Dusky Sky Hat

Hi knitters! It’s finally winter, and while it’s still quite warm here, I’m sure it’s very cold and windy these days in other parts of the world, where wearing a cozy hat is a must, nowadays. I really liked the color palette of this yarn the moment I saw it, because of its pastel, and I’m a sucker for anything pastel. The knit and purl pattern seemed like the best choice for it, adding a nice illusion to the final look. It can be worn in more than one way: covering or above the ears. So here it is: a very easy pattern that you can make in one day to keep you warm for months to come. And while I didn't — because I like how the top looks and wanted to show it to you guys— you can also add a cute fluffy pompom on top. Stay Cozy!

Skill level: Intermediate

GET printable PDF for this pattern here.

 Materials:

• Yarn: NAKO Elit Baby, Mini Batik, 100% premium anti-pilling acrylic, 3.5 oz. (100 g), 273 yards (250 m), color: Variegated 32463 (1 skein).
• Circular knitting needles, 16" (40 cm) long, sizes US 6 (4 mm) and US 7 (4.5 mm).
• Double pointed needles (DPNs) set, size US 7 (4.5 mm).
• Tapestry needle.
• Stitch marker.

Sizes and measurements: 

• Size S: head circumference = 20" (53 cm), height = 8" (20 cm).
• Size M: head circumference = 22" (56 cm), height = 8.5" (22 cm).
• Size L: head circumference = 24" (61 cm), height = 9" (23 cm).

Gauge: 20 sts and 25 rounds = 4"x 4" (10 cm x 10 cm) in stockinette stitch.

Yardage: 

• Size S: 148 - 150 yards (135- 138 m), approx.
• Size M: 160- 164 yards (147- 150 m), approx. 
• Size L: 183- 186 yards (167- 170 m), approx.

Knitting Terms:

• st: stitch.
• sts: stitches.
• k: knit.
• p: purl.
• k2tog: knit two stitches together.
• ssk: slip, slip, knit the 2 slipped sts together through back loops.

Instructions:

With 4 mm circular knitting needles, cast on 96 (108, 120) sts. Join in the round. Don't know how to join in the round? here is a short tutorial on how to do it (from 0:26 - 1:15 min): 

 

Put a ring stitch marker at the beginning of rounds, work as follows:

Rib round: k 2, p 2, repeat to end.

Repeat the rib round 16 ( 18, 18) times. Change to 4.5 mm circular needles while knitting one round, work the pattern as follows:

General Pattern:

Knit 3 rounds. 

Rounds 4 and 5: k 2, p 4, repeat to end.

Knit 3 rounds.

Rounds 9 and 10: p 3, *k 2, p 4, repeat from * to last 3 sts, k 2, p 1.

For sizes S and M, repeat the general pattern once more, then repeat rounds 1- 8 once.

For size L, repeat the general pattern twice more, then knit 3 rounds.

Decreasing rounds:

Note: Change to DPNs when necessary. 

Round 1: k 1, ssk, p 7 (9, 9), repeat to end. [81 (99, 110) sts]

Round 2: k 2, p 7 (9, 9), repeat to end. slip the ring stitch marker one stitch before.

Round 3: k2tog, k 1, p 6 (8, 8), repeat to end. [72 (90, 100) sts]

Round 4: k 2, p 6 (8, 8), repeat to end. 

Round 5: k 1, ssk, p 5 (7, 7), repeat to end. [63 (81, 90) sts]

Round 6: k 2, p 5 (7, 7), repeat to end. Move the ring stitch marker one stitch behind.

Round 7: k2tog, k 1, p 4 (6, 6), repeat to end. [54 (72, 80) sts]

Round 8: k 2, p 4 (6, 6), repeat to end. 

Round 9: k 1, ssk, p 3 (5, 5), repeat to end. [45 (63, 70) sts]

Round 10: k 2, p 3 (5, 5), repeat to end. Move the ring stitch marker one stitch behind.

Round 11: k2tog, k 1, p 2 (4, 4), repeat to end. [36 (54, 60) sts]

Round 12: k 2, p 2 (4, 4), repeat to end. 

For size S only:

Last two rounds: k2tog to end. 9 sts

Cut yarn, leaving a 6" (15 cm) long yarn tail, pull it through all sts and tighten tog. Weave in loose ends.

For sizes M and L:

Round 13: k 1, ssk, p (3, 3), repeat to end. [(45, 50) sts]

Round 14: k 2, p (3, 3), repeat to end. Move the ring stitch marker one stitch behind.

Round 15: k2tog, k 1, p (2, 2), repeat to end. [(36, 40) sts]

Round 16: k 2, p (2, 2), repeat to end. Move the ring stitch marker one stitch behind.

Rounds 17 and 18: k2tog to end. [(9, 10) sts]

Cut yarn, leaving a 6" (15 cm) long yarn tail, pull it through all sts and tighten tog. Weave in loose ends.

Lastly, feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions or find something confusing in the pattern.

Happy crocheting/knitting! follow me on Instagram @wiams_crafts and Twitter @wiamscrafts to see my upcoming projects.