Urchin Cap

All of the free patterns and tutorials on this website are supported by my amazing Patreons! If it wasn't for them I wouldn't be able to continue to produce or host freebies. We'd love to have you join us and in return, you get exclusive behind-the-scenes material, member-only discounts and early access to new free content. Membership starts at $1 per month. If you'd like to, you can say thanks for the freebie via the Tip Jar.

Description

Urchin Cap is a pert Hat that sits jauntily on the head. It features a rolled stocking stitch brim and a reverse stocking stitch body. The crown shaping starts rapidly, resulting in a gathered effect.

Availability

My Patreon supporters and members of The Woolly Hat Society get exclusive early access to new free patterns and tutorials. Once the exclusive period is over it’s published here on the blog.

Support

If you have a question about this pattern, pop it in a comment below. Sorry, but I’m unable to help with my free patterns or tutorials via email or private messages.

Social Media

Share your hand-knit Hats online with these hashtags!

#WoollyWormhead

#WWUrchinCap

---

Yarn
85 [101, 118] yd/78 [93, 108] m
Chunky yarn

Needles & Notions
Set 5.5mm/UK5/US9 DPNs/Circular or size needed to obtain gauge
Stitch marker as necessary
Tapestry needle

Sample details
Shown in Araucania Nature Wool Chunky [131yd/120m per 100g; 100% Wool]
Shown in size 20in/51cm on model with 21.25in/54cm circumference head

Gauge
16 sts x 20 rows to 4in/10cm on 5.5mm needles over St.St.

Sizes
To fit size: 18 [20, 22] in/45.5 [51, 55.5] cm
Finished size: 16 [18, 20] in/40.5 [45.5, 51] cm
Not sure which size to make? Check my handy size and measuring guide!

Skills required
Stocking Stitch

Knitting in the round

Cable Cast-on

Increases & Decreases

Blocking a Hand Knit Hat

Abbreviations

K: knit

P: purl

rpt: repeat

R/rnd(s): rounds

st(s): stitch(es)

M1: pick up the horizontal loop between next 2 sts, place it onto the left needle then knit into the back of it

k2tog: knit next 2sts together

How to

Using Cable Cast-on method, cast on 64 [72, 80] sts.

Join in the round, being careful not to twist sts. Place stitch marker to indicate start of round.

Brim

Now work stocking stitch for the brim by knitting every round for 2in/5cm (or desired length) then work increase round once as follows:

Inc Rnd: *K2, M1; rpt from * to end then at last stitch of round, with yarn at back, slip next st onto right hand needle, bring yarn forward, pass stitch back to left needle, leave yarn at front of work. (i.e. - work a wrap & turn) [96, 108, 120 sts]

Now turn work inside out. What was the right needle is now the left, and vice versa. Direction of work has also reversed.

Body

Continue working stocking stitch by knitting every round as before.

Continue until work measures 4.25 [4.5, 4.75] in/10.75 [11.5, 12] cm from increase round, 6.25 [6.5, 6.75] in/15.75 [16.5, 17] cm from cast on edge.

Crown

18in size jump to Rnd 3, 20in size jump to Rnd 2, 22in size start at Rnd 1.

Rnd 1: *K16, k2tog, k2tog; rpt from * to end [108 sts]

Rnd 2: *K14, k2tog, k2tog; rpt from * to end [96 sts]

Rnd 3: *K12, k2tog, k2tog; rpt from * to end [84 sts]

Rnd 4: *K10, k2tog, k2tog; rpt from * to end [72 sts]

Rnd 5: *K8, k2tog, k2tog; rpt from * to end [60 sts]

Rnd 6: *K6, k2tog, k2tog; rpt from * to end [48 sts]

Rnd 7: *K4, k2tog, k2tog; rpt from * to end [36 sts]

Rnd 8: *K2, k2tog, k2tog; rpt from * to end [24 sts]

Rnd 9: * k2tog; rpt from * to end [12 sts]

Rnd 10: * k2tog; rpt from * to end [6 sts]

Break yarn and thread through remaining 6 sts and tighten to close.

Finishing

Turn Hat back inside out, so that the brim shows a stocking stitch right side, and the main body of the Hat is in reverse stocking stitch.

Weave in all ends.

Blocking isn’t necessary, although if required, gently wash with a wool friendly detergent and then dry flat. Hat is designed for a perky finish so avoid over stretching.

Urchin Cap was my very first premium pattern and it's both strange and right that it's now a free pattern. Couldn't tell you why I feel like that, and it's still a favourite - I love that perky style! I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.