This chunky hat knitting pattern is perfect for beginners! This free hat pattern produces a warm, cushy fabric that knits up quick. It’s also a great hat pattern for ambitious beginners looking to expand their skills beyond the basics.
With its oversized pom and reverse stockinette stitch peeking out from the brim, this hat manages to be both playful and practical. Made with super bulky yarn, it knits up very quickly!
In this post, you’ll find the free hat pattern and two video tutorials that walk you through the entire hat knitting process. Enjoy!
Materials & Notes
Yarn:
- 1 skein Cascade Yarn Magnum in color Ruby
- 1 skein Malabrigo Rasta (colourful and hand-painted)
Recommended Needles:
- 16″ US 15/10mm circular needle
- US 15/10mm double pointed needles (use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below – every knitter’s gauge is unique!)
Notions:
Finished Measurements: circumference is 20” (un-stretched)
Gauge: 9 sts = 4″(10cm) in stockinette stitch
Notes:
2×2 Rib:
Round 1: [K2, P2] to end of round
Repeat this round for as long as you’d like 2×2 rib
Chunky Hat Knitting Instructions:
Using the long-tail method, CO 44 sts on circular needles and join in the round, making sure not to twist stitches. Place a marker to mark the beginning of the round.
Knit in 2×2 rib until piece measures 2.5″ from cast on edge.
Knit in stockinette stitch for 6.5″
Piece should measure 9″ from the cast on edge (2.5″ of rib + 6.5″ of stockinette = 9″).
Move on to the decrease round. (When decreasing, switch to DPNs when stitches become too sparse to knit with circular needles.)
Decrease Rounds:
Rnd 1: *K2, K2tog* to end (33 sts)
Rnd 2: Knit 1 row even
Rnd 3: *K1, K2tog* to end (22 sts)
Rnd 4: Knit 1 row even
Rnd 5: *K2tog* to end (11 sts)
Rnd 6: *K2tog* to end, then K1 (6 sts)
Cut yarn and weave through remaining 6 sts. Bring yarn to the inside of the hat, make a knot to secure and weave in ends.
Pom Pom:
Make a pom pom 3.5 – 3.75″ in diameter and sew to the crown of your hat. Weave in ends.
Not sure how to make a pom pom? Check out this step-by-step tutorial on making the perfect pom pom.
Abbreviations:
* *: repeat sequence between * * as many times as noted
CO: cast on
DPN(s): double pointed needles
K2tog: knit two stitches together
K: knit
P: purl
Sts: stitch(es)
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Where do you buy your bulky yarn from?
Hi Danielle, I got the super bulky yarn from a store in Vancouver called Three Bags Full. However, both yarns are widely available online. WEBS carries both of them (here: https://www.yarn.com/product/webs-knitting-yarns-cascade-magnum/ and here: https://www.yarn.com/product/webs-knitting-crochet-yarns-malabrigo-rasta/). You can even use Lion Brand’s Thick & Quick!
Can you use lion brand thick and quick with the 10 mm needles? Because the yarn calls for 9mm. And if I use the 9 mm will it make it a lot smaller? And if I use the 10mm with the thick and quick will it make holes?
And how much smaller would it be to use 9mm. Would it be good for an adult?
Sorry for all the comments!!!! But if I use 9mm needles, can I add an extra 4 cast on?
Hey Ethan!
Sorry for this late reply. Yes, Lion Brand thick and quick would be a good substitute. I don’t think using a 10mm needle would make the knitting too “holey” although the fabric might be a little looser.
However, the really important thing to consider when choosing yarn and needles is the knitting gauge. If you’re able to hit the knitting gauge for this pattern (9 stitches = 4″ in stockinette stitch), using your chosen yarn and needle size, then you can be confident that your hat will match the finished measurements for this pattern (20″circumference un-stretched). Does that make sense? Here’s more info on knitting gauge: https://sheepandstitch.com/what-is-knitting-gauge/
As for casting on more stitches, you could cast on an extra 4 stitches for a total of 48 cast on stitches. Follow the decreases as written. You will have a different stitch count at the end of each decrease row (36 sts instead of 33; 24 instead of 22 etc.) but the basic structure will still be the same.
Hope that helps!
If I wanted to make this for a guy how would I go about making the hat bigger?
Hi Tiffany, the easiest way would be to use yarn that’s a little bit bigger (that has a larger gauge) than what’s called for in the pattern. This pattern is designed to fit an “average sized head.” Does the guy have a pretty large head?
Another way around this is to knit the hat and then block it a bit once you’re done. What this means is you can wet the hat a little bit with water – say about 20-30% wet, not 100% soaking wet! – and then stretch it out to the size you’d like it to be. You can either pin it in place or stuff a ball or balloon into the hat to keep its shape. The ball or balloon should be about the size you want the hat to be.
The water will relax the fibers of the yarn and make it flexible to manipulation. So, once it dries the hat will be the size that you stretched it out to be. Ta-da! It’s an easy fix. Heads tend not to vary *too* much in size, so we can play around with sizing in these two ways. I hope this helps!
Hi Davina,
I watched the tutorial on making the hat, and you refer to the 6 inches of knit stitches as stockinette. I am very much a newbie knitter, and have found your site very helpful and fun, but I thought stockinette stitch was alternating knit and purl stitches?? I knit a scarf with all knit stitches and I think it was called garter stitch, so I am confused by this. Can’t wait to start my hat!! Thank you!
Hey Kirstin! There are usually two ways to knit one stitch, and what way you use depends on whether you’re knitting on circular needles or two flat needles.
On flat needles, knitting all of your stitches and rows will give you garter stitch. But on circular needles, knitting all of your stitches and rows will give you stockinette stitch! Funny, right?
I’ve laid this two-way-to-knit concept in two videos, so hopefully they’ll help you make sense of it!
https://sheepandstitch.flywheelsites.com/how-to-knit-stockinette-stitch/
https://sheepandstitch.flywheelsites.com/how-to-knit-garter-stitch/
Ah, I see now, and I had missed those videos in your glossary – very helpful, thank you!
You’re welcome! Glad they helped you out 😀
When using the 5 double sided needles, did you put 8 stitches on 4 of them and then use the 5th needle to knit, or did you put 8 stitches on 3 of them and 9 on the 4th, then use the 5th to knit?
Also, did 90yds allow for the hat and the pom pom?
Hey Nathan!
In the video, I put 8 sts on 3 DPNs (double pointed needles) and 9 sts on the fourth DPN and used the fifth needle to knit. However, it doesn’t really matter how many sts you put on each DPN as long as they sit comfortably on the needle and don’t fall off.
