A hat designed for the outdoor types, working and playing whatever the weather. A firm, extra warm, crisply ribbed hat with no fuss (though one bit of cabled detail for style) and plenty of staying power, no matter how hard the wind blows. This one is especially for your favourite farmers, archaeologists and geologists, construction and postal workers, determined dog walkers and all those braving the storm. The variation on a standard rib creates a particularly defined and smart rib, but is simple to work.

Construction details
Bottom - up, DK weight, in the round. Will work well in both plain and quite busy yarns.

Pattern contains
Charts and written instructions for main pattern and crown decreases. Links to tutorials for suggested cast on.

Sizes :
Choose a size approx. 10-15cm (4 -6 in) less than your actual head size for a snug fit. Be sure to measure from the top of your crown to the base of your ear to check the required length and work additional ribbing if required.

Finished sizes:
Age 4 - Adult S: 41.5cm/16 ½ in circumference and 20cm/8 inches long
Adult M: 48.5cm/19 in circumference and 21 cm/8 ¼ inches long
Adult L: 53cm/21 in and 22.5cm/9 inches long

Gauge:
26 stitches and 36 rows over 10cm/4 in over main ribbed pattern stitch using your larger needle.

Skills required:
Knitting in the round
Decreasing
Cables

Needles:
4mm (US 6) circular needle or correct needle size to achieve gauge and a needle 0.5 mm (1 US size) smaller for start of brim . You can use DPNS if you prefer. Pattern assumes magic loop, but you may substitute your preferred method for small circumference knitting when decreasing the crown.

Notions
Tapestry needle to weave in ends.
Stitch markers
cable needle

Yarn and yardage
King Cole baby alpaca DK (WPI 11) in colourway 697 Rust. All sizes can be completed with 2 balls of the suggested yarn or the following yardages:

Age 4-Adult S: 120 metres/135 yards
Adult M: 150 metres/160 yards
Adult L: 175 metres/190 yards

Always allow extra yarn