Sample shown in Medium

This chunky hat pattern is an easy knit with an unconventional brim. A garter stitch heart adorns the body of the hat.

The yarn and pattern symbolizes my sister and her family. In 2017, my sister gave birth to a baby boy named Oliver Alex Kalivas, who was diagnosed pre-natally with HLHS (Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.) In the first few months of his life Ollie underwent 2 open heart surgeries. He became known as our mighty OAK, for his strength and resiliency.

The yarn, a three ply bubble crepe symbolizes my sister’s family. The two skinny worsted singles (one S, and one Z ply) represent my sister and brother in law, while the woolen spun chunky core represents my nephew. My sister and brother in law provide structure, protection and strength for my nephew, just as the worsted singles provide these for the woolen core.

The hat is meant to look like an acorn, as the mightiest oaks grow from the smallest of seeds. The heart “carved” into the hat represents my nephew’s heart condition and all that he has and will endure. It also represents every other child that suffers or has suffered from a heart condition.

My nephew is an ambassador for the Children’s Hospital of Colorado, and donations to the hospital can be made in his name through this link. Any donations go to providing care to children and families in need.

SIZE
Adult SM, L

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Circumference: 1921, 23 inches / 48.553.5, 58.5 cm
shown in size
 M

For a snug fit make the size below your actual head measurement. For a loose fit, make the size closest to your head measurement.

MATERIALS
Yarn

Fiber
Skinny worsted singles Black Alpaca Roving; 4.5 ounces
Thick and thin woolen single Ashland Bay Merino Top, carded into rolags; color Sandalwood; 3.5 ounces

Finished yarn
Wraps per inch: 8
Ply: 3 (bubble crepe - I plied the two S singles together, and added a little extra twist, then spun the Z ply and remaining Z single together for the final yarn)

Yardage used: 110 - 150 Yards
YPP: 528 YPP
Drafting Method: thin singles were spun worsted, one S and one Z; thick and thin singles were spun woollen in S.

Commercial yarn alternative:
Plymouth Aireado 70% Baby Alpaca/7% Merino Wool/23% Nylon, 283 yds/100gm skein; color: 0026 Charcoal; 1 skein

Recommended needle size
always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below - every knitter’s gauge is unique
1 US #9/5.5mm circular needle, length-16 inch/40cm
US #9/5.5mm needles for small circumference in the round: DPNs, 1 long or 2 short circulars

Notions
4 stitch markers
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
US H-8/5mm Crochet Hook (optional) – see FINISHING

GAUGE
14.5 sts/20 rounds = 4 inches/10cm in stockinette stitch

PATTERN NOTES
Knitty’s list of standard abbreviations and techniques can be found here.

Techniques:

chain stitch