This hat, inspired by the Moravia region of the Czech Republic, blends classic and modern in deliciously lofty ways. Worked in beautiful DK-weight yarn, the delicate twisted-stitch cables form elegant diamonds that pop against the fabric. Topping the swirl at the crown is a must-have pompom!

PATTERN NOTES
This hat is worked from the brim up starting with an Italian cast on (also called the Italian Tubular cast on). This is one of the simplest ways to work a tubular cast on for 1x1 ribbing, giving a beautiful professional finish with no need for a provisional cast on. This technique involves a variation of a long-tail cast on and then two setup rows, which are worked flat. The stitches are then joined in the round to work the hat. Detailed instructions for this Italian Cast On are provided, as well as a video link for reference. Should you not wish to use this cast on, you may substitute your preferred 1x1 tubular cast on method, or a normal long-tail cast on.
The brim is worked in 1x1 twisted rib; as written, only the knit stitches are worked through the back loops, but you can also work the purl stitches through the back loop, if preferred.
Once the brim is complete the main part of the hat is set up, and markers are placed on either side of the feature stitch panels. Crown shaping maintains the twisted stitch cables that swirl
up to the top of the hat, which is then finished with a lovely big pompom. The pompom is, of course, optional.

SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Circumference: 18 ¼ (20, 21 ¾)“ / 46.5 (51, 55) cm
Height: 8 ½ (9 ½, 10 ½)” / 21.5 (24, 26.5) cm
Intended to be worn with ~2” / 5 cm of negative ease and 1 ½“ / 4 cm of slouch.

YARN
1 (1, 2) skein(s) SweetGeorgia Yarns Superwash DK in Racing Green (256 yds / 234 m per 4 oz / 115 g skein; 100% Superwash Merino)
Yarn stated includes yarn needed to make a ~2 ¾“ / 7 cm pompom. Without the pompom, 1 skein is also enough to make the largest size.

NEEDLES & NOTIONS
Size 4 US / 3.5 mm needles, 16” / 40 long cm circular OR double-pointed needles OR minimum 32” / 80 cm circular needle for magic loop
Size 6 US / 4 mm needles, 16” / 40 cm long circular OR double-pointed needles, OR minimum 32” / 80 cm long circular needle for magic loop
Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.
5 stitch markers (one distinct for beginning of round), cable needle

GAUGE
22 sts and 32 rounds = 4” / 10 cm in Stockinette stitch in the round on larger needles, after blocking.

Visit the School of SweetGeorgia for workshops and tutorial resources to help bump your skills and discover new techniques!