This pattern includes a second PDF version that is formatted for knitters with low vision. It has black text, size 22 or larger text in a sans serif font, no italics, no columns, and fully-written directions. The chart is still included but is not needed to work the pattern. Many thanks to Gemma Thompson (gemmabelle here on Rav) and the Accessible Patterns group for their guidance in formatting patterns in a more accessible way.

I have this friend with a life-long dream, and after deferring that dream for 20 years, she’s finally going for it. Her name is Lauren (I promise this isn’t a story about myself!), and she’s a sailor. She’s also a mom of two elementary schoolers and a small business owner. After putting aside her Olympic dreams as a college student, she’s going for it now, with sights set on joining Team USA for the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.

The thing is, chasing down a dream of this magnitude is expensive. There are travel costs, coaches and training, boat rentals for international regattas, and so much more. That’s why, for the first month of this pattern’s release, I’ll be donating $2 from each sale to the 501(c)(3) nonprofit that’s funding Lauren’s campaign.

15 knots is Lauren’s favorite wind speed, because it’s just strong enough to sail hard without having to move into survival mode. I also thought it was a fun play on words, because we knitters love our knots of a different sort. This hat is graded to four sizes with an extra deep, fold-up brim to keep your ears warm when the wind picks up.

SIZES

1, 2, 3, 4. Finished hat dimensions: 15.5 (18, 20.5, 23.5) in / 39.5 (45.5, 52, 59.5) cm

(Note: most people like their hats snug, so if that’s what you’re looking for, choose a finished hat size that is somewhat smaller than your actual head)

MATERIALS

Heavy DK/light worsted weight yarn, 180 (205, 230, 265) yds / 165 (188, 211, 243) m

Sample shown in Megs & Co. Ghost Town DK, 100% Merino & Rambouillet superwash wool, 228 yds (208 m) per 3.5 oz (100 g)

GAUGE

4” (10 cm) square = 24 stitches x 31 rows in hat body stitch pattern

NEEDLES

One set of needles for your preferred style of small-circumference knitting in a size to match gauge listed above

Suggested needle size: US 8 (5.0 mm)

TOOLS

One stitch marker for beginning of round; optional additional markers between pattern repeats
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

SKILL LEVEL

Intermediate. Techniques include knitting in the round, cables, increases, pinhole cast-on, tubular bind-off