Feeling a bit isolated lately? Well this hat’s for you. My hope is that people will make and use this hat to virtually hug everyone during this coronavirus pandemic. Use it when you Facetime, when you get delivery, or make one and send it to your loved one. Feel the hugs.

This pattern is advanced beginner-friendly. The wording is created by using duplicate stitch, which means you knit the hat first, then embroider the lettering onto the hat later using “v” shaped stitches.

Sizes
17.75 (19, 20.25)“ brim circumference, 19.5 (21, 22.5)” body of hat circumference and 9 (9.5, 10)” tall after blocking; shown in body circumference size 21”. For best fit, make hat with body size that measures from 0” to 1” smaller than your head circumference.

Yarn
Knit Picks Swish (100% FineSuperwash Merino Wool; 123 yd 113 m/50 g 1.75 oz) CYCA#3: # 24313 cobblestone heather, 2 skeins each size. Note: you will only need a portion of the 2nd skein. Total estimated yardage: 155 (165, 180) yds of MC per hat.

Knit Picks Mighty Stitch (20% Superwash Wool, 80% Acrylic; 208 yd 190 m/50 g 3.5 oz) CYCA#4: # 1702 pucker, 1 skein each size. Total estimated yardage: 160 yds of CC per hat including big pompom.

Gauge
23 sts and 32 rounds = 4” in stockinette stitch. Use any size needles that give you correct gauge. Note: gauge is intentionally a little bit firmer than usual to create a nice canvas for the duplicate stitch.

Tools
Size 4 (3.5 mm): 16” circular needle and set of double-pointed needles (dpn)
Stitch Marker
Tapestry needle
Piece of cardboard that measures about 5” wide (for pompon)

Notes
This Hat is worked in the round from the bottom up, beginning with a 2 x 2 ribbing, and changing to stockinette stitch. Words are added later using duplicate stitch. If you prefer to use stranded knitting, begin working from the chart on Round 4 of “Body of Hat” directions (stockinette section). I used a worsted weight yarn for duplicate stitch, because I thought it would help the letters stand out more, but a dk would work well too.
When working crown, change to dpns when necessary.

Hang in there everybody!

Hugs,

Brenda