Hjarta (Icelandic for ‘heart’) is a slightly slouchy, stranded colorwork beanie inspired by my first lopapeysa design: a heart-filled motif reminding the wearer they are loved. It is worked in the round from brim to crown, incorporating an optional (but highly recommended) tubular cast-on and includes sizes from baby to adult large, perfect for anyone. It’s quick to knit, making it an excellent last minute gift.

Choosing Colors
When choosing colors, think about contrast to make the design stand out or be more subtle. It may help to take a photo of the yarns you are considering and change it to black and white. To make a hat with similar contrast to the samples shown, choose a high contrast between the main and and contrast colors, and low contrast between the contrast colors themselves.

Included in the downloads is a coloring page to help you choose colors, or just for fun!

Skill Level
Intermediate
some stranded colorwork experience suggested, knitting in the round, tubular cast on

Yarn
1 skein Istex Lettlopi (50g/109yds) in each of main color (MC), contrast color 1 (CC1), and contrast color 2 (CC2).
Enough CC2 is left after adult large to make a pompom (optional).

Pictured baby hat uses:
MC 1418 Straw, CC1 1403 Lapis Blue
Heather, CC2 9414 Burnt Red
Pictured adult large hat uses:
MC 1703 Mimosa Heather, CC1 1707
Galaxy, CC2 9423 Lagoon Heather

Needles
Two 24” circulars, one in size needed to obtain pattern gauge and one two sizes smaller for cast on and ribbing
Suggested gauge needle: US 6 (4 mm)
Suggested ribbing needle: US 4 (3.5 mm)

Tools
Stitch markers, tapestry needle or crochet hook for finishing, 1 - 2 yds smooth scrap yarn (for cast-on)

Gauge
18 stitches & 23.5 rows = 4 inches using two repeats of chart A then C, soaked and allowed to dry flat.

Sizes
Baby, (Child, Adult S, Adult L)
16, (19, 20.5, 23) inches/40, (48, 52, 58) cm circumference
5.5, (8, 9, 10) inches/14, (20, 23, 25.5) cm height

Special Techniques
Tubular cast-on