90yds is the minimum amount of yarn you’ll need for the big hat and pom pom. I was able to get a full hat with pom with just one skein of Malabrigo Rasta (90 yds per skein) with a few yards leftover. If you’d like a bit of buffer just in case or if you want a crazy super thick pom pom or you want to lengthen the hat, consider getting a skein with more yardage. But if you knit the pattern as is, 90 yards should be okay. Hope this helps!
Thank you for your response and I love this site. Minimal, clean, and a fun learning experience. I hope to see it grow with more tutorials and shop.
I’m a small girl but the girl in the photos looked about my size so I followed the pattern and the hat is comically giant!! I’m so sad. I saw you had mentioned how to stretch out a hat but do you know any ways to make it smaller?
Hey Jill! I’m so sorry your hat turned out so huge. The issue, I think, is gauge. (More on gauge here: https://sheepandstitch.flywheelsites.com/what-is-knitting-gauge/).
I didn’t talk about gauge in the tutorial video because I wanted to simplify the knitting experience, but in hindsight, I probably should have given it a passing mention. What it boils down to is this: the combination of your knitting tension (how tightly or loosely you knit) + your yarn + your needle size got you a larger gauge than what the pattern specifies (9sts=4″). I think this is why your hat is so much larger than the finished measurements of the hat.
If you tweak one of these variables (drop down a needle size or switch out a less bulky yarn) and get the pattern gauge, then you’ll know for sure that you’ll end up with a hat that’s the same size as the finished measurements on the pattern (20″ circumference and 11″ in height unfolded).
Okay, so now I’ve written you a mini essay on gauge! What can you do to make your hat smaller?
So, if the hat is insanely huge, like there’s no way you can bunch it up with an elastic without it looking like a muffin hat, then… your best course of action is to experiment with either your needles or yarn in order to get the right gauge, and then… knit a new hat. I know! So painful. But it’s the best way to know that you’ll get the exact sized garment as the one in the pattern.
There are a few other hacks that don’t involve re-knitting the entire hat, but they’re for slightly loose hats and not “comically giant” hats. You can check them out and see if they’re worth pursuing. The tutorial is put out by TechKnitting, a super geeky knit blog I love: https://techknitting.blogspot.hk/2008/04/how-to-line-hat-headband-style-with.html and https://techknitting.blogspot.hk/2011/02/socks-falling-down-consider-elastic.html
The latter link is about tightening up socks, but the principle still applies. These tutorials are pretty involved, and I suspect it might take less time to reknit the hat. Either way, let me know what you decided! You can always send me a picture of the hat using the comment form. (There’s an upload image option right below this comment field).
Best of luck!
Thank you so much! That glossary is fantastic, that makes total sense. I will go down in yarn weight and try again! Also, the TECHknitting website is so great.
I’ll leave the other hat be as a reminder to check all the instructions before I knit a project. Plus, it’s still the second thing I have ever successfully knitted thanks to y’all!
Thank you for your help and patience!
I started making this yesterday and so far so good! I bought the Cascade in a dark green and when my daughter saw it she said “Yes!!! I’ve always wanted a Mike Nesmith hat!”
would it be alright to use 7 inch double-pointed needles? Or must they be smaller?
If you mean the length of the DPN, then yes, a 7-inch length for DPNs is perfectly acceptable. If all your stitches can fit on them comfortably, then you’re golden!
Hi! I followed the instructions on size of yarn (super bulky), 16” US15 circular needle, and CO 44 sts. However it felt it was too few? The cord is definitely longer than number of sts. I added 4 sts, was still too short for needle. Then added more. A total of 16 sts more. Joined in the round and started knitting, however it was very uncomfortable and still definitely too small for cord/needle length. No idea what happened!
Is it possible to use normal sticks instead of these round ones doing this pattern?
Hi Hika, Yes, you can use a set of five double-pointed needles to cast on your hat instead of circular needles. The pattern isn’t written to be knit with two needles however.
Hiya, I’m not surer if I’m just really bad at knitting or I’m doing something wrong, but for the first bit, the purl 2 knit 2, its just looking so awful agh any words or advice?
Hey Kim, Uh-oh! Awful how? Are you knitting your knit stitches and purling your purls? Try uploading a picture here and I’ll try to diagnose.
Sometimes new knitters find that their ribbing is a bit loose between the knit stitches and the purl stitches. If this is your situation you can try tugging on your working yarn a bit as you switch between a knit and a purl stitch to make sure there isn’t a loose gap.
Either way, take a picture and upload here and I’ll try my hand at playing knitting doctor! 😛
Hi, I love this pattern and I’ve knitted it a couple of times now and it always turns out beautifully. I was just wondering what colour the Malabrigo Rasta hat in the pattern is? It’s such a lovely colour! Thanks!
Hey Raewyn,
I believe the colorway is Arco Iris, although this colorway is notorious for a lot of variance between dye lots (do a Google search for “Malabrigo Arco Iris” and you’ll see what I mean!). I happened to snag a skein that was lighter than the rest at my local yarn store. The Loopy Ewe has some Arco Iris that looks pretty similar to the one I used: https://www.theloopyewe.com/shop/p/1B1D8EB5-Rasta-Arco-Iris-866 Hope this helps! And I’m sooo pleased that the Big Hat has turned out well for you!
Thanks alot for this pattern 🙂 I have never knitted anything for myself, but I just finished this hat in Burgundy, and it turned out so beautiful! Thank you so much 😀 <3
Love from Norway
Awesome! Please share a photo here if you can. Would love to see it! Or you can always hit me up on instragram @sheepandstitch!
This the best big hat ever! Thanks for making instructions that are super easy to follow AND a great video. You rock!
Thanks Marie! I hope the Big Hat turned out well for you!
Hey Davina! I was wondering if when it comes to the part of the hat were I have to switch to double pointed needles, if I could just keep using round needles. Will it come out the same?
Hi Samantha, apologies for the late reply. You can definitely keep using your circular needles, but as you decrease, your knitting will shrink to the point where you can no longer use the circular needles, and that’s the point when you’ll need to migrate your knitting to DPNs.
hello!
loved this video as i have just started knitting and i cant wait to knit this…
one issue i downloaded the pattern and the font is so squashed together i cant read it, i have also watched the video but would like the pattern in front of me…is there anyway of emailing it to me?
Many thanks!
Holly
Hi Holly, Yes, just sent you an email with the PDF attached. Let me know how it goes. If you’re still unable to view it, I’ll send a plain old .doc file or a JPG of the pdf.
I love your video! It is very easy to follow. I just started knitting the hat now, but wondering if it would be okay to use the double pointed needles size 10 instead of 15? Please advise. Thank You!
Hi Phairin, So sorry for the late reply! A US 10 needle is 6mm, which is considerably smaller than the recommended US 15 needle size, which is 10mm. If you try to knit the hat with bulky weight yarn with a US 10 needle, your hat will be really small! Not to mention the knitting will be very tight. I wouldn’t recommend it! If you’ve only got US 10 needles, I would suggest another knitting pattern that recommends a needle of that size and a yarn weight that complements that needle size (probably a worsted or heavy worsted yarn). Hope this helps!
