I love the stitch I used for this hat – it’s so simple and calming to knit once you get into the rhythm of the repeat. It’s an easier version of the classic fisherman’s rib, and one I first used in the Rice Rib Cowl. If you wanted a garment in the stitch then try Kyle Jumper or the Kyle Hoody.

I wear my Rice Rib Cowl every winter – it keeps me lovely and warm. It always amazes me how much difference a scarf or cowl can make in the colder months, just by wrapping something soft and woolly around your neck.

This hat came about from a knitter’s request. They’d made the Rice Rib Cowl and wanted a hat to match – and I thought, yes! Let’s do it. The original cowl is knitted in Bluefaced Leicester Aran, so that was the first yarn I used for the hat. But as I was knitting it, I started imagining how lovely it would look in 4 ply too… and then, of course, in DK as well!

So this pattern includes three versions – one for Aran, one for DK, and one for 4 ply. I hope you enjoy knitting it in whichever yarn you choose – or maybe all three!

CONSTRUCTION
The hat is knitted in the round in one piece from the bottom up with one seam.

TECHNIQUES USED
Knitting in the round, cast on, knit, purl, decreasing, using double pointed needles.

YARN
for 4 ply: One 100g hank of Opus.
70% Argentinian Merino Wool & 30% Baby Alpaca, 350m/384yds per 100g
for dk: One 50g ball of Mohair Tweed.
70% Merino wool & 30% Mohair, 110m/120yds per 50g
for aran: One 100g hank of WYS Bluefaced Leicester Aran.
100% British Bluefaced Leicester wool, 166m/182yds per 100g

SUGGESTED KNITTING NEEDLES
for 4 ply: 40cm length circular needle & set of four double pointed needles in 3.25mm.
for dk: 40cm length circular needle & dpns in 3.75mm.
for aran: 40cm length circular needle & dpns in 4.5mm.

GAUGE (tension) TO 10CM SQUARE OVER RIB PATTERN
with 4 ply yarn: 32 stitches and 42 rows. I obtained this gauge with 3.25mm needles.
with dk yarn: 26 stitches and 34 rows. I used 3.75mm needles.
with aran yarn: 22 stitches and 30 rows. I used 4.5mm needles.
It is important to obtain the correct gauge so do work a swatch before you start the pattern and change your needle size to achieve the correct gauge if you need to.

SIZE AND FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
to fit adult head. due to the nature of the rib pattern & individual gauges the finished circumference can vary from 45cm to 60cm. If the knitter gets the gauge as above the finished circumference will be approx. 54cm.

NEED HELP?
I am here for you! Pop into the Skipton studio, send an email, or check out the Purl &Jane YouTube channel for tips, inspiration and guidance including handy resources like gauge (tension) guides and how to tutorials.