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| Five Pillars Hat |
I would tell you how many times I frogged this thing, except I can't count that high. Okay, so I'm exaggerating. But it is no exaggeration that I put extra work into the Five Pillars Hat to make it not just run of the mill, but extraordinary. And although the design is unisex, I highly recommend knitting it with a slightly larger gauge yarn if you're making it for a larger-headed person or a man (think 15 stitches = 4 inches instead of 16, and possibly a size US 10 needle to get your gauge). Oh, and, as of October 6, 2015, I've charted this pattern. You can find the chart below*. :)
* Updated as of 08/22/16
Yarn: Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Aran (100% Superwash Merino Wool; 150 yards [137.5 meters]/100 grams); #817 Aran - one skein
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| The back. |
Gauge: 16 stitches = 4 inches on size 9 needles
So let's make a hat, eh? First, then, using your size 7 needle, cast on 85 stitches, place marker, and join in round. Then we'll work a few ribbing rows, as follows:
Ribbing Row: * knit two stitches through their back loops (k2-tbl), (p1, k1) 6 times, p1, k2-tbl; rep from *
Knit ribbing row 7 times, and then it's time to switch to our size 9 needles and our main pattern. If you want, you can watch the handy-dandy video I made about cabling without a cable needle before you begin. This was the only take where the cat didn't rub up against the tripod and ruin the shot:
And now that that's taken care of, let's proceed as follows:
Rows 1 & 2: * k2-tbl, p1, k1, p1, k7, p1, k1, p1, k2-tbl *
Row 3: * k2-tbl, slip next 3 stitches to cn and hold in back, k3, (k1, p1, k1) from cn, p1, slip next 3 stitches to cn and hold in front, k1, p1, k1, (k3) from cn, k2-tbl
Row 4: * k2-tbl, k3, (k1, p1) three times, k4, k2-tbl *
Row 5: * k2-tbl, k3, (p1, k1) three times, p1, k3, k2-tbl *
Row 6: * slip next 2 stitches to cn and hold in back, k3, (k2) from cn, (p1, k1) three times, p1, slip next 3 stitches to cn and hold in front, k2, (k3) from cn *
Rows 7 & 8: * k3, k2-tbl, (k1, p1) three times, k1, k2-tbl, k3 *
Rows 9 & 10: * k3, k2-tbl, (p1, k1) three times, p1, k2-tbl, k3 *
Rows 11 & 12: * k3, k2-tbl, (k1, p1) three times, k1, k2-tbl, k3 *
Row 13: * slip next 3 stitches to cn and hold in back, k2, k3 from cn, (p1, k1) three times, p1, slip next 2 stitches to cn and hold in front, k3, k2 from cn *
Row 14: * k2-tbl, k3, (p1, k1) three times, p1, k3, k2-tbl *
Row 15: * k2-tbl, k3, (k1, p1) three times, k4, k2-tbl *
Row 16: * k2-tbl, slip next 3 stitches to cn and hold in front, k1, p1, k1, k3 from cn, p1, slip next 3 stitches to cn and hold in back, k3, (k1, p1, k1) from cn, k2-tbl *
Rows 17 & 18: * k2-tbl, p1, k1, p1, k7, p1, k1, p1, k2-tbl *
Rows 19 & 20: * k2-tbl, k1, p1, k4, p1, k4, p1, k1, k2-tbl *
Knit rows 1 - 20 once, and then knit rows 1 - 13 again. Then, it's time to begin our decreases, which will go as follows:
Decrease Row 1: * k2-tbl, k2tog, k1, (p1, k1) three times, p1, k1, ssk, k2-tbl *
Decrease Row 2: * k2-tbl, k2tog, (k1, p1) three times, k1, ssk, k2-tbl *
You may want to switch to your dpns about now...
Decrease Row 3: * k2-tbl, k2tog, (p1, k1) twice, p1, ssk, k2-tbl *
Decrease Row 4: * k2-tbl, k2tog, p1, k1, p1, ssk, k2-tbl *
Decrease Row 5: * k2-tbl, k2tog, k1, ssk, k2-tbl *
Decrease Row 6: * k2-tbl, slip 2 together knitwise-k1-p2sso, k2-tbl *
Decrease Row 7: * k1-tbl, slip 2 together knitwise-k1-p2sso, k1-tbl *
Decrease Row 8: * slip 2 together knitwise-k1-p2sso *
Clip tail, thread through final 5 stitches, and pull tight. Thread to inside of hat and knot. Tuck in ends. Finally, put it on and commence feeling like a BOSS in your fancy hat. Hey - you earned it!
