Beat the Band
YaYaLovesToKnit, March 07, 2016
This hat features a deep band with wider ribbing. The stripes provide even
more interest to a comfortable beanie.
Size: Child to pre-teen size
The size of this hat is easily adjustable by increasing or decreasing the number of cast-on
stitches in multiples of eight (8). If making a larger hat, knit additional rounds in the body
of the hat.
Yarn: worsted weight yarn in 2 colors. Suitable for 2 solid or semi-solid
colors or a multi-color plus a solid or any other combination.
The sample hat was knit using approximately 81 yds of Red Heart Super Saver
in mulberry mix with 12 yds of Caron Simply Soft Paints in harlequin as the
contrast color. The mulberry mix is a very subtle self-striping yarn which
really showed off the deep colors of the harlequin.
Needles: US 06 and US 07 circular needles, plus a set of US 07 double
pointed needles to knit the crown (top) of the hat when the number of
stitches on your needles are too few to knit comfortably on the circular
needles
Other tools: one stitch marker to designate the beginning of round, and a
tapestry/darning needle to weave in yarn ends
Gauge: 17 sts x 22 rounds = 4” square (measured at the unstretched band)
Abbreviations used:
CC = contrast color P = purl
K= knit ST(s) = stitch(es)
K2tog = knit two stitches together YDS = yards
MC = main color
NOTE: You do not have to break off the yarn to change colors. The alternate
color may be carried along. Check out this helpful link if you need more
information for changing colors while working in the round:
http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-knit-in-the-round-with-
color.html
Begin pattern:
Using the US 07 circular needle, cast on 88 sts with the contrast color. Taking
care to not twist the stitches, join to begin knitting in the round. Place marker
to indicate the beginning of round.
Bottom Band
Continuing with US 07 and CC, knit 3 rounds.
This 3-round stockinette strip will curl up and create a cute little accent edge.
Changing to US 06 and MC, [k3, p1] around for 3 rounds.
Continuing with US 06, knit the following rounds:
3 rounds of [k3, p1] in CC
3 rounds of [k3, p1] in MC
3 rounds of [k3, p1] in CC
6 rounds of [k3, p1] in MC
Body of Hat
Changing to US 07 and continuing with MC, knit every round until the hat
measures 6-6.5” from the 1st round of the of of [k3, p1] ribbing.
For a slouchier fit, knit additional repeats.
Crown of Hat (decreases):
Change to double pointed needles when the number of stitches are too few to work
comfortably on the circular needle.
1. [K6, k2tog] around – 77 sts remain
2. Knit
3. [K5, k2tog] around – 66 sts remain
4. Knit
5. [K4, k2tog] around – 55 sts remain
6. Knit
7. [K3, k2tog] around – 44 sts remain
8. Knit
9. [K2, k2tog] around – 33 sts remain
10. Knit
11. [K1, k2tog] around – 22 sts remain
12. K2tog around – 11 sts remain
13. K2tog to last stitch, K1 – 6 sts remain.
Finishing:
Cut the yarn leaving at least a 12” yarn end. Using the darning needle, thread
the yarn through the remaining 6 stitches at least twice; cinch snugly and
anchor the yarn.
Weave in the yarn ends. Steam or block the hat if desired.
