Kool Hat

Here's an easy hat from my Kool-Aid yarn from February. It's one ball, striped in long color sequences, but it's no Noro Kureyon, which would probably make a prettier hat. It's a bit too neon for me, but since DD squealed in delight and staked her claim on it, she'll get to enjoy it when the cool weather rolls around, and those rainbow socks will match perfectly.

This very stretchy hat will fit a span of sizes, from an older child to an average adult. It features decreases that do not "swirl" around the head, instead, the ribbing gets smaller. I've got nothing against the swirl, but it just doesn't seem very masculine to me, so IMO, this makes a better dude-beanie.


YOU'LL NEED:

About 100-120 yds of aran weight yarn

#7 (4.5mm) 16" (40cm) circular and set of 4 or 5 double pointed needles

Gauge is approx 20 sts over 4" (10cm) in slightly stretched K4-P2 ribbing

PATTERN:

CO 108 sts, join to work in the round.

*K4, P2* until your tube measures 7" (18 cm) long if you don't want a turned-up brim as shown, or 9" (23cm) long if you like a turned-up brim.

Now begin your decreases rounds at the crown, switching to DPN's when necessary: (* to * means repeat the sequence over the entire round)

*K2-tog, K2, P2*

*K3, P2*

*K2-tog, K1, P2*

*K2, P2*

*K2, P2-tog*

*K2, P1*

*K2-tog, P1*

*K1, P1*

*K2-tog* then pull tail through sts and fasten for the easy route, or as shown, put half the sts on one DPN, the other half on a second DPN, and kitchener the top closed.

Weave in ends, wash, block, and enjoy!

If your dude has a giant head or big hair, then CO 12 more sts, and you'll probably need more yarn. If you want to make this for a younger child, CO 12 less sts, knit to about 6" (15cm) before beginning the decreases. Everything else will work out the same.