Hi Davina!
I am a kid who like to do crafts.
This time I start knitting.
This video was so great for me (for beginner) to make a hat.
But I have some problem. I don’t have 16inch needles. But longer ones.
The place where I live, I can’t find the yarns or needles.
I REALLY want to make a big hat.
but is it possible to make the hat with longer needles?
Please answer my question as soon as possible.
Thanks!
Hi HanNa, You can knit the big hat on straight needles. Instead of joining the hat in the round, you can knit the hat back and forth. Just remember when you’re knitting stockinette stitch on straight needles, you’ll need to knit one row and purl the next row. Decrease the hat as the pattern says (remembering to purl on the purl side and knit on the knit side). Once your hat is complete, place the right sides of the hat together and use a sewing needle to sew it together!
I made the big hat and its great but doesn’t fit my head I had to give it to my 4 year old. Can you tell me how many I should cast on to increase the size and the length that would work?
How many should I cast on and increase the length to make it bigger?
Hi Macey, It really depends on the size of your yarn and needles. Did you use bulky weight yarn and US 15 needles to knit the Big Hat?
I love this pattern and your videos are awesome! I am a newbie at knitting, but this pattern is very easy. I would love it if you did a video with a Fair Isle design. Can I talk you into it? I’ll send you chocolates! Liz
Hey Liz! Ah, Fair Isle. So beautiful, so fickle. I love colorwork too, and fair isle is definitely on my to-do list, but because I tend towards being a lazy knitter, I like incorporating color work as easily as possible! This usually involves slipped-stitch color patterns. And a really pretty pattern that uses this technique is just around the corner, so no chocolate bribing necessary!
Thank you so much for your videos and patterns. Really easy to follow. I am ready to make the big hat. But I want to make for my six-year old daughter. She’s on the small side. How many stitches and rows should I use?
Thanks.
Hi Cyn! Oh! I’m just in the process of filming a video for a Little Big Hat, which is the Big Hat sized for a 6-10 year old! If you’re interested in testing this pattern for me, you can email me and I’ll send it over to you.
Can’t wait to test out the pattern. Just emailed you. Thanks a bunch! Happy holidays.
I love your videos. Cant wait to make the big hat. They are so easily explained. You teach very well. Thank you so much for teaching so patiently. <3
Oh Can you make funky baby hats?? Those are in demand. 🙂
Hey Miriam! Thanks for your nice comment! Funky baby hats, huh? Hmm.. How funky are we talking? Like, animal ears and googly eyes? Or big pom poms and tassels?
I made my first hat its to long but I actually completed my very first hat.
Woot! It looks awesome! I’m sorry it’s too long. You can consider folding up the brim so that the hat shortens a bit. The other option is to rip back to the point where you decrease, and then rip back a bit more (say, 1 or 1.5″ depending on how much shorter you’d like the hat to be). Then, start your decrease and follow the pattern to the end.
That looks like the size of mine, but I turned the brim up. I thought that was the way it was supposed to be.
Hey Kathy, yes, the hat is designed so that you can turn up the brim. But if some people like to keep the brim unfolded for a slouchy look, that would work too. You can always play around with the length of the hat for a different look. It’s very customise-able in that way!
Hi Davina,
You’re tutorial video is great! And i wanna make the hat too. I just need some advice from you, because i only have size 13/9mm knitting needles and it’s so hard to find a size15 double point needle here in our place. So what adjustment do i need to do to make the same size hat you made?
Thank you!
Hi Kaye, a 9mm sounds okay. Are you a tight knitter or a fairly loose knitter? If you’re a loose knitter, then you can get away with a 9mm needle. But the best way to ensure if your yarn/needle combo will work out is to figure out if you can get gauge.
The gauge for the Big Hat is 9sts =4″ in stockinette stitch. If you cast on 9sts with your yarn and 9mm needles, knit a couple rows, measure your knitting across, and if it measures 4″ then your needles will work out. Here’s a more in-depth post on gauge: https://sheepandstitch.com/what-is-knitting-gauge/
Hope it helps!
you cannot make out the text on the pdf instructions. the text is all overlapping.
Hey Jane,
Check out the tech support page: https://sheepandstitch.com/technical-support/
I have a feeling one of these options will solve the trick for you. Usually, weird jumbling is caused when the PDF is viewed in a browser. Try opening the PDF in the most recent version of Adobe Reader (which is a free software). If that doesn’t do the trick, email me at davina@sheepandstitch.com and I can send you a .doc version or the PDF converted into a big old jpg!
Love this hat and tutorial! I finally made my way out of scarf-land, phew!
Do you have a tutorial or recs for a tutorial on how to do a hat with an earflap?
Hey Annie,
No tutorial on earflaps yet, but that’s a great idea for a future add-on to the Big Hat.
The Purl Bee has a sweet earflap hat pattern: https://www.purlbee.com/2014/01/23/lauras-loop-garter-ear-flap-hat/ There’s no video, but there is a photo tutorial of sorts. Check it out!
I downloaded the pdf, but the letters are all squished together. Please help!
Hey Melissa!
Check out the tech support page: https://sheepandstitch.com/technical-support/
I have a feeling one of these options will solve the trick for you. Usually, weird jumbling is caused when the PDF is viewed in a browser. Try opening the PDF in the most recent version of Adobe Reader (which is a free software). If that doesn’t do the trick, email me at davina@sheepandstitch.com and I can send you a .doc version or the PDF converted into a big old jpg!
Hi Davina! I loved your video and I have already made my first hat! I am starting on my second one and I have a different kind of yarn. It is bulky homespun instead of super bulky. How many stitches should I cast on? I have the correct needles listed in your video!
Hey Hannah,
You can check out the gauge in the pattern (it’s on the second-page in the sidebar). It says “9 sts = 4″ in stockinette stitch. This means that if you can cast on 9 sts with your homespun yarn, and knit in stockinette stitch for a handful of rows, measure that swatch and get 4″, then you can be assured that your hat will turn out the same size as the hat in the pattern (the finished measurements).
If your swatch measures less than 9” then you’ll need to either switch to a heavier yarn (like a super bulky) or increase your needle size. Gauge is a pretty important concept in knitting, so here’s more info on gauge: https://sheepandstitch.com/what-is-knitting-gauge/
Of course the other option is to wing it, but if you want to ensure that your needles and your yarn will get you the hat that the pattern says you’ll get, then you’ll need to get gauge!
Hey!
