Things to start with…
Designed for a class on beginning stranded knitting, this pattern can be finished as a headband or for those who become addicted to the rhythm of stranded knitting, it can completed as a warm winter hat. Charts are provided for using both two color and three color combinations. The hat is knitted in the round starting with a few rounds of the lining followed by a purl turning round. After finishing the hat body and crown, the cast on stitches are picked up and the lining is completed starting with an accent motif echoed from the main hat pattern. This lining provides added thickness, warmth, and protection from the cold winds of winter. The headband is worked with a portion of the same charts as the hat and is also lined for warm.

Sizes
21” circumference – not stretched.

Materials
Yarn:
DK weight
Color A: primary (150 yards)
Color B: secondary (120 yarns)
Color C: accent (for 3 color version) (30 yards)

Needles:
US size 4 – one 16” circular OR two 24” (at least) circulars OR appropriate needle for gauge or desired method for knitting in round (2 circulars, Magic Loop, or double-pointed needles.

Accessories: Stitch markers, stitch holders, blunt-ended tapestry or yarn needle.

Gauge
On US 4 (3.5mm) in pattern stitch: 27 sts and 28 rnds to 4”.

Before starting to knit, read the pattern carefully and make sure to check your gauge. You will thank yourself later.

About knitting from charts:
Charts are designed to be knitted from right to left, bottom to top. This means starting at the bottom right corner of the chart and working to the left and up. An easy way to knit from a chart is to get a page-sized metal tablet with long flat magnets. Place a magnet above the round you are working on and move it up revealing the next round as you go. This method enables you to see the relationship between the round you are working on and the completed rounds below.

Charts used for this pattern are designed with one symbol so the layout of the motif is easy to read. Colors to be used on each round or row are indicated in columns to the right of pattern chart. One column for the filled (gray) squares and one for the blank (white) squares of the chart. Be sure to check these columns when beginning each round.

About hat construction:
This hat starts with a few rounds of the lining before making the turn to begin the stranded work. Stitches along the cast on edge are picked up after the body and crown are completed and worked to create a lining.

Starting with a portion of the lining gives beginning stranded knitters a foundation to start with before tackling the colorwork.

About decreases:
Decreases are worked using Knit 2 Together (k2tog).