This pattern is not about the hat, it’s about the technique!! A fabulous technique (ladderback jacquard) that has been used in machine knitting that I call Invisible Stranding.

Invisible Stranding allows you to carry yarn across any number of stitches without catching the floats. Catching floats creates a visible pucker in your knitting and often allows the other color to show through. Invisible Stranding eliminates both of these problems. The Good Hat/Bad Hat photo shows the difference!

The Invisible Stranding technique is described in the pattern and demonstrated in a series of YouTube videos. I put my own spin on the technique and share my tips and tricks with you.

The technique can be applied to other patterns, and the Invisible Stranding Guide (included with the pattern) describes how.

In fact, I would be happy to help you determine if a particular pattern would benefit from this technique. Just send me a message.

Pattern Information
Sizes: Extra Small XS (19”), Small S (20”), Medium M (21”), Large L (22”), Extra Large XL (23”)

Two styles: Standard fit and ‘slouchy’ fit. Overall length of standard fit hat is 8-8 ½ inches. Slouchy Style is 9 ½ - 10 inches, or more if you prefer.

Materials: Worsted weight yarn in two contrasting colors. High contrast will allow you to see how the technique works.

Shown in Malabrigo Worsted, Colors Natural #63 (MC) and Stone Blue #99 (CC) or Fuschia Color #93 (CC); 110 yards MC, 50 yards CC for size large, slouchy style; 90 yards MC, 45 yards CC for small standard style hat. Yardage is approximate and will vary depending on your gauge and preferred hat style. Generally it takes about twice as much of the background color.

Gauge: 20 sts and 28 rounds in stranded knitting on larger needle

NOTE: row gauge does matter here as the overall depth of the hat will be affected. You may need to make minor adjustments to account for this.

Needles: Size 7 circular needles or size needed to achieve gauge; length depends on your preferred knitting technique (i.e., magic loop, etc.) for ~20 inches in the round;
Size 6 circular needles (one size smaller than above), see note about length – this needle is used for the single color knitting at the top of the hat. If your gauge does not change when you switch to single-color knitting, you may not need this additional size.
DPNs (for shaping at crown) in same size as used for single color knitting.

Techniques Used: Stranded knitting, knitting in the round, slipping sts, increasing/decreasing, other special techniques described in the pattern. Previous experience with stranded knitting is highly recommended.