Kolka

I was inspired by traditional Swedish Bohus stranded knitting and wanted the brim to be something different than the usual rib. I was led to the Latvian Braid through various Google image searches and found myself learning this new and fun technique, which I quickly decided would be the main feature of the hat.

After the braid is complete the hat knits up reasonably quickly in the round on 3.5mm needles and the pattern is fun to follow. Milla Mia Naturally Soft Merino works so well in Fair Isle, not only is it soft and nice to knit with, the stitches are well defined and it doesn't seem to pill too quickly.

SIZES

To Fit Head Circumference

Age 2-10 (Adult S, Adult M, Adult L)

50 (54.5, 58, 61)cm

19.75 (21.5, 22.75, 24)in

Actual Hat Circumference at Braid

44.5 (49, 51.5, 56)cm

17.75 (19.5, 20.25, 22)in

Actual Hat Circumference Colourwork Section

46.5 (51, 53.5, 58.5)cm

18.25 (20, 21, 23)in

Length Crown to Hem

23 (29, 29, 34.5)cm

9 (11.5, 11.5, 13.5)in

YARN

Sample used

Milla Mia Naturally Soft Merino (DK weight: 100% extra fine merino, 50g/125m/137yds)

1 (2, 2, 2) balls of Putty Grey (121)

1 (2, 2, 2) balls of Cobalt (180)

1 (1, 1, 1) ball of Storm (102)

1 (1, 1, 1) ball of Lime (181)

NEEDLES

A set of 3.5mm (UK 10-9/US 4) double pointed needles or a circular needle, 40cm/16in long

NOTIONS

Stitch marker

TENSION

25 sts and 32 rounds to 10cm over patt using 3.5mm (UK 10-9/US 4) needles

26 sts to 10cm over braid pattern using 3.5mm (UK 10-9/ US 4) needles