Starlight Slouch Hat

Starlight Slouch Hat
pictured in size Adult Medium

The story behind this hat is simple: although it's been months since I attended the Edinburgh Yarn Festival in March, I am still struggling to give myself permission to use all of my beautiful yarns (seriously you guys - the best way to give yourself knitting writer's block is just to buy an obscenely expensive skein and then MAKE YOURSELF DO IT JUSTICE!!!). However, since I ALSO just got back from another knitting festival with even MORE yarn, I figured it was finally time for me to work up the first batch. So I approached this hat with my best foot forward, and decided to design a pattern that was simple enough to do the beauty of the yarn justice while also containing enough detail to make it pop. What resulted, of course, was the Starlight Slouch Hat, a pretty pattern for a pretty yarn that still has enough oomph to turn a few heads. :)

Sizes: Adult Small/Teen (Adult Medium; Adult Large)

Yarn: Martin's Lab Merino Singles (100% Merino; 400 yards [366 meters]/100 grams); Fairy Dust - one skein 

A better look at the finish.

Needles: One 16" circular needle in size US 2 (2.5 mm), one 16" circular needle in size US 3 (3.25 mm), and one set of double pointed needles (dpns), also in size US 3 (3.25 mm)

Notions: tapestry needle, stitch marker

Gauge: 28 stitches = 4 inches on size US 3 needles

So let's make a hat! Using your size US 2 needle, then, cast on 144 (156; 168) stitches loosely, place marker, and join in round. Then we'll work a ribbing, as follows:

Ribbing Row: * k2, p2; rep from *

Work this ribbing row until ribbing measures roughly 2" (2"; 2.5"), transfer work to your size US 3 circular needle, and then we'll work one transition row, as follows. Notice it's different for the different sizes so make sure to find the right one for your project!

Transition Row (size: Adult Small/Teen): * k6, make 1 (m1); rep from * (+24 stitches)

Transition Row (size: Adult Medium): * k6, make 1 (m1), k7, m1; rep from * (+24 stitches)

Transition Row (size: Adult Large): * k7, make 1 (m1); rep from * (+24 stitches)

Complete the transition row and the knit in stockinette until piece measures roughly 7 - 7.5" (7.5" - 8.5"; 8.5" - 9.5") (and the reason I give the range of lengths is for drape; you should of course knit longer if you want more slouch out of your hat!). Then we'll change patterns to a variation of Fisherman's Rib from page 44 of Barbara G. Walker's A Treasury of Knitting Patterns by knitting this transition row, as follows:

Transition Row: * p1, knit next stitch into the row below *

And once that's done we'll work the ribbing as follows. Notice that a video follows the written instructions in case what I've written is as confusing as I fear it may be!

Ribbing Row: * p1, knit next stitch, slipping right-hand needle into stitch and then between the two stitches looped around the back of the stitch, such that you're knitting both the stitch on the needle and the top loop (see video if this seems confusing) *

Work this row until ribbed section measures roughly 1" (1"; 1.5") and then we'll begin our decrease, as follows. You'll want to transfer your work to your dpns straightaway since this goes quick! Also, notice the rows that are different for different sizes.

Decrease Row 1: * k2tog; rep from * (84 stitches; 90 stitches; 96 stitches)

Decrease Row 2: * k2tog * (42 stitches; 45 stitches; 48 stitches)

Decrease Row 3 (sizes Adult Small/Teen and Adult Large): * k2tog * (21 stitches; --; 24 stitches)

Decrease Row 3 (size Adult Medium): k1, * k2tog * (23 stitches)

Decrease Row 4 (sizes Adult Small/Teen and Adult Medium): k1, * k2tog * (11 stitches; 12 stitches; --)

Decrease Row 4 (size Adult Large): * k2tog * (--; --; 12 stitches)

Complete decrease rows 1 - 4, clip yarn tail, and thread to tapestry needle. Using needle, thread through final 11 (12; 12) stitches and pull tight. Thread tail to inside of hat and knot. Tuck in ends and, if desired, block.