Play is for everyone. Sometime between childhood and adulthood, the concept of play shifts, often leaving us with a pale version of the play we allowed ourselves before this shift began. I truly believe that everyone needs play in their lives, and I try to live by this value by remembering to insert a sense of playfulness into my days as much as I possibly can. There is a time for simple, neutral clothing; this hat is for all those other times. Life is a circus. Adorn your head with an accessory to match.

Photos show samples knit in: White Gum Wool 10ply/Aran (100% Superfine Merino 100g/3.5oz, 190m/207 yds) in “Peachberry”, and Augustbird Kookaburra (100% Australian Merino 10ply, 100g/3.5oz, 190g/270 yds) in “In My Heart of Hearts”.

CIRCUS is knit bottom-up, in the round, in one piece. The entire piece is worked in 1x1 rib, with small bobbles on the folded brim and near the crown. Bobbles are worked on the right side; as such, after working the brim, you will turn your work so that the wrong side becomes the right side, and vice versa.

SIZING
XS: Head circumference up to 46cm/18”
S: Head circumference up to 51cm/20”
M: Head circumference up to 56cm/22”
L: Head circumference up to 61cm/24”

This hat has been designed with negative ease; as it worked in 1x1 rib, the finished fabric is very forgiving and so each size likely fits a greater range of heads than indicated. The size chart is based on average sizing and is a guide only.

YARN
White Gum Wool 10 ply/Aran (100% Superfine Merino 100g/3.5oz, 190m/207 yds)
Augustbird Kookaburra (100% Australian Merino 10ply, 100g/3.5oz, 190g/270 yds)
108/130/178/216 metres (118/142/195/236 yards) or 1/1/2/2 balls required, plus extra for swatching

GAUGE
26sts x 28 rnds over 10cm in 1x1 Rib st, after blocking, on 4.5mm (US 7) needles, or size needed to obtain gauge.

This pattern has been tech edited and test knitted.

Thank you to Nan, of White Gum Wool, and Rebecca of Augustbird, for yarn support; Molly, of The Purl Edit, for her tech editing skills; and my wonderful test knitters, for sharing their time and feedback.