For a long time I didn’t have a matching hat that would go with my jacket, so I had to wear a casual black one. It didn’t occur to me, that I could make my own 😀 But than suddenly I’ve found your tutorial and I was so keen on knitting my own…
The worst thing for me was finding the super bulky yarn…well I found some, but it was really expensive and there weren’t variety of colours…So I’ve decided to buy the yarn in my local store which offers beautiful colours (the real colour is more like on the picture where I wear it, the photo of the three of them together I took in the evening, so it looks differently). However the yarn is what you call “medium” sized. It’s recommended for 6.5-7mm(should be 10.5 US or so).
Then I read all about the gauge (great post btw ;)) and tried to knit using two threads of medium sized yarn. It turned out that my “testing/measuring sample” was aprox. 1cm (about 0.4″) smaller. I tried to knit with them anyway and it turned out great!
It was easy to follow your instructions although I don’t handle the needles as you do (don’t know why, but it suits me to hold them differently). But from the video I figured it out how to force my fingers to do exact stitches as you did 😉
What I do make a little bit differently are pompoms (we made those in the elementary school). So I made the pompoms as I’m used to, or was used to, because this was my second knitting project in my life 😀
I attended to make just one…Well I loved the first one so much, I simply had to make another one 😀 and then another one…and I really don’t think it’s over yet 😀
Even though I didn’t get the double pointed needles, I used the circular ones which in the last rows was quite harsh. I figured it out how to knit the last two rows using the circular 10mm (15 US) sized needles and the smaller ones (I knitted only on the bigger ones and after every second stitch I put them on the smaller needles :D) (not sure you know what I mean, but it doesn’t matter)
Anyway, I’m sharing a photo with you, so you don’t have to worry if you hesitate to make your own even though you don’t have the super bulky yarn just the regular one 🙂
Thank you Devina for sharing the tutorial with us beginners and making it so simply to follow and understandable 🙂 Can’t wait for your next tutorial!
Mysh
Yeah and one more thing…if you make the first rows (I mean the 2.5″ part) and you think it’s too small that it won’t be a hat, don’t worry, it definitely will! I was afraid, that it will be really small (caused by me using the medium sized yarns), but when I knitted the whole hat and bend over the bottom part, it turned out it is a hat! 😀
Hey Mysh!
Thanks so much for sharing your story. I love it!
Good on you for using two strands of worsted weight yarn held together. If you can get gauge doing that, then more power to you. And look – now you have a matching hat for your jacket! And two extra ones too! Bravo!
that hat looks excellent!!!
I notice that you’re using your right hand to hold the yarn. What style of knitting is that?
Hey Rachel,
Holding the yarn in your right hand is called English Style knitting. Holding it in your left-hand is Continental style knitting. For lefties, Continental tends to feel more natural (and it’s much faster too!). For right-handers, English Style tends to work best. If you’re omnidextrous, you can try both styles!
Hello!
Could you tell me where you bought your double pointed needles and circular needle from for the big hat? I’m struggling to find any big enough made out of wood/bamboo.
Many thanks,
Olive
Hey Olive,
If I remember correctly, the needles are from Crystal Palace Needles. I got them at a fantastic yarn store in San Francisco called ImagiKnits (visit if you get the chance. It’s a wonderful place!). I checked their website, and they’re out of Crystal Palace circulars in a 10mm 16″, but they seem to have the same size and length in a brand called Clover: https://imagiknit.com/collections/needles/products/clover-circular-needles (It’s cheaper than Crystal Palace, so score!)
This size and length of circular needle is a bit unconventional, so your best bet is going online and finding a shop that sells both the DPNs and the circs. ImagiKnits is a good starting point. Another good place is https://www.yarn.com/ and http://www.jimmybeanswool.com
Hope this helps!
hey. i was wondering if you could do this with regular size 10 straight needle. im a full beginner and im working on my first project which is a scarf. it is taking forever. i worked on it for 3 days and its just 6 inches long so far. im so sad.
anyways. how can yoiu make your knitting faster? and where can you get circular needles from? plus, is this project for beginners?
Hey Zahra,
Ah, scarves. Yes, they do take quite some time! That’s why I really love big, thick yarns. The knitting goes by so fast!
Okay, so for this hat, you’ll really need a pair of 10mm needles (size US 15) in order to get a hat that fits your head. A 10mm or a needle that gives you the gauge that’s listed in the pattern.
This pattern is good for beginners. You’ll have a much easier time if you can get all the materials that are listed in the pattern. If you get needles that are too small (like a US 10) and try to knit this pattern, your hat will be too small.
Hope this helps!
thank you so much and yes it did help. as you have done, i also am going to reply to your replies of my comments seperately. sorry for commenting so many times. just happneed through a series of time and had new problems every day.
i was wonderingif you can use circularknitting needles that are longer than 16” because i found these nedleswiththe same size (10mm) but they are 29″ long
Hi Zahra,
So, technically, yes, you can use a 29″ needle, but you won’t be knitting the hat as it’s shown in the video. You could use a technique (which is a little advanced for a beginner) called Magic Loop. You can do it, but I don’t have a video showing you how!
Your best bet if you’re a beginner is to get your hands on a pair of 16″ 10mm needles. In my comment above to Olive I mentioned a few places online where you can look for the needles (both circs and DPNs). You’ll have better luck ordering the needles online than trying to get them in your city – unless you live in a city with well-stocked yarn stores (I’m looking at you, Vancouver and Toronto!).
Otherwise, as a beginner, I would not recommend that you dive headfirst into Magic Loop with big long circulars. Try to find the needles that are laid out in the pattern.
dont worry. I still find it easier and cheaper to order supplies online. i dont go to stores too much so yah, its a waste of time. but thanks again. i ordered the exact size online and can’t wait for them to come. yeah, i tried the magic loop and you are right, its really hard. i kept messing up and was so sad because i was planning to finish the hat the next day, but im alright now
i love your sight. its beautifully designed and creative and i cant stop coming back on it =to see if you’ve updated and added any new designs (seriously, i check every day). i have double pointed needles that are size eight and i was wondering if i could use them. thanks for everything. you are my inspiration
Hey Zahra!
Sorry for the late reply! I’ll reply each of your comments separately. Thanks for your kind words. Appreciate it very much 😀
So about the size 8 needles. Those are too small for this pattern. A size 8 is only 5mm! If you use a super bulky weight yarn with 5mm needles, you’ll get a very, very tight fabric, and a very small hat. So, sadly, a size 8 is not suitable for this pattern.
dont worry. i dont mind the late reply. i can tfind the right size double pointed neeldes so i guess i’ll just have to knit really loosely on them or do magic loop (even though its really hard). thank you for your detailed replies 🙂
hey, davina
i just finished kntting my big hat, but its very loose. i know its supposed to be like that but it keeps slipping off. could i use just bulky weight yarn to make it tighter, with casting on the same nuber of sttiches (44) and knitting together the same way?
