THE HOWARD HAT
Colourful, bold…and a little quirky…this fun-to-knit hat has Howard written all over it! I like to think Howard’s engineer side would appreciate the precision crown shaping, and that his (albeit reluctant) astronaut side would enjoy the NASA-blue contrast colour. But I’m absolutely certain that his Mom would adore the eye catching yarn-pom topper…HOOOOOOOWARD, don’t forgot to take your hat!

Howard is 1 of 9 Hats from The Big Bang Collection, inspired by the iconic TV sit-com.

YARN
A total of approximately 220 yds (200 m) of a sport-weight yarn. MC: 90 yds (80 m) + C1: 65 yds (60 m) + C2: 65 yds (60 m). If you want to add a yarn pom pom, allow an extra 75 yds (70 m) in desired colour.
Shown in Rauma Garn Finull PT2.

NEEDLES
Size US 4 (3.5 mm) 16”/40 cm circular needle (ribbing).
Size US 5 (3.75 mm) 16”/40 cm circular needle (body).
Size US 5 (3.75 mm) double-pointed needles x 4 (crown).

GAUGE
28 stitches & 26 rounds = 4” (10 cm) in Checked Pattern, after blocking.
27 stitches & 34 rounds = 4” (10 cm) in 1 x 1 Ribbing, after blocking.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
18” (46 cm) circumference x 11” (28 cm) length, with brim down, after blocking.
18” (46 cm) circumference x 8” (20 cm) length, with 2.75” (7 cm) with brim up, after blocking.
To fit approx. 22” (56 cm) head circumference.

SKILL LEVEL
Confident Beginner

FIND YOUR PERFECT FIT
The stitch & round multiples on which The Howard Hat is based are now included in the pattern. For less experienced knitters who want to make a different size, the math is now provided. More experienced knitters can use this same information to make decisions about yarn substitution, gauge etc. I hope this helps empower you to understand your knitting better and to find your perfect fit!

IMPORTANT NOTE
Stranded colour work is often depicted in chart format. However, because of the simple small repeat in this pattern, I’ve decided to try a new format that I hope will make The Howard Hat more widely accessible. What’s new? I’ve given the directions for the body (Checked Pattern) in written format, using regular font for the C1 stitches and bold font for the C2 stitches. I find this method intuitive, and it definitely makes it easier to follow if you don’t have a colour printer! I hope you enjoy the new format. If it’s not your cup of tea, please be kind with your feedback :)