Let’s face it, elves work hard this time of year. They need a little something to make them feel special, to remind them of the forests where they should be frolicking, instead of slaving away in some arctic sweatshop. This hat is just the ticket. It’s shaped like those pines where they build tree houses. The edges curl up just like the toes on their shoes, and best of all it doesn’t take life too seriously.

If you aren’t an elf it could also be placed on a cone or post to be used as a table top decoration. The branches are formed by a lace pattern which grows as you knit. With short rows in the bind off the hat also gets a fun pointy edge at the bottom. Try adding white angora yarn on the “branches” after knitting to give it the look of snow. Or if you’re really ambitious embroider some decorations on there too.

This hat is knit on needles that are quite a bit smaller than the manufacturer recommends for the yarn. This yields a fairly stiff piece of knitting which gives the hat the body it needs.
This pattern does not scale well by adding or removing stitches. If you wish to make it smaller (as for a child) or larger (to use as a table top decoration), you should change yarn and needle sizes. The piece shown below as a tree has a cone underneath for support.

If you are substituting yarn please note that the gauge according to the manufacturer is as follows:
Lamb’s Pride Worsted 18 sts/28 rows = 4” in stockinette stitch on size US #8/5mm

A chart for the lace is included as well as written instructions. Special thanks to Uzziel at sweaterproject.org for creating Visiknit.