I called this the Hug Hat because the stitch pattern reminds me of noughts and crosses – Xs and Os – which, in text message speak, means kisses and hugs. So Hug Hat felt like the perfect name!

Although the design looks like fair isle, it actually uses the slip stitch technique, which means you’re only working with one colour at a time. It’s simple, soothing, and relaxing to knit – especially once you find your rhythm.

I designed this in September 2020, when we all needed a little extra warmth and comfort, but couldn’t always give hugs in person. This hat was my way of sending a knitted hug to someone I cared about.

I chose Jamieson’s yarn because of its wonderful heritage – it’s grown, sheared and spun on the Shetland Islands. A yarn that carries history, warmth and craft all in one.

There’s a free mitten pattern included with the hat too — perfect for wrapping someone in a full set of knitted hugs.

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

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

YARN
3 shade colourway: Two 25g balls of Jamieson’s Spindrift in shade A
100% Jamison’s wool, 105m/114yds per 25g
AND One 25g ball each of shade B and shade C.
2 shade colourway: Two 25g balls each of Jamieson’s Spindrift in shade A and shade B.

SUGGESTED KNITTING NEEDLES
3.25mm

GAUGE (tension)
28 stitches and 60 rows to 10cm square over pattern. I obtained this gauge with 3.25mm needles.
It is important to obtain gauge so do swatch and change your needle size to achieve the correct gauge if you need to.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
For the hat: to fit small-medium (medium-large) adult head. Due to the nature of the rib pattern & individual gauges the finished circumference can vary from 50cm to 60cm. If the knitter gets the gauge as above the finished circumference will be approx. 51(56)cm.
For the mitten: approx. 16(21)cm.

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.