Oh, Gretchen ... that's a beautiful hat! Thank you, for sharing it with us. xo
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you like it! I'm also glad it finally turned out... the first three or four times were a disaster!!!!
DeleteDon't you hate it when that happens? LOL. But look what you accomplished in the end. :)
DeleteIt is really lovely. Stitches are extraordinary!
ReplyDeleteThank you! It really came to life once I finished it.
DeleteStellar! I can't wait to get started. Once again, you have raised the bar for all other free pattern designers!
ReplyDeleteThank you! What a lovely compliment :) And, as always, let me know if you have any questions when you're knitting it!
DeleteThat is one seriously gorgeous hat!! I'm a brand new spinner, learned on a drop spindle, and I'm just beginning my third-ever skein of yarn--a 3-ply made from Mountain Colors' Targhee Top in colorway Heather (all pinks and purples). I needed something spectacular and unique for my labor of love, and your hat is exactly what I've been dreaming of. Thank you a million times--I can't wait to get from spindle to needles with this!! :)
ReplyDeleteThat sounds gorgeous - someday maybe I'll get a chance to learn to spin as well :) And in the meantime - let me know if you have any questions. I'm always happy to help!
DeleteWould this be a good hat for a teenage boy?
ReplyDeleteMarny (not Anonymous)
Hi Marny!
DeleteI would say it very much depends on the boy... although in a navy or a brown I think it could definitely work :)
I'm kind of new at this. Am I to assume that the k2-tbl in your pattern is not a decrease and not the same as k2togtbl?
ReplyDeleteAlso, if I'm adding it correctly, a ribbing row of the pattern contains 81 stitches (27 + 27 + 27 between the *) which leaves 4 extra stitches since there were 85 stitches cast on. What am I missing here?
ReplyDeleteHello!
DeleteYes, k2-tbl is knit two stitches through their back loops, not knit them together! And the ribbing row contains a 17 stitch repeat, which should work perfectly with your 85 stitch cast on. Let me know if you have any other questions! :)
Thanks. I see what I was doing wrong on the count.
DeleteI can hardly wait to make this hat for my sister-in-law. It is beautiful.
Oh good! And I'm happy to hear that you like it. :) I must admit, I give most of my stuff away but I wear this one. It's one of my favorites!!!
DeleteI finished the hat yesterday. It is beautiful. I can't even imagine developing a pattern like that. It is perfect! I adorned the hat with a fabric flower and it is really cute. I must say, the last two rows were a challenge. I had four double ended needles going to get there. Thanks a million for sharing the pattern with us. I will definitely use it again.
DeleteYay! I'm so glad you're happy with your hat. This one was definitely a challenge to perfect, so I'm happy to hear it was worth the effort! :)
DeleteLove your patterns. It takes me a while to work them out as I knit on straight needles, but that makes it all the more interesting. Keep up the good work
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear it! :) It's a skill, being able to convert. Glad I can keep you busy!!!
DeleteThank you for this pattern it is so much fun and I love patterns that keep me on my toes
ReplyDeleteI wanted to know if it was okay to sell this for my disability living funds you can read about it here. http://zebraknitting.tumblr.com/aboutme If not that's fine but I thought I would ask since this is such a pretty pattern and I know people would love it
Hello Sierra!
DeleteYes, you can absolutely sell anything you make from my patterns. I'd love a link back to my site, but that's all I ask. :)
Awesome! thank you so much I defiantly will:)
DeleteBeautiful😊
ReplyDeleteThank you! :)
DeleteHi , really like your hat . I can not even read a description of the transfer may have a circuit pattern ? Thank you so much.
ReplyDeleteHi there!
DeleteI'm not really sure what you're asking. Can you clarify? :)
Может есть схема узора?
DeleteNow I understand! :) I haven't charted this pattern yet, but I will try to get it done soon! I'll let you know when it happens.
DeleteЯ вам очень благодарна, буду ждать. Еще раз спасибо .
DeleteЯ вам очень благодарна, буду ждать. Еще раз спасибо .
