Shirestones Hat

I love knitting hats but I always find the ribbed brims were not thick enough to keep out the cold winds. I also wasn’t the biggest fan of a turned up brim as then I always felt like I was fussing around with the ribbing to make sure it was evenly folded up all around and to make sure it looked right all the time. So I decided to go with a variation on the folded brim where the fold is seamed shut as you knit. This creates a lovely warm and squishy brim to keep your ears and forehead warm without overheating the rest of your head.

What you will need:

• Yarn – 100g Worsted weight Yarn (approx. 200m/220 yds); Yarn used in sample – Madelinetosh Vintage in the Shire Colourway (182m/200yds)

• Needles – 4mm (US6) 16” circular for knitting in the round or a longer cable for magic loop, and double pointed needles (DPNs) or magic loop for crown ; Second circular needle 4mm or smaller for working the brim (see notes in pattern for further details)

• Notions
- 1 Stitch Marker for marking the beginning of the round and additional markers for crown decreases.
- A tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
- Waste yarn for a provisional crochet cast on (only if you decide to use this method for the brim – see notes in the pattern for further details on the options for this section).

• Gauge – Approximately 6.5 sts/inch in the main body pattern, un-stretched and un-blocked

• Size – Child/Young Adult (Adult) finished hat circumference approximately 34cm /13.5 inches (42cm/16.5 inches)