Brickeens Hat

About:

The Brickeens Hat is named for a small village in County Mayo, Ireland. The official name of the village is Brickeens but it is known locally as Brickens. 

The name derives from the Irish word broicíní, meaning badger warrens. The Irish word broicín is also a diminutive form of broc (thus, another meaning of broicíní is "little badgers"), and means a short thick-set person, or a sturdy little fellow.

I love the idea of this hat being a sturdy little fellow in your wardrobe. Reliable, warm, and classic. And of the up and down of the texture mimicking the movement that the badgers make to settle into the warren, as this is a place for the badgers to stay warm and cozy. 

This hat—with both written and charted directions—has a classic 2x2 rib, some easy texture in the body, and a relaxing stockinette body. Written in three sizes, with options for either beanie or slouchy, you can choose what fits best into your wardrobe.

The Brickeens Hat is easy enough for an adventurous beginner knitter but interesting enough for an advanced one. It’s a quick project, perfect for when you need something easy in your hands!

This aran weight hat is a fast knit, that you will not be able to put down. And will have you stash diving for a second and third hat!

Needles:

US 4 (3.5 mm) and US 6 (4 mm), 16” (40 cm) circular needles or needles needed to get gauge. US 6 (4 mm) double-pointed needles for crown decreases.

Suggested Yarn: Amano, Warmi, Worsted, 1 skein, [70% Baby Alpaca/ 30% Merino Wool; 164 yards (150 m)/ 100 grams] or any worsted weight yarn of your choosing

Sample: slouchy in medium uses:

Color 6011, approx. 155 yards (142 m) of worsted weight

Gauge: 19 stitches/28 rounds = 4” (10 cm) square in Body Pattern using US 6 (4 mm) needles or whatever size needle gives you the fabric you would like. 

Other Notions: darning needle, one beginning of round marker and 10 (11, 12) stitch markers for colorwork

Special Techniques:

Knit, purl, increasing (m1r), decreasing (k2tog), cast on & bind off

Sizes: 

S (M, L): To fit approx. 20 (22, 24)”; 50 (55, 60) cm head circumference

Final Measurements: 

Beanie: Approx. 8.5“ (21.5 cm) tall. 

Slouchy: Approx. 9.5” (24 cm) tall.