DeleteI apologize for the delay, but the chart is up! :) Let me know if you have any other questions.
DeleteБольшое Вам спасибо!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Буду пробовать вязать, если возникнут вопросы, то спрошу у Вас. Я живу в Белоруссии и очень рада знакомству.
DeleteWonderful! My son's teacher is from Belarus. :) And I hope the hat turns out well!
DeleteСвязала шапку, но получилась очень маленького размера. Сама добавила петель и в высоту, когда свяжу напишу вам.
DeleteHi again! :) Yes, as I noted above, this pattern does run small. Google Translate isn't giving me a very good translation of your comment, so I can't tell if you had another question or not. Let me know if there's something else I can help you with!
DeleteI know this has been up for a year so I am hoping you will still answer questions on this hat. I am having trouble with the k2tbl is decreasing the stitches but where do I increase so the stitch count stays the same?
ReplyDeleteHi Mary!
DeleteI'm still here! And I know that that stitch can look like a decrease, but it's not a knit two together through back loops, it's just a knit two stitches through their back loops. So knit 1 through back loop, and then knit another through back loop. Let me know if you have any more questions! :)
hello gretchen, pulling my hair out trying to knit hat on straight needles,the cables go opposite way, they make circles. would appreciate any help. thank you rhona
ReplyDeleteHi Rhona!
DeleteDumb question first: have you converted the pattern? This definitely isn't an ideal one for flat knitting, since the cables don't have an odd number of rows between them, but of course it can be done. Anyway, if you have a conversion you've worked up that you'd like me to double check, I'm happy to do so! :)
hi gretchen,thanks for your reply,gave up trying to reverse stitches etc,went to my local wool shop and bought circular needles for the first time, fingers crossed here goes. thanks rhona
ReplyDeleteWonderful! I hope you enjoy circular knitting, it opens up so many new patterns for you! Let me know if you have any questions. :)
Deleteyou state that 16 sts -+ 4 inches on #9 needle how many rows do you knit
ReplyDeleteAbout 22 rows = 4 inches. :)
DeleteJust finished knitting this hat. Needless to say I'm over the moon with it. I have not been knitting long and chose this as my first ever pattern, despite never having used circular or double pointed needles before and never having done any cabling. Thank you Gretchen, you are amazing.
DeleteMatthew.
Thank you Matthew!
DeleteI'm so glad to hear that you like the pattern! This is definitely one of my favorites. Also, I applaud your feet-first attitude towards learning new techniques!!! You will expand your knitting repertoire so much faster that way, and be able to make cooler stuff. :)
I LOVED this pattern.. while I followed the written pattern, i did notice on the diagram that you have the decrease rows listed row 8, 7, 6, 5,... going up but written they are row 1, 2, 3, 4,... Not sure if its a big deal or not, but i was rather confused at first on the labeling of that.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, after I made this hat I then began to wonder if having this hat in multiple colors for my own personal use would be considered rather odd.. I mean, how many hats does one person really need of the sam pattern.. and why would they need it in 5+ colors???
I don't know, but I will have it in at least two.. that is a promise!!
Thanks,
Jess
Hi Jess!
DeleteFirst of all, I'm glad you enjoyed the pattern! I actually wear very little of what I knit, but I make an exception for this hat because I love it!!! :) And also, you're totally right about the chart. I think I fixed it - let me know if you notice anything else that looks screwy, I'm always happy to know!
Hi gretchen
ReplyDeleteLovey hat you said your heart runs small.can I make the hat bigger my head is 22to23 inches. Multiples of how many did you cast on thanks
ReplyDeleteHi!
DeleteYou can add 17 to the cast on or use bulky weight yarn and larger needles. Just be sure to gauge down even more for your ribbing!! :)
Thanks 102 stitches would be too big if I add 17 more stitches is this multiples of 17? And 1 more question you said for the ribbing knit 2 stitches through their back loops that is (k2tbl) but what I don't understand is how can I start a ribbing with (k2,tbl)is this a mistake. It should be in the middle.please help me thanks
ReplyDeleteI forgot to tell you the thread I'm using is size 4 red heart
ReplyDeleteHi again!
