The Free Pattern

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

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

Cast on: With smaller needles and Kidsilk Haze held double, using cable cast-on method, cast on 120 sts. Cut yarn, leaving 8"/20cm tail for weaving in later. Do not join in round yet.
Change to Felted Tweed; knit one row.
Place contrast-color marker on needle and join in round, being careful not to twist.
Next round: *K1, P1*; repeat between * * to end of round.
Continue working in K1/P1 rib for 1"/2.5cm, slipping marker as you come to it.
Knit one round.

Stripe Sequence: Change to larger (gauge) needle and work stripe sequence as follows, knitting every round.
Note: Do not cut yarn between color changes. To keep color changes tidy, gently snug up the last stitch of the new color’s prior stripe. Then bring the yarn loosely up the inside behind the old color (over a finger to add a little slack)—this ‘traps’ the color you leave behind.

To smooth out the ‘jog’ resulting from the color change, on the first stitch of the second round of the new color, lift the right leg of the stitch below the first stitch on the left needle (it’s the old color) up onto the left needle and knit it together with the stitch that had been above it (it’s the new color).

Rounds 1-2: Kidsilk Haze held double.
Rounds 3-6: Felted Tweed.
Continue in stripe pattern until work measures 4½"/11cm from cast-on edge. On last round, place 7 more markers on needle, evenly spaced (every 15 sts).

Decrease Rounds: Continue in stripe pattern, decreasing as follows:
Round 1: *Knit to 2 sts before marker, K2Tog*; repeat between * * to end. [8 sts decreased]
Round 2: Knit one round.
Repeat these 2 rounds, decreasing 8 sts on each Round 1, until 64 sts remain, ending with Round 2. Note: Switch to double-points when necessary.
Repeat Round 1 only until 16 sts remain.
Next round: K2Tog around. [8 sts remain] Break yarn leaving 8"/20cm tail.

Finishing: With darning needle, thread tail through remaining sts and draw up tightly; repeat for strength. Do not cut tail; it will be used to attach pom-pom. Weave in all other ends. Wet or steam block as desired.

Pom-Pom: Use all remaining Kidsilk Haze to make a 2½−3"/6.5−7.5cm pom-pom following pom-pom maker directions. Sew securely to top of cap using tail from top of cap.