Decreases and increases create the meandering runnels of the Salt Creek Hat. Named after a popular traditional fiddle tune, this hat works up quickly in a bulky weight yarn.

Skill level Easy: Skills include working in the round, reading a chart, and increases and decreases.

Finished Sizes 13 (15½, 18, 20¾, 23¼)“/33 (39.5, 46, 52.5, 59) cm circumference, to fit Newborn (Baby, Toddler/Child, Teen/Small Adult, Large Adult). Approx hat height, short version: 5 (5, 7¼, 9½, 9½)”/13 (13, 18.5, 24, 24) cm; tall version (shown with tassel): 7¼ (7¼, (9½, 11¾, 11¾)“/18.5 (18.5, 24, 29.5, 29.5) cm. Shown in Size 20¾”/52.5 cm.

Note: It’s best to measure the wearer’s head, as head sizes at different ages vary widely!

Yarn #5 Bulky weight. Short version as shown (without tassel): 75 (85, 120, 165, 185) yd/70 (80, 110, 155, 170) m. Tall version as shown (including tassel): 110 (125, 165, 215, 235) yd/100 (115, 150, 195, 215) m. Shown in Lang Yarns Merino 70, 98% superwash merino wool, 2% polyester, approx 76 yd/70m to 1.75 oz/50g, color #022 beige mélange. Short version: 1 (1, 2, 2, 3) skeins. Tall version: 2 (2, 3, 3, 4) skeins.
Tassel requires approx 15 yd/m.

Needles US Size 10 (6 mm) in preferred style for small circumference knitting in the round. Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions Markers, tapestry needle. If making tassel (optional): sturdy cardboard for template.

Gauge 14 sts and 22 rows = 4” in Stockinette stitch; 17 sts and 22 row = 4” in pattern stitch. Measure gauge on blocked swatch.

Notes
This hat is worked in the round from the bottom up. The pattern includes