19 rows to 10cm square over stocking stitch with one strand of aran and one strand of 4 ply together OR one strand of chunky. I obtained this gauge with 6mm needles.
It is important to obtain gauge so do swatch and change your needle size to achieve the correct gauge if you need to.

SIZE & FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
To fit adult head. Due to the nature of the rib pattern and individual gauges the finished circumference can vary from 48cm to 54cm. If the knitter gets the gauge as above, the finished circumference will be approx. 50cm.

NEED HELP?
I am here for you! Pop into the Skipton studio, send an email, or check out the Purl &Jane YouTube channel for tips, inspiration and guidance including handy resources like gauge (tension) guides and how to tutorials.