This hat is knit in the round, from the bottom up. The pattern involves moving the stitch marker every few rows. When you move the marker, all subsequent rounds (until you move the marker again) begin at the new marker position.
MATERIALS
Lana Grossa Royal Tweed [100% merino wool; 108yd/100m per 50g skein]; color: 16; 2 skeins
1 set US #8/5mm double-point needles
1 16-inch US #8/5mm circular needle
1 16-inch US #7/4.5mm circular needle
stitch marker
tapestry needle
1 yard of ribbon
GAUGE
13 sts/22 rows = 4" in stockinette stitch with #8 needle.
ABBREVIATIONS
C8F: Slip the next 4 sts onto cable needle and hold in front of work. K4 sts from the left needle. K4 sts from the cable needle.
C8B: Slip the next 4 sts onto cable needle and hold in back of work. K4 sts from the left needle. K4 sts from the cable needle.
C6F: Slip the next 3 sts onto cable needle and hold in front of work. K3 sts from the left needle. K3 sts from the cable needle.
C6B: Slip the next 3 sts onto cable needle and hold in back of work. K3 sts from the left needle. K3 sts from the cable needle.
C4F: Slip the next 2 sts on to cable needle and hold in front of work. K2 sts from the left needle. K2 sts from the cable needle.
C4B: Slip the next 2 sts onto cable needle and hold in back of work. K2 sts from the left needle. K2 sts from the cable needle.
C2F: Slip the next st onto cable needle and hold in front of work. K1 from the left needle. K1 from the cable needle.
C2B: Slip the next st onto cable needle and hold in back of work. K1 from the left needle. K1 from the cable needle.
STITCH PATTERNS
2x2 rib
Round 1: * k2, p2, repeat from * to end of round
Repeat round 1
Braid 4
Round 1: * C8F, repeat from * to end of round
Rounds 2 and 3: K all sts
Round 4: K all sts, remove marker, k4, and replace marker.
Round 5: * C8B, repeat from * to end of round
Rounds 6 and 7: K all sts
Round 8: K all sts, remove marker, k4, and replace marker.
Repeat rounds 1-8.
Braid 3
Round 1: * C6F, repeat from * to end of round
Rounds 2 and 3: K all sts
Round 4: K all sts, remove marker, k3, and replace marker.
Round 5: * C6B, repeat from * to end of round
Rounds 6 and 7: K all sts
Round 8: * K2tog, k1, repeat from * to end of round. Remove marker, k2, and replace marker.
Braid 2
Round 1: * C4F, repeat from * to end of round
Rounds 2 and 3: K all sts
Round 4: K all sts, remove marker, k2, and replace marker.
Round 5: * C4B, repeat from * to end of round
Rounds 6 and 7: K all sts
Round 8: * K2tog, repeat from * to end of round. Remove marker, k1, and replace marker.
Braid 1
Round 1: * C2F, repeat from * to end of round
Rounds 2 and 3: K all sts
DIRECTIONS
With #7 needle, CO 80[88] sts. Place marker to note beginning of round and join. Work in 2x2 rib until piece measures 1.5 inches long. Switch to #8 needle, and work two rounds as follows:
1. Eyelet round: * k1, YO, repeat from * to end of round
2. K all sts
There should now be 160[176] sts. Work in Braid 4 pattern until piece measures approx 7 inches long, ending on round 7 of the pattern. Then work one round as follows:
1. * K1, k2tog, k1, repeat from * to end of round. Remove marker, K3, and replace marker.
There should now be 120[132] sts. Work the next 8 rounds in Braid 3 pattern. There should now be 80[88] sts. Work the next 8 rounds in Braid 2 pattern. There should now be 40[44] sts. Work the next 3 rounds in Braid 1 pattern.
Begin decreasing, switching to dpns when necessary:
1. * K2tog, repeat from * to end of round.
2. K all sts
Repeat the above two rounds, ending up with 10[11] sts. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread yarn through remaining sts, gather and tie off. Weave in ends.
FINISHING
Thread ribbon through eyelet holes, tie bow, and trim ends.
