Designed for a class on beginning stranded knitting, this pattern can be finished as a headband or, for those who become addicted to the rhythm of stranded knitting, it can completed as a warm winter hat. Charts are provided for using both two color and three color combinations, as well as for DK and Fingering weight yarn.
The hat is knitted in the round starting with a few rounds of the lining followed by a purl turning round. After finishing the hat body and crown, the cast on stitches are picked up and the lining is completed starting with an accent motif echoed from the main hat pattern. This lining provides added thickness, warmth, and protection from the cold winds of winter.
The headband is worked with a portion of the same charts as the hat and is also lined for warm.
Espen Hat and Headband
Finished sizes:
DK hat - 20 in. (50.5 cm) circumference, 8 in. (20 cm) height.
DK headband - 20 in. (50.5 cm) circumference, 3 in. (7.5 cm) height.
Fingering hat - 20 in. (50.5 cm) circumference, 11.5 in. (29 cm) height.
Gauge (DK version): 4 in. (10 cm) = 27 sts and 28 rnds in both stockinette and colorwork.
Gauge (Fingering version): 4 in. (10 cm) = 30.5 sts and 36 rnds in both stockinette and colorwork.
Materials
Yarn - DK version
Hat - 2 color: Color A (primary): 120 yards, Color B (secondary): 120 yarns
Hat - 3 color: Color A (primary): 75 yards, Color B (secondary): 75 yards, Color C (accent) 110 yards
Headband - 2 color: Color A (primary): 50 yards, Color B (secondary): 100 yarns
Headband - 3 color: Color A (primary): 40 yards, Color B (secondary): 40 yards, Color C (accent) 75 yards
Needles - DK version: US size 4 (3.5mm) needles for preferred method of working in round (2 circulars, Magic Loop, or double-pointed needles) or to obtain gauge.
Yarn - Fingring Version
Hat - 2 color: Color A (primary): 130 yards, Color B (secondary): 140 yarns
Hat - 3 color: Color A (primary): 120 yards, Color B (secondary): 110 yards, Color C (accent) 50 yards
Needles (Fingering version): US size 3 (3.25mm) and US size 1 (2.25mm) needles for preferred method of working in round (2 circulars, Magic Loop, or double-pointed needles) or to obtain gauge.
Notions: Stitch markers, stitch holders, blunt-ended tapestry or yarn needle.