Hey knittingqueen,
A commenter named Jill had a similar problem. This was my (very long!) reply to her. Hope it can help you out too:
Hey Jill! I’m so sorry your hat turned out so huge. The issue, I think, is gauge. (More on gauge here: https://sheepandstitch.flywheelsites.com/what-is-knitting-gauge/).
I didn’t talk about gauge in the tutorial video because I wanted to simplify the knitting experience, but in hindsight, I probably should have given it a passing mention. What it boils down to is this: the combination of your knitting tension (how tightly or loosely you knit) + your yarn + your needle size got you a larger gauge than what the pattern specifies (9sts=4″). I think this is why your hat is so much larger than the finished measurements of the hat.
If you tweak one of these variables (drop down a needle size or switch out a less bulky yarn) and get the pattern gauge, then you’ll know for sure that you’ll end up with a hat that’s the same size as the finished measurements on the pattern (20″ circumference and 11″ in height unfolded).
Okay, so now I’ve written you a mini essay on gauge! What can you do to make your hat smaller?
So, if the hat is insanely huge, like there’s no way you can bunch it up with an elastic without it looking like a muffin hat, then… your best course of action is to experiment with either your needles or yarn in order to get the right gauge, and then… knit a new hat. I know! So painful. But it’s the best way to know that you’ll get the exact sized garment as the one in the pattern.
There are a few other hacks that don’t involve re-knitting the entire hat, but they’re for slightly loose hats and not “comically giant” hats. You can check them out and see if they’re worth pursuing. The tutorial is put out by TechKnitting, a super geeky knit blog I love: https://techknitting.blogspot.hk/2008/04/how-to-line-hat-headband-style-with.html and https://techknitting.blogspot.hk/2011/02/socks-falling-down-consider-elastic.html
The latter link is about tightening up socks, but the principle still applies. These tutorials are pretty involved, and I suspect it might take less time to reknit the hat. Either way, let me know what you decided! You can always send me a picture of the hat using the comment form. (There’s an upload image option right below this comment field).
Best of luck!
thx sooo much. i guess i could just use elastic thread to make it tighter. also, i made an experiment and cast on with 36 sts (so 4″ tighter), and made is 10″ before decreasing, and it worked out perfectly. ill send you a picture when im done 🙂
Hi Davina! I am buying what I need to make this hat, but I was unsure about the needles. What brand do you recommend? The only needles I own right now are Brittany’s. Should I experiment with steel? Do you think these would be good: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DX86ICU/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3H90IYX99MD2Q ?
I am trying to keep it affordable 🙂 Also, do you recommend getting the same brand/style for both the circular needles and double sided needles?
Hiya! Whoa! Sorry for the late reply. Yes, these ChiaGoo needles look great. I’ve used the brand before and they’re nice and sturdy. As for keeping the brand consistent, it really doesn’t matter at all. For circulars, it’s important to have a smooth join (where the wire joins the needle).
I made this hat when I am only 11 years old. It is so cool and easy to make!!!!!!!
Whoohoo! Awesome job!
Hi Davina,
I really enjoy watching your videos.
I’m a beginner and very new to circularkntiting.
I’m stuck at the last stitch of row 1 (the 2×2 rib).
When I purl the very last stitch of 1 row (so it must be on the first cast-on, but I did the cast-on right, so simple), the long tail feel like slip away and not making the right loop like the previous knit/purl stitches. It makes no stitch or knot, just a twisted loop and it maybe apart If I untangle.
And I don’t know how to hide the long tail, I’m afraid it it break apart when I cut it.
OMG did I actual cast-on wrongly from the beginning?
Please help!!!
Hey Tam! Sorry for the late reply. Have you figured out this last-stitch issue? It’d be great if you can upload a photo. It’s hard to imagine what this loose stitch looks like. If you’re worried about the long tail slipping out, you can tug on it to keep it secure as you’re knitting that last stitch. When you say you don’t know how to hide the longtail, I’m not sure what you mean exactly. Do you mean that it’s long? Because it should be long! When you’re done knitting your hat, you can weave in the longtail into the wrong side of your fabric. If you’re worried it will fall out, weave in the tail into six or so stitches on the wrong side (or more if you’re really nervous!) to make sure it’s really secure. Hope that helps!
Hello there! I found this super rad videos on how to knit hat but I have straight needles that is not double pointed and i have worsted, medium yarn that is not bulky but is not too thin. Would I still be able to knit the same way or are the yarn and needles mandatory?
I’m not a fan of the word “mandatory” (brings up visions of grumpy school marms!). But in this case, yes, the pattern is designed for super bulky weight yarn and super bulky weight yarn requires big needles like a 10mm needle. A worsted yarn and its accompanying needle size (4-6mm) requires a different pattern. Sorry about that!
I tried downloading the pattern from the shop and it looks like this. Help please! 🙁
Hey! Yikes! What a word jumble. Check out this page on troubleshooting your PDF: https://sheepandstitch.com/technical-support/ Usually the trouble lies with the browser. Try saving the file to your computer first. Then opening the file in a PDF reader (like Adobe Reader, which is free). If you open the file in your browser, it may render the PDF like the crazy word puzzle you’ve attached. Hope this helps!
Hi there,
I love you tutorial video. Simple and easy to follow and understand for beginner like me. I have finished the cushy cowl scarf so now I want to try knit the beanie. I was wondering, Can I use the same size needle and the length of the wire that I used to knit in cushy cowl to knit this beanie? Because I couldn’t start to knit the yarn together as I found the length of the wire is too long or do I have to increase the number stitches?
Thank you very much for you help.
Alicha
Hi there! It’s not advisable to re-use the circulars from the cushy cowl to knit the Big Hat. Reason being that the circular needle should be *smaller* than the circumference of the hat, which is why a 16″ needle is recommended. Your best bet is to get a pair of circulars in the recommended size and length OR get a pair of DPNs in the recommended size. You can use DPNs for the whole hat instead of using circulars and then switching to DPNs. It’s more economical, although maybe not as easy!
Hi Davina!
I just finished my first Big Hat! I followed along with your video and it was great! I really enjoyed knitting it and I’ve started another. Your teaching videos are my favourites! Do you think you’ll be coming out with more?
Your hat is beautiful…it looks just like the pattern.
HI,
I tried to download the pattern, I saved it, and i even tried to change browser settings and the words are either not showing up or are jumbled up. Is there a way that you can maybe email me a PDF file?
Hi Danielle,
If you are unable to view the pattern in the browser, try saving the PDF file to your hard drive first and then opening the PDF in a PDF reader like Adobe Reader, which is free, or an app like Preview on a Mac.
Browsers will sometimes render PDFs in a wonky fashion, especially if the browser is not updated to the latest version. In any case, try the above method first. If that doesn’t work, email me at davina@sheepandstitch.com and I’ll send the PDF or a JPG of the pattern.
