The Learning Hat by Meaghan Schmaltz

The Learning Hat

Knitting
February 2023
Worsted (9 wpi) ?
18.5 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches
in stockinette st in the round
US 6 - 4.0 mm
US 8 - 5.0 mm
120 - 140 yards (110 - 128 m)
One size: 19 in. / 48.5 cm circumference and 8½ in. / 21.5 cm tall, unstretched.
English
This pattern is available for $5.00 USD buy it now

Errata: please note on page 1 of the pattern the conversion from US units to metric is incorrect. It should be 19 in. / 48.5 cm.

The Learning Hat is worked in the round from the brim up. It is worked inside out or can be used as a reversible beanie if you weave in the ends carefully! The hat is designed to fit most adult-sized heads but in an upcoming episode of Knit Talk With a Tech Editor I’ll be discussing how to modify the hat to different sizes or different gauges! If you check out Episode 3 (released Feb. 22, 2023) you’ll find a discount code on this cute little pattern!

FINISHED SIZE
19 in. / 48.5 cm circumference and 8½ in. / 21.5 cm tall, unstretched.
Fits an average adult-sized head; modeled on a 22 in. / 56 cm head with 3 in. / 7.5 cm of negative ease; recommended fit is 0-4 in. / 0-10 cm negative ease.

YARN
Beanie / short style: Ewe Ewe Yarns Heather’s Heathers (worsted weight; 100% merino wool superwash yarn; 95 yds/87 m per 50g), 2 skeins: 70 Aquamarine
Taller style: Brooklyn Tweed Shelter (2-ply woolen spun worsted weight; 100% Targhee-Columbia wool; 140 yds / 128 m per 50g), 1 skein: Faded Quilt

NEEDLES
US 6 / 4 mm; 16 in. / 40 cm circular needle
US 8 / 5 mm; 16 in. / 40 cm circular needle AND set of DPNs

NOTIONS
Stitch marker
Row counter (optional)
Tapestry needle

PROJECT GAUGE
18.5 sts and 28 rows = 4 in. / 10 cm over Stockinette st worked in the round on larger needle, taken after blocking.

SPECIAL TECHNIQUES
German Twisted Cast On method - video tutorial: https://tinyurl.com/2kfadehb

PATTERN NOTES

  • This hat is worked in the round from the brim up beginning with thE smaller needle for the brim, changing to the larger needle for the body and crown of the hat.

  • The hat is knit inside out - the crown is worked in stockinette stitch (knit every rnd) but when the hat is complete, you will turn it inside out and weave in the ends to the knit side. If you prefer to wear it knit-side out, don’t turn it inside out before you weave in the ends. Or, if you’re really careful when weaving in the ends, it can be a reversible hat!

  • Adjust needle size as necessary to match gauge. The small needle should be 2 needle sizes smaller than the large needle when gauge is met.

  • Written instructions are provided for the entirety of the hat.

  • When the circumference of the hat becomes too small for the circular needle during the Crown Shaping, change to DPNs to finish the hat.

  • Both versions of the hat are worked identically; the same number of stitches and rows. The difference in the fit is the selected yarn. For a more fitted / beanie-style hat, choose a smooth, superwash yarn like Ewe Ewe Yarns. For the taller style, a woolenspun or light-weight, non-superwash yarn works well as the fabric is less likely to compress vertically when the stitches are pulled horizontally.