DeleteYes, 102 stitches will be a lot for your ribbing; you may want to try casting on 90 to begin with. Then, work the ribbing as follows:
Ribbing Row: * knit two stitches through their back loops (k2-tbl), (p1, k1) 5 times, p1, k2-tbl; rep from *
Knit this ribbing row 6 times, then work one increase row to add stitches, as follows:
Ribbing Increase Row: * k2-tbl, knit in the front and the back of your next stitch (kfb), k1, (p1, k1) 4 times, kfb, k2-tbl; rep from *
Then you can work the pattern as written. Also, the knit through back loops are not mistakes; they're twisted stitches! Here's more information, if you need it: http://newstitchaday.com/k-tbl-knit-through-back-loop/
Thanks again but it's complicated I don't understand. I know knitting in the back loop is not a mistake. I just found it strange to begin the ribbing with it, after casting on. (I mean the first thing)
ReplyDeleteYou are free to make these stitches knits instead of k-tbls on the first row if you prefer. :)
DeleteGretchen what is a seventeen stitch repeat in the ribbing?
ReplyDeleteGretchen i mean what is a 17 stitch repeat in the ribbing?
ReplyDeleteGretchen what is a seventeen stitch repeat in the ribbing?
ReplyDeleteHi there!
DeleteI'm not sure I understand your question fully. However, both the ribbing and the main pattern for this hat have a 17-stitch repeat, meaning that they both use 17 stitches before repeating. For the ribbing, the pattern is as follows: "Ribbing Row: * knit two stitches through their back loops (k2-tbl), (p1, k1) 6 times, p1, k2-tbl; rep from *". As you can see, the first k-tbl make 2 stitches, the (p1, k1) repeated 6 times makes 2+12=14, one more p1 totals 15, and the final k2-tbl brings it to 17. Let me know if I didn't understand your question, or if you have any more. :)
Thanks I will give it a try
ReplyDeleteWhen you knit 2 stitches through the back loop... It then reduces to one stitch? Am i correct?
ReplyDeleteNo, just knit two stitches together individually through their back loops - no reduction at this point! :)
DeleteKnit 2 stiches one by one through their back loop? How do u knit 2 stitches together individually? If i knit 2 stitches together it cones off as one
ReplyDeleteSomething is not right thanks
It's not k2tog-tbl, it's just k2-tbl. So knit one stitch through its back loop, then knit the next one the same way. :)
DeleteHow can u knit 2 stitches together and individually at the same time, this is what u said.that does not make sense. Is either one or the other...knit them together or individually
ReplyDeleteIt's not k2tog-tbl, it's just k2-tbl. So knit one stitch through its back loop, then knit the next one the same way. :)
DeleteThanks but im still not understanding this... its not k2tog-tbl,u said its just k2-tbl...so u mean knit 1 through back loop and then another one..so knit them separate through back loop. So its not increaseing nor decreasing. Am i right? So whats it? Thanks
ReplyDeleteYes, you're correct. Knit one stitch through its back loop, by itself, and then knit another one, neither increasing or decreasing. :)
DeleteThank you... I will give it a try...i will start over
ReplyDeleteGood luck! And if this continues to give you trouble you can always substitute a plain k2 instead - the only thing that knitting through the back loop accomplishes is twisting the stitch, which gives it a more defined look but isn't necessary for the completion of the hat. :)
DeleteThank you so much...but i have another question. I cast on the 85 stitches, then i did the first knitting rib row...that is k2-tbl, purl 1, knit 1, six times, then purl 1 again, and k2-tbl. But I didnt get the 17 stich repeat. I counted the stitches to see how many i had , and i only had 15. I only had 15. I was short of two stitches.and i did what u told me to do about the K2-tbl.i did them individually thanks
ReplyDeletehello Gretchen
ReplyDeleteI love your hat pattern but I do not unnderstan SSK
Its on the decrease row and i would do a slip stitch, then a knit stitch and slip the knit over the slipped stitch to make the decrease.
I think the abbreviation means slip,slip,knit.
Its probably that you say it differently in the USA and it might confuse a less experienced knitter;
Could you clarify this for me.
Thank you for the lovely free pattern.
Hi there! Yes, it stands for slip slip knit and it's a left-leaning decrease. Here's an article that explains more: https://www.google.com/amp/s/blog.tincanknits.com/2013/10/03/ssk/amp/
DeleteYou can also find lots of videos on YouTube if you search "ssk knitting". Hope that helps! :)