Thanks!
Hi! I read an earlier comment by someone asking if they could use a much longer circular needle and you said it would be difficult since the needle should be shorter than the length of the knitting.. I am having lots of trouble finding a 16″ needle, would a 24″ be alright? Also, what would you say the maximum head circumference is that the hat (as written in the pattern) would fit? I know the unstretched circumference when complete is meant to be 20″. Would it be quite simple to just add some stitches to make it bigger? My boyfriend has quite a giant head, by my sneaky estimate approximately 28 inches… I did read your comment about simply scaling up needle and yarn size, however the yarn I’m wanting to use is already bigger (meant to be knitted up on 12mm needles, which I think is a US 17) and I’m a fairly tight knitter, so the gauge (based on a scarf I’m knitting at the moment) is actually exactly the same as the one listed in your pattern for the 10mm needles and thinner yarn… Thank you very much for uploading this pattern and such detailed instructions! Went through probably hundreds of hat patterns before finding one I liked this much 🙂 never knitted a hat before but you’ve inspired me to give it a try!
Hey Samantha!
Okay, so needles first: I think you’ll have a hard time knitting this hat in the round with 24″ needles. You’ll be stretching your project like a mad woman trying to get those stitches to stretch across 24″ when the circumference is probably around 20″ give or take an inch or two depending on whether you decide to customise your hat. So, if you plan on knitting in the round, I would strongly suggest you use 16″ needles. Amazon usually has a nice selection of needles.
Alternatively, you can knit back and forth on flat needles and then seam your hat once you’re finished. There’s a premium pattern called the Big and Little Hats in the shop that has a tutorial on how to knit the hats on flat needles, although sizing really only goes up to an adult woman’s head: https://sheepandstitch.com/shop/the-big-little-hat-pattern/
As for your boyfriend’s giant head, I *really* can’t imagine it being 28″! I mean that’s the waist circumference of one of my friends! The average male head circumference is 23″ according to the Craft Yarn Council: https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/headsize.html
With hats you need what’s called “negative ease,” which means that the hat circumference is always smaller than the actual head circumference of the wearer. This allows the hat to stretch and stay nice and snug on your head. So, let’s say your boyfriend is larger than average and has a 24″ head. In this case, the finished circumference of the hat should really be about 22″ or so.
As for the maximum sized head that the hat can fit assuming that you get gauge? Well, that depends! It depends on how “stretchy” your yarn is. Generally, a one ply yarn is not so stretchy. A two or three ply gives a bit more stretch. Wool is very stretchy. 100% alpaca or silk is not so stretchy.
One thing you can do to stretch out your hat is to block it. This means that you can wet your hat after it’s complete and stretch it to the size that you like. Then, you can pin it down to those dimensions or stuff a towel into it like a makeshift head and let it dry. The hat will dry to those dimensions. That’s one way you can stretch out a hat.
But beware: if you stretch it out like crazy, the stitches won’t look very nice and you’ll lose the elasticity of the stitches. You can use this method if you need to push and pull by an inch or so, but any more and you risk the hat looking kind of holey and thin.
Anyway, I hope that helps! I know what it’s like to spend hours (or days and days!) looking through Ravelry for that perfect pattern, so I’m super flattered that you’ve landed on the Big Hat!
Thank you for your very detailed response!! I think I was measuring his head at an angle, as in sloping down at the back – so measured straight around it’s probably about 24-25. I’ll try to get some 16″ needles and maybe try to scale the hat up just a little bit, to about 22″ like you said. I’m planning to use this yarn (https://www.lanagrossa-store.com/lana-grossa-yarns/wool-lana-grossa-lei-uni-neon-ragazza-id_1927.html) which is 100% wool, so hopefully that gives me a bit more leeway! Thanks again!
Haha! Glad to hear it! 24-25″ sounds more likely!
Hello,
I seem to be having trouble finding needles in this size, I have been to every craft shop in the area (UK) and have been turned away. No-one seems to think they exist!
Do you have a link as to were I can purchase the needles, maybe I am looking at this wrong as I am pretty new to knitting.
I love this pattern and really want to try it!
Thankyou 🙂
Hey! These needles definitely exist! I found a pair on a website here: https://www.createforless.com/Clover-Bamboo-Circular-Knitting-Needles-16-in.-Size-15-10-mm/pid70060.aspx But, I’ve never shopped here, but it’s worth checking out. Also, another pair here: https://www.thenestyarn.com/products/addi-turbo-circular-needles-10mm-15-16/ These are a bit pricey because the brand, Addi Turbos, are the best knitting needles out there. For what it’s worth, I purchased my pair at a yarn shop in San Francisco called Imagiknit (https://imagiknit.com/) You can check to see if they have any in stock.
Hope that helps!
Oh! While I was answering Chantel’s question below, I found that Vegan Yarn sells 16″ circulars that are 10mm. Check them out here: https://www.veganyarn.com/product/clover-takumi-bamboo-circular-needles-40cm-16
I love this hat but…I’m a vegan, and a beginner at knitting. I am always looking for alternatives to wool yarn. Could you kindly recommend a comparable yarn to the Cascade yarn Magnum that is not made from animals?
It just so happened that someone recommended Vegan Yarn to me this week! https://www.veganyarn.com They do have a super bulky weight yarn that looks absolutely gorgeous: https://www.veganyarn.com/category/yarn-vega-super-bulky
Thanks for the mention Davina! Love the hat!
You’re very welcome! Love sharing beautiful hand dyed yarns!
Hi
I’ve been looking at the sample yarn, ‘Malabrigo Rasta’ that you used for this hat.
It says, ‘To ensure random color distribution, work from two balls of yarn at once, alternating a few rows from each ball’.
Did you do this? And if so, how would you do this? Sorry if this is a silly question.
Thanks
Hey Leigh, I don’t think I did this for this cushy cowl. However, with hand-dyed yarns like Malabrigo’s, sometimes skeins from the same colorway will vary a little bit. That’s the unique nature of hand dyed yarns.
So, if you knit with one skein and then join a new skein, sometimes you’ll notice a difference in color between the two skeins. This is most noticeable when knitting in stockinette stitch because it’s such a flat, even fabric – color irregularities have nowhere to hide! With garter stitch, it’s not *as* noticeable.
The way around this, is to blend the two skeins together so that any color differences are mixed up in the fabric. If knitting in the round, which is what we do with the cowl, you can knit one round with Skein A, and then join Skein B and knit one round with it. Then pick up the strand of yarn from Skein A and knit one round; then drop Skein A and pick up Skein B and knit one round. Then repeat, alternating Skein A and Skein B each round.
