This hat uses double-knitting in a unique way, to create a single-layer fabric reminiscent of intarsia in the round (but without the same headaches that can come with that technique).

The body of the hat is done in plain double-stockinette to keep it hollow. The corners of this rectangular hat are modified with simple double-knit color changes that both shape the crown of the hat and create well-defined flat cat-ear shapes.

This pattern is super easy to modify for different gauges and ear sizes, and is a great introduction to a bunch of double-knitting techniques. However, it will require careful knitting to ensure that the two layers remain separate.

As you can probably tell, this is my answer to the “Pussy Hat” embraced by the women’s movement in 2016-17 leading up to the inauguration of the 45th president of the United States. I struggled to decide whether I wanted to make it available for free, or to charge for it and use the proceeds to make donations to worthy causes myself. In the end, I decided it would make more sense to just keep it free and have the charitable donations be on an honor system. If you download this pattern and enjoy it, I’d love it if you’d make a donation to Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, the SPLC, or your favorite charity supporting the rights of women, immigrants, LGBT+ people, or other disadvantaged groups specifically targeted by the policies of the current administration.

On the other hand, if this doesn’t float your boat, it’s just a hat with cat ears on it, and it’s a free pattern. Make it in whatever colors you like and have fun with it!