Rolled Brim Hat

Well, the days are getting shorter, there is a chill in the air, and before you know it, it will be winter hat weather. I have a great pattern that I have perfected for a rolled brim hat. it goes a little something like this...

Roll Brim Hat
Gauge: Stitches per inch ________ X________ around head = # of stitches to cast on ________. For example, gauge is 4 stitches to the inch X a 20" = Cast on 80 stitches. Round off to a number evenly divisible by something!
Rolled brim hat - **Cast on appropriate number for gauge. Making sure stitches are not twisted, place marker and join round. Knit every round until hat measures 6 inches.
To Decrease:Place 2 markers at beginning of round.Place a marker every 20 stitches as you knit the next round.
Next row: Knit to last 2 stitches before the first marker, knit those 2 stitches together. Continue knitting the round while knitting the last 2 stitches together before each marker. Stop at double marker (beginning of round). Then knit next row.
Decrease Round 1: Knit to within last 2 stitches of each marker, knit 2 together.
Decrease Round 2: Knit Plain
Decrease Round 3: Knit to within last 2 stitches of each marker, knit 2 together.
Decrease Round 4: Knit Plain
Decrease Round 5: Remove all markers but one (this now indicates the beginning of your row)
*Knit 2 stitches, Knit 2 tog*
Decrease Round 6: Knit Plain
Decrease Round 7: *Knit 1 Stitch, Knit 2 tog*
Decrease Round 8: Knit Plain
Decrease Round 9: * Knit 2 tog*
Continue decreasing every other round for a gentle rounded crown shape. When you complete decrease round 9, cut a 20" tail of yarn, thread your yarn needle and thread it through the remaining stitches, drawing them up tight. Weave in ends.

A couple of tips for using this pattern: if you're working with a thinner yarn, do a more gradual decrease, and maybe repeat the decrease rows. With a bulkier yarn, you can try a more rapid decrease.

I found this pattern online somewhere a long time ago and have made a lot of modifications to it over the years. This is a great, easy, versitile pattern that I reccomend for beginners once they know the basics - how to cast on, knit, decrease. It's a great way to learn about gauge, and you can try it on while you are knitting it so you get the perfect fit. I have made many of these hats of the years, both for myself and as gifts, and it always goes over well. For any of my students out there who have made a hat using this pattern, I would love it if you could e-mail me a picture. I will post them all here so we can see. Thanks!

One last thing - On Wednesdays from 8-8 at Spark during the knitting circle, you can place your special orders for yarn, and if you order their yarn of the week, you get 10% off. There is a minimum order of 5 skeins, which is great if you are making a big project like a sweater or making multiple items as gifts. Yarn of the week this week is Manos del Uruguay! Check out my last post for Manos info.
Happy Shopping!