littoral (adj.) – of, relating to, or situated or growing on or near a shore, especially of the sea

After spending much of my time in littoral zones this past year (my kid and I did a lot of tidepooling during the worst of the pandemic), I knew I wanted to name a pattern in tribute. The texture of this hat reminds me of seashells and sand, while the shape reminds me of sea urchins.

SIZES
S, M, L, XL. Finished hat dimensions: 16.25 (18.25, 20, 21.75) in / 41.5 (46.5, 51, 55) cm circumference (Note: most people like their hats snug, so if that’s what you’re looking for, choose a finished hat size that is somewhat smaller than your actual head.)

MATERIALS
Fingering-weight yarn, 140 (165, 190, 215) yds / 128 (151, 174, 197) m; held double with lace-weight silk-mohair yarn, 140 (165, 190, 215) yds / 128 (151, 174, 197) m

Sample shown knit in Cloudborn Highland Fingering, 100% Peruvian Highland Wool, 494 yds (452 m) per 3.5 oz (100g), held double with undyed laceweight silk-mohair yarn, 72% kid mohair, 28% silk, 459 yds (420 m) per 3.5 oz (100g).

GAUGE
4” (10 cm) square = 22 stitches x 25 rows in stockinette (note: much of this hat is knit in a variation on seed stitch, so keep that in mind when choosing a size if your gauge loosens up significantly in seed stitch)

NEEDLES
One set of needles for your preferred style of small-circumference knitting in a size to match gauge listed above, plus one set of needles three sizes smaller (for the brim).

Suggested needle sizes: US 8 (5 mm), US 5 (3.75 mm)

TOOLS
One stitch marker for beginning of round; optional additional markers between pattern repeats
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate

Requires decreases, slipping stitches, and knitting in the round