The Free Pattern

See "The Details" tab for size, yarn, needle, and gauge information.

GLOSSARY: Dec(d) = decrease(d); K = knit; K2Tog = knit 2 sts together; P = purl; St(s) = stitch(es).

Edging: With smaller needles and Color A, cast on 70 (77, 84, 91) sts. Place different-colored marker and join in round, being careful not to twist. Purl 3 rounds (reverse stockinette stitch).

Body of hat: Note: You need not cut your yarns each time you begin and end a color; simply lift the color from the row below where it was waiting, give a gentle tug to set the size of the last stitch used in that color, and begin knitting with new color. Bring new color from behind prior color to twist neatly, being careful not to pull up too tightly.

Change to larger needles and work 7-round stripe pattern as follows:
Round 1: With Color B, knit.
Round 2: With Color B, slip first st purlwise (to reduce ‘jog’ in stripe); knit to end.
Round 3: With Color B, knit.
Round 4: With Color C, knit.
Round 5: With Color C, slip first st purlwise (to reduce ‘jog’ in stripe); knit to end.
Round 6: With Color C, knit.
Round 7: With Color A, knit.

Repeat Rounds 1–7 4 (4, 5, 5) more times; on last round place remaining markers every 10 (11, 12, 13) sts. [7 equal sections].

Decrease rounds: Note: On dec rounds, continue to slip first st of second round of new color as established. Switch to double-point needles when necessary.

Rounds 1-2: With Color B, knit. [No dec]
Round 3: With Color B, *Knit to 2 sts before marker, K2Tog*; repeat between * * to end. [7 sts dec’d]
Rounds 4-6: With Color C, knit. [No dec]
Round 7: With Color A, knit. [No dec]
In color sequence as established, repeat Decrease Rounds 1–7 until 7 sts remain, ending with decrease Round 3.

Finishing: Cut yarn; with darning needle, thread tail through remaining sts and draw up tightly; repeat for strength. Weave in ends on wrong side.
To block, soak briefly in tepid water with a little no-rinse wool wash. Gently squeeze to remove as much water as possible (don’t twist or wring). To remove more moisture, roll in a towel and squeeze gently, or run through spin-only cycle in machine. Lay flat to dry.

Tassel: Cut two pieces of Color A 18"/46cm. Thread one piece onto darning needle; set other piece aside. From skein, wrap yarn 25 times around four fingers held flat; cut yarn. Slip darning needle through wrapped yarn, even up tails and tie tightly with double knot. Wrap second 18"/46cm piece around tassel several times approx. 1"/2.5cm down from tie; knot securely and use darning needle to tuck ends down into tassel. Trim tassel to approx. 2½"/6cm making sure all loops are cut. Trim to even up ends.
Twist two tie ends in opposite directions (going with twist of yarn) until very tight; allow ends to twist back on each other for twisted cord. Sew tassel securely to point of cap leaving approx. 1"/2.5cm of cord to outside so tassel can dangle freely. Secure ends on inside.