This video demonstrates the steps to creating a custom-fit hat using any yarn weight. Some hat-knitting experience is assumed. If you have a skein of yarn in your stash and a last-minute gift to knit, knowing how to free-style a hat is an invaluable skill. The video will walk the knitter through measuring the recipient (you can use a chart of average sizes to make an educated guess), calculating the desired negative ease, and determining the gauge for the chosen yarn. The target cast on number is calculated, and then adjusted, based on preferred ribbing. Basic proportions for the hat are explained, as well as where adjustments can be made in length to accommodate a folded back cuff or a preference for a slouchier fit. Finally, how to plan for and execute the crown decreases is explained. 100g of any yarn weight is plenty for an adult-sized hat (with enough leftover to make a pom-pom). Children's hats can typically be knit with 50g. Amount needed will depend on size of hat, as well as adjustments for additional length.
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To jump to a specific point in the video, click on the adjacent time-stamped links:
Introduction: 0:00
Hat improvisation: 0:21
Determine what size hat you will make: 1:07
Yarn selection and gauge swatch: 2:06
Calculate hat circumference and choose ribbing: 5:41
Plan the hat: ribbing, body, and crown lengths: 8:33
Plan for adjustments (additional length in body or ribbing): 10:39
Select your cast on method: 11:58
Cast on using smaller needles for ribbing: 13:44
Knit the hat body: 15:38
Planning the crown: 17:03
Working the crown decreases: 20:57
Finishing off the hat: 22:04
Final Results: 22:46
RESOURCES FOR HAT KNITTERS
Sizing charts for hats.: https://tinyurl.com/vrqcvcb
My article on improvising a hat from stash yarn for Interweave Knits Gifts 2019 is here: https://www.interweave.com/article/knitting/improvised-hat-with-stash-yarn/
Playlist of hat-related videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1AZxTfSCe2feGta0fXVVSFYQVqmINyEw
DETAILS OF HATS SHOWN IN VIDEO:
ADULT HAT WITH VARIEGATED YARN
To fit head circumference 22''
15% negative ease
finished size 18.7'' circumference, 8'' long
yarn: Lang Lyonel 109 yd/100m in 100g (super bulky)
quantity used: 55.6g, about 61 yds
Gauge: 3 sts/in (ball band recommended 2.5 sts/in, i.e. 10 sts over 4''/10cm, but I felt it was too floppy, and even at 3 sts/in, I felt 10% negative ease might feel loose, so I chose to knit with 15% neg ease)
CO: 56 sts, using Alternating (aka Italian) CO for k1p1 ribbing,
Crown: 8 sets of 7 sts; 6 dec rnds, 3 plain rnds
CHILD'S GREEN HAT
To fit head circumference 18''
10% negative ease
finished size: 16'' circumference, 6.5'' long
yarn: Ancient Arts Fibre Crafts Lascaux Worsted, 75% Punta, 25% Manx Loaghtan (worsted weight wool) 219 yds/100g; amount used 36.6g (about 80yds)
gauge: 5 sts/in (20 sts over 4''/10 cm)
CO: 81 sts using standard long tail cast on
Crown: setup dec 1 st (80 sts); 8 sets of 10 sts; 9 dec rnds, 4 plain rnds
ADULT MAROON HAT WITH DOUBLE CUFF
To fit head circumference 22''
10% negative ease
finished size: 19.8'' circumference, 8'' long
yarn: Ancient Arts Fibre Crafts Lascaux Worsted, 75% Punta, 25% Manx Loaghtan (worsted weight wool) 219 yds/100g; amount used 69.2 g (about 152 yds)
gauge: 5 sts/in (20 sts over 4''/10 cm)
CO: Alternating Long Tail Cast on, 100 sts
Crown: 10 sets of 10 sts; 9 dec rnds; 6 plain rnds
My knitting designs: https://www.ravelry.com/designers/roxanne-richardson
If you have questions about this video, or suggestions for future videos, please let me know down in the comments or on social media.
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