Free Knitting Pattern // Classic Peruvian Wool Hat

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About 5 years into my knitwear business, I started using 100% wool yarns instead of acrylic-based yarns.  If you've used these luxurious fibres, you know it is usually the beginning of a very dangerous addiction!!

The more I learned about wool, the more confident I felt that it was truly the best material to work with for creating luxury knitwear.

 Why is wool yarn better than acrylic?  Let me tell you!!

1. Wool is a natural and renewable fibre.  Sheep are always growing and producing wool that can be used for your yarn!  Make sure to look for wool that is ethically sourced and mulesing free.
2. Wool is flexible, stretchy, and incredibly durable.  Wool fibre is 7 times stronger than cotton!
3. Wool is temperature regulating!  This means that when you are cold, it insulates incredibly well to hold in body heat, but in warmer weather it also helps to keep the heat out, allowing your wool garment to "breathe" during warmer periods.
4. Wool is super moisture-wicking - it can hold 1/3 of its weight in moisture without feeling damp or clammy!

Have I convinced you yet that wool is the best?! Okay, now on to the pattern...

This classic pattern was designed for my knitwear business, using thick and cozy Peruvian and Merino wools.  Ideally, "The Wool" from We Are Knitters, "Crazy Sexy Wool" from Wool and the Gang, or other similar super bulky yarns.  If you're unsure, just double check your gauge.  If using a yarn that is slightly thinner, such as Malabrigo Rasta, you may need to increase your row count slightly, until the hat reaches your desired length.

Did I mention there are kids sizes?!  Yep!!  This pattern comes in 5 sizes:  0-6 months, 6-12 months, 1-3 years, 3-10 years, and adult.  It's super flexible, worked in repeats of 2 stitches, so you can add or remove stitches to the size of your liking!

 Classic Peruvian Wool Hat Knitting Pattern

DETAILS:

METHOD:  Knitting

SKILL LEVEL:  Beginner

NEEDLE:  US size 15 (10.00mm) circular needles (16" length)

OTHER:  yarn/tapestry needle, scissors, faux fur or yarn pom of your choice

YARN:  1 skein of super bulky Peruvian Wool (such as We are Knitters the Wool or Wool and the Gang Crazy Sexy Wool).

GAUGE:  4" square = 8 stitches and 12 rows (in stockinette using US15 needles)

ABBREVIATIONS

k            knit

p            purl   

k2tog    knit two together

st(s)      stitch(es)

r(s)        row(s)

All 5 sizes are included in the pattern below in the following format:  0-6 months (6-12 months, 1-3 years, 3-10 years, adult).

INSTRUCTIONS:

Using US15 (10.00mm) circular knitting needles, cast on 28 (30, 34, 36, 38) sts using the long tail cast on.  Join in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Place stitch marker.

BRIM:

k1, p1 around.  Do this for 4 (5, 6, 7, 8) rs.

BODY:

k around.  Do this for 12 (13, 14, 15, 16) rs.

DECREASE (same for all sizes):

R1: k2, k2tog - repeat around (for 6-12 month, 1-3 year, and adult sizes you will have 2 sts left, k those two sts)

R2: k1, k2tog - repeat around (for 6-12 month, 1-3year, and adult sizes you will have 2 sts left, knit these two sts together)

R3: k2tog - repeat around. If you have 1 st left on your needles, just k that st.

Cut an 18" tail and pick up all of the stitches off of your needle.  Pull tight, weave in your ends, and attach your pom of choice!  

TA DA!! You've got a classic knit, 100% wool, thick and cozy winter hat!

Finished Length (when laying flat):

0-6 months:  6.5" long

6-12 months: 7.25" long

1-3 years:  8" long

3-10 years: 8.5" long

Adult: 9" long

Photos courtesy of Sasha Blaney Photography and Dreaming Driftwood