Design Story

This hat is reminiscent of the wonderful, flamboyant hats worn by Mia Farrow as Daisy Buchanan in The Great Gatsby (1974). They were all wide brimmed, floppy and trimmed with ribbon. This hat evokes long indian summers, restless nights and night time garden parties on Long Island! It can be dressed up or dressed down. Make exactly as stated in the pattern or try tying a chiffon scarf around the crown or attaching lace to the brim and a flower to the crown for the full Mia look.

"Summer's almost over. It's sad, isn't it? Makes you want to - I don't know - reach out and hold it back." (Jay Gatsby)

Materials

Sirdar Calico Dk 60% cotton, 40% acrylic. 158m (172 yards) per 50g ball.
4 x 50 gm balls, shade 0721 (linen)
Medium gauge garden wire
1 pair 2.75 (US 2) needles
1 pair 3 mm (US 3) needles
1 3 mm (US 3) circular needle, 60 cm (24 inch) or 80 cm (32 inch) length
1 3.25 mm (US 4) circular needle, 60 cm (24 inch) or 80 cm (32 inch) length

Tension

26 sts x 40 rows to 10 cm (4 inches over st st using 3.25 mm (US 4) needles

Abbreviations

K - Knit
P - Purl
K2tog - knit two together
Alt - alternate
M1 - make 1 stitch by picking up and knitting the horizontal loop before the next stitch and knit into the back of the loop (1 stitch made)
st st - stocking stitch
CO - cast on
BO - Bind off (cast off)

Size

To fit an average size head approx 51 cm (20 inches)

Pattern Notes

Provisional cast on - use either method described below

1. Using a spare length of yarn, chain 136 sts, crochet along length of chain, now using the yarn selected for the pattern pick up back loop and knit into it.

2. Cast on the number of stitches in the normal way using spare yarn, now using the yarn stated knit each stitch as normal.

Construction

The crown of the hat is worked first then the sts are picked up at the base of the crown and are worked for the brim.

Pattern

Using a spare length of yarn and using the provisional cast on (either method stated in pattern notes), CO 136 sts using any size needles or hook.

Change to 3 mm (US 3) needles and using the main yarn pick up 136 sts from provisional cast on. This will be the right side of work, then

Next row: P.

Next row: K.

Shape crown

Row 1: * K2tog, K15, rep from * to end.
Row 2 and every alternate row: P.
Row 3: * K2tog, K14, rep from * to end.
Row 5: * K2tog, K13, rep from * to end.
Row 7: * K2tog, K12, rep from * to end.
Row 9: * K2tog, K11, rep from * to end.
Row 11: * K2tog, K10, rep from * to end.
Row 13: * K2tog, K9, rep from * to end.
Row 15: * K2tog, K8, rep from * to end.
Row 17: * K2tog, K7, rep from * to end.
Row 19: * K2tog, K6, rep from * to end.
Row 21: * K2tog, K5, rep from * to end.
Row 23: * K2tog, K4, rep from * to end.
Row 25: * K2tog, K3, rep from * to end (32 sts).
Row 27: * K2tog, K2, rep from * to end (24 sts).
Row 28: * Purl.
Row 29: * K2tog to end (12 sts).

Break off yarn leaving a long end and thread through remaining 12 sts. Pull tight to fasten off, then use to sew up back seam using mattress or back stitch.

Brim

With right side of hat facing and using 3.25 mm (US 4) circular needle, thread needle through the first row of contrast yarn, and carefully undo the provisional cast on row.

Note

When all stitches have been picked up you are left with a loose end of yarn, tie this around the needle to form a slip knot - you loose 1 stitch when you undo the cast on row and this slipknot forms a replacement stitch.

Using main yarn work in rounds, placing a marker before the first stitch, to show end of round.

Knit 3 rounds.

Next round (increasing round): K2 * M1, K2, rep from * to end.

Work 3 rounds without increasing.

Inc round: K3 * M1, K3, rep from * to end.

Work 3 rounds without increasing.

Inc round: K4 * M1, K4, rep from * to end.

Work 6 rounds without increasing. Change to 3 mm (US 3) circular needle.

Inc round: K5 * M1, K5, rep from * to last 2 sts, M1, K2.

Continue working in rounds without further shaping until brim measures 16 cm (6.25 inches).

Brim edging

Change to 3.25 mm (US 4) circular needle.

Next round: P.

Next 3 rounds: K.

BO knit wise.

Knitted ribbon

Using 2.75 mm (US 2) needles and using thumb method cast on 7 sts.

Row 1: * K1, P1, rep from * to last stitch, K1.

Repeat row 1 until ribbon measures 122 cms (48 inches) in length. BO in pattern.

Making up

Darn in all ends. Press ribbon then wrap around base of crown, pin then sew in place using a single thread of main yarn. This should leave approx 35.5 cm (14 inches) loose at each end to tie into a bow.

Measure the brim circumference and cut garden wire generously using scissors. Now place to wrong side of hat, turn brim over at purl row, pinning in place then sew the brim edging down. When you have almost sewn all the way around twist the 2 ends of wire together, cut excess, finish sewing up brim up - fit onto head and shape brim to suit. Stuff crown with paper or place on head form and steam gently. Leave to dry.

This pattern is not to be used commercially or to be resold.  Copyright © Chrissie Day 2009