You don’t *have* to do this. If you notice that your two skeins are looking very different in color (even though they’re the same colorway), it’s a good idea to use this method. If you don’t notice much difference and you’re not a stickler for totally even color, then you can just knit with one skein until it’s all used up, then move on to your second skein. Hope this helps!
ETA: I just realised that you posted this under the Big Hat. The Big Hat only uses one skein of Rasta, so in this case, you wouldn’t need to do this at all. The above directions are only for projects that require more than one skein of yarn!
Hi! I’ve nearly finished knitting my cushy cowl and I’m about to buy the materials to make a matching hat! The only thing is I’m having trouble finding 10mm diameter circular needles in the correct length. I already own some 10mm ones that are 24 inches long… would they be suitable or would that cause issues? Also, is 8 inches long enough for the DPN?
Thanks for your lovely tutorials!
Awesome!! Looks like you’ve caught the knitting bug!
For the hat, you’ll really need 16″ needles. The basic principle is that your circular needles need to be smaller than the finished circumference of your hat. If you try to use the 24″ needles, you’ll have a hard time stretching your hat stitches to meet together in order to join in the round. Think about it this way: the finished hat circumference is about 20″ if I remember correctly. If your use 24″ circular needles, you’ll need to stretch your hat stitches across at least 4 extra inches in order for it to join in the round. So I wouldn’t recommend using 24″ to knit a hat. It’s cumbersome and I pretty much guarantee you’ll have a bad time!
For supplies, Vegan Yarn sells 10mm 16″ circulars here: https://www.veganyarn.com/product/clover-takumi-bamboo-circular-needles-40cm-16
8″ DPNs sound perfectly good!
Thanks for your help! It seems so hard to get them in the UK, I managed to find some but it had to be from a set of interchangeable needles!
Oh! Glad that you got your needles. Interchangeable needles are pretty great too! If you got a few other needle sizes and a 16″ cable then you’ve got a nice set for hat knitting!
I. Freaking. LOVE you. Because of you, I knitted a hat. I knitted a hat because of you. YOU. The you who is indeed my hero. <3 I'm literally sitting here wearing my dapper blue tweed hat, and writing a note to you, because I am so flipping happy. What is it about conquering that next knitting challenge that's literally so awesome that it makes you feel like you're on a rocket ship to the moon? I don't know, but being able to sit outside on a sunny autumn day, and knit my first hat just made me so happy. And I have you to thank, so again, THANK YOU! 🙂
Hey Marci! You’re awesome! Thank you for you comment! I totally know the feeling of conquering a knitting project and feeling OVER THE MOON or that moment when a concept just clicks – love that! So, major kudos to you for knitting a hat!
If you want to share your awesome blue tweed hat, please do so here in the comments or on the Sheep & Stitch FB page so that other would-be knitters can see that knitting is not hard or scary at all! https://www.facebook.com/sheepandstitch
Stay awesome, stay warm this winter and happy knitting!
I have some cascade magnum yarn and can’t wait to start this. I would like it to be more slouchy. What would you do to accomplish this? Thanks!
Hey Cathy! For instant slouch, you can do two things:
1. knit the Big Hat as is, but don’t fold up the brim. Wear the hat with the brim rolled down, like the photo below. However, if you choose this method, it’s a good idea to use smaller needles (go down 1mm or so) so that the brim stitches are tighter. This makes the hat more snug against your head.
2. The other option is to knit the body section (the plain stockinette stitch knitting) an inch or two more before you work the decreases. This lengthens the body and gives the hat some slouch. By doing this, you can keep the brim folded, which keeps it snug against your forehead, and have the slouch.
Hope that helps!
Finished my big hat to match my cushy cowl! Your tutorials have been fantastic 🙂
Lauren, this hat looks lovely! And that color is gorgeous! Hope you stay warm and toasty with this set this winter!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this tutorial, super easy. Earlier in the year I jokingly told my boyfriend I was going to knit him a hat for Christmas. As winter loomed I realised I should get started, and as a complete novice I assumed it would take weeks to complete. Then I found this tutorial. I ordered everything online and followed every step painstakingly and got to the end and literally could not believe I’d actually made a hat and in only a few hours! Pretty much everyone I know is now getting one for Christmas in different colours. I love mine! Thank you so much for these tutorial videos. x
Wow! Your hat looks so awesome! I hope your boyfriend and all your friends and family love their handknit hats! With Christmas looming so close, I think I’ll be knitting a couple hats as last minute gifts too. The only thing left to decide is what tv/movie marathon to watch while knitting!
Hi,
I’m sorry to bother you but I wanted to know if it was possible to knit this hat with circular 31 inches needles or if you could only do it with 16″ ones. It’s my first time knitting a hat so I’m worried I’ll be making a giant hat instead, but I’ve followed your instructions when making scarves and they looked really great! Thanks in advance for your answer and thank you for sharing all these tips, they’re super useful! x
Hey Solly! It’s possible to knit the hat on 31″ needles BUT you would need to use a different knitting method called “magic loop.” I don’t cover this method in the video tutorial, but you can find other tutorials on YouTube that show you how to knit in the round using magic loop. This tutorial only covers knitting with 16″ circular needles. Sorry about that!
Thank you so much for your reply, I somehow managed to make it work and it looks great. Thanks again for your answer!
Awesome!! As they say, where there’s a will, there’s a way!
Hi Davina,
I was so excited to start working on my big hat. I got the yarn, the double pointed needles, and I have my circular set. But I cast on 44 stitches and I realized that from needle to needle with my cord was to long. The cord said it would be 16″ but with my needles attached it was way to long. Please help, I’ve so been looking forward to making the big hat. Your website and videos have been such a great resource, the detailed yet easy to understand directions are the best. I made the cushy cowl and I love it! I’ve now made several in all different sizes and I’m making a couple more for friends.
Hey AmyL! So, the circular needles you got aren’t 16″? When you measure them from tip to tip, what’s the measurement? It sounds like you have a pair of interchangeable needles, is that correct?
If the needles are 24″ or a longer needle, you can use a method called “Magic loop” to knit the hat. I don’t cover this method in the video, but there are a number of videos on YouTube that go through how to knit using magic loop. You can use this method and still knit the hat by following along with the video. Hope that helps!
Hi, yes I have a interchangeable set of circular needles and the shortest cord I have is 14″ or 16″. I’ve heard of the magic loop so I’ll give that a try. Thanks
Hi Davina! Just finished my Big Hat! First time! Used Malabrigo Rasta in two colors. I’m giving this one as a gift, but I’m making a bigger one for me. (Big heads run in my family!). Thanks for your great video and instructions! Fantastic.
Your hat looks absolutely wonderful! Super neat and round pom pom too! Well done and stay warm!
Hi Davina,
I love your tutorials and finished my first big hat! The only issue I have is that my pom pom won’t stay tightly attached and it actually came out. The hole at the top seems to have loosened. Any tips on how to keep it tight? Also, what do I do with the cast on tail? Do I just weave it in?
