The Fire Rainbow Hat is inspired by the rare weather phenomenon of a circumhorizontal arc, which is caused by sunlight refracting through ice crystals suspended in high-altitude cirrus clouds. Though the term “fire rainbow” may be inaccurate (since this is neither fire nor a true rainbow), it is certainly a poetic description of this unusual phenomenon!

Also check out the Fire Rainbow Socks, perfect for that fun rainbow pop sock yarn!

Pattern Description

Calibrated specifically for yarn with a short pop of colour at one end of the skein, this hat uses short row sequences to draw out the narrow sections of colour into triangular shapes, much like the clouds that form these unique apparitions in the sky. Worked from the bottom up, it has a slightly slouchy fit with optional pompom and a twisted-rib cuff.

This pattern requires the knitter to be able to knit in the round on circular needles and clearly explains all techniques required, including yarn over short rows.

Yarn Requirements and Sizing

Sizes available: Toddler (Child Small, Child Large, Preteen/Adult Small, Adult Medium, Adult Large), for approximate head circumferences of 44 (47, 50, 53, 56, 59) cm / 17.5 (18.5, 19.75, 21, 22, 23.25) inches (each size fits up to a 4 cm / 1.5 inch range).

The hat requires approximately 120 (130, 140, 160, 180, 200) m / 130 (145, 155, 175, 195, 220) yards of heavy DK or light worsted weight yarn (190 to 220 m / 210 to 240 yards per 100g).

This hat was designed with the popular “rainbow pop” colourways in mind, but any yarn with a short repeating section (less than 1/4 of the skein) of contrasting colour will work. Since the resulting pooling depends entirely on the length of the “rainbow” sections, every hat made with this pattern will be unique!

Originally designed for Operation SJW 2020, 40% of the proceeds of all purchases of this pattern go to Kind Space, which is an organization by and for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals in my community. It provides support, resources, and a space for rest, care, connection, and education that is safe and welcoming to people of all sexualities and gender identities.

Click #OperationSJW to find other patterns supporting social justice charities!