I chose “Positive Space” as the title for this knitted hat pattern for two reasons. The first is to play on the words “negative space”, a favorite design concept of mine. I’m always drawn to art that switches from light to dark and vice versa to maximize visual interest. You’ll do just that with this design, simply by changing color dominance and shifting to a new chart. Yet I couldn’t bear to have “Negative” in the title, so I just flipped the script and went with “Positive”.

The second reason for the name is because I love the idea of a design being so encouraging that it makes you feel positive about your abilities. Using incorporated links as guides, perhaps you’ll learn a new technique here, such as the provisional cast on or the Latvian braid. Likewise, I hope you’ll see Positive Space as the perfect pattern to go your own way with palette and execution. Each section can be looked at like a blank canvas: a joyful opportunity to add colors that speak to you.

Step-by-step knitting instructions and links for various techniques are included in this pattern. Please note that the stranded color work is charted only.

Yarn
(The exact yarns I used to make my samples are no longer available. The yarns referenced here will yield similar hats.)
Marianated Yarns Scrumptious HT
80% Superwash Merino / 10% Cashmere / 10% Nylon fingering weight
400 yards (365 meters) per 100 gram skein

Approx. 120-130 (150-160) yards of LC (Greige)
Approx. 120-130 (150-160) yards of DC (Squidward’s Ink)
Approx. 60-75 yards of CC (She Gave Me a Pen)

Tools
To work in the round:
US 2 (2.75 mm) needles
US 3 (3.25) needles
US 4 (3.5 mm) needles
DPNs or circulars as preferred.
Marker to indicate beginning of round
Four stitch markers for decreases
Darning needle

Gauge
31 sts and 36 rows / 4 in (10 cm)
over Chart A or B pattern on largest needles, after blocking. Check your tension and adjust your needle size accordingly.

Size
Hat circumference: 18.5 in (51 cm)

Two sizes in length: beanie (slouchy)
Beanie length from brim to crown: 8.75 in (22 cm)
Slouchy length from brim to crown: 10 in (25.5 cm)