Thanks!
Kelli
Hey Kelli!
Congrats on finishing your Big Hat! Okay, so first thing’s first: the baggy top of the hat. I would try to “un-weave” in that tail end from the top of the hat and then tighten it. Try pulling the tail end nice and tight and then tying a knot. You can even weave in that tail end into a stitch near the top of the hat and then tie your knot so that the knot is anchored onto the top of the hat if that makes sense. All this is happening on the inside (or the “wrong side”) of the hat.
As for the pom pom, I would take it off from the hat. (Hopefully you’ve left a decent length of yarn attached to the pom!) After tightening the top of the hat, pull your pom pom into the hat and then use the pom’s yarn end to tie another knot into one of the stitches at the top of the hat. If you have two yarn ends attached to the pom, you can weave each yarn end into a stitch at the top of the hat and then tie those two ends together. Then weave in that tail end. This weaving in and knotting is all happening on the inside of the hat!
As for the tail end on the brim – d’oh! I forgot to film that portion. Basically, you can weave in that tail end into the brim of the hat. However, if you plan on folding up the brim, then you would weave in that tail end on the “right side” of the hat so that it doesn’t show up when you wear it.
Hope that helps!
Hi, Davina,
I am using the second part video to finish a beanie (not the Big Hat beanie here). Is it possible to just use two needles to decrease and finish the hat?
Hi Xelca,
Hmm.. So it’s possible to use a method called Magic Loop, which essentially uses one long circular needle to knit a hat. But if you’re going to use double pointed needles, you’ll need at least four needles to do it. The other workaround is to knit the hat flat on two needles and then seam it up at the side. Otherwise, I’m not sure you can decrease the hat with just two needles.
Hi Davina! I just finished making the Big Hat and I love it! The only problem is that the cast on edge has stretched out an extra inch or two!! I want to make the waffle stitch hat for my mum but is there anything I can do to avoid the same thing happening to hers?
Thank you and I love your channel!
Hi Rhiannon!
Congrats on completing the Big Hat! About the edge, there’s not much you can do now about the stretching, but for future hats, you can consider using a smaller needle (like 0.5-1mm smaller) to cast on and knit the ribbing and then switch over to your larger needle to knit the body of the hat. Most hat patterns follow this practice, but for beginners who might not want to buy two sets of needles, I didn’t want to advise an extra smaller set just for the ribbing.
For the waffle stitch hat, I’ve intentionally made the number of stitches at the ribbing to be smaller to ensure a snug fit. Then once you get to the “body” of the hat, we increase the number of stitches to give a looser fit around the head. If you’re worried about the ribbing, you can always use a smaller set of needles to knit the ribbing and then switch to your larger ones for the body. As always, make sure you can get gauge with your yarn and needles.
Hope that helps!
I really can’t thank you enough for this pattern! I’ve wanted to learn to knit for such a long time and you explain everything so clearly!! Loved making this and your scarf and I’ve added a bow and tassels to it! Hooked on knitting for life!!
HI Divina,
I really want to make The Big Hat, but I live in the UAE and knitting supply stores are sparse and have very little. And amazon won’t ship here 🙁 Is there any way to order a “The Big Hat” kit with yarn and needles here?
THANK YOU SO MUCH for teaching me how to knit! This so fun and your instructions made it so easy. I can’t wait to make more big hats!! Thank you for your videos.
Davina
I have been just about in tears (ok I was in tears) over not being able to find a functional pattern for one gorgeous skein of Malabrigo Rasta…..then I found your site. Oh my goodness Davina, you are an OUTSTANDING teacher. I have never watched a video that had so much clear instruction, calm repetition and encouragement ever. Your work is exceptional. Thank you very much.
(……and I made a hat!…..and I’m going to make another one now!…woohoo!!!)
H
Hello, I came across your blog & decided to give this Big Hat a try.
For some reason I cant seem to get a pearl stitch and knit stitch right for the hat brim. Do you have any tips? Im bringing my yarn to the front to knit my pearl, but all my stitches seem to look like a knit stitch.
Thanks for your help. I know once I get past this part, its gets easier but I love the design and just cant seem to get it right.
Holly
I just found your You Tube video on learning to knit and loved it . It’s really easy to follow and I am now having fun knitting .. thank you for sharing
Help….I love your pattern..I found all my supplies, at…Hobby Lobby…and Michaels….and got a discount on all of them…they were all very reasonable…but at both places, I had no luck finding, the…Yarn…My best option was…Bernat Softee Chunky, ( 8mm..U.S.11 ), in Black, my grandson who’s …11… Almost…12… Wants a Black Hat…I measured his head, and it’s …21 …inches around his head….I seen where you told someone else, they could use a chunky, just add on …4 more cast on’s….but that was for a …Lion Brand Yarn, and this is a … Bernat….I was wondering the same thing, do I need to add on more stiches, more than …48… Are do I need to just try it at…44…. My needles are …16 inches long…Just like you said….and my next question, is, I to noticed you hold your work in your right hand, it does confuse me, and my stiches don’t work out and look pretty, if I use my left hand, even thou I’m right handed, I like to hold my working hand in my left hand…thank you so much, this will be my first hat with knitting needles, I have made several on the loom….thank you.
Hi Davina,
I am hoping to make the big hat and am struggling to find the circular needles you have listed above in New Zealand where I from. I have clicked on the link to purchase them through Amazon but the link is for 6mm needles not 10mm…I am a little confused. Is it the correct link? I am new to knitting so excuse me if I am asking a silly question here, just would really appreciate you clarifying what size circular needles are needed.
Many Thanks,
Naomi.
I changed the pattern to straight needles. I love the color of your hat.
I love the hat pattern but hate double pointed needles so I changed the pattern to straight needles. It was easy to do. Just purl on the wrong side and on row 6 just p2tog instead of knit then k1. See you don’t have to use double pointed needles if you don’t want to.
Hey Devina! Can I use 24 inch circular needles to knit the big hat?
Hi Tonya, a 24″ inch needle might be too big. The stitches will be stretched across the needle, but it can be done. It may just be a bit uncomfortable.
Hi! I followed the instructions on size of yarn (super bulky), 16” US15 circular needle, and CO 44 sts. However it felt it was too few? The cord is definitely longer than number of sts. I added 4 sts, was still too short for needle. Then added more. A total of 16 sts more. Joined in the round and started knitting, however it was very uncomfortable and still definitely too small for cord/needle length. No idea what happened! I am using Clover interchangeable needles for reference.
When you first join in the round the stitches will be a bit tight. But you can sort of pull it along the needle to stretch them out. As you knit a few rounds, the knitting will relax and spread out a bit more, making it less tight around the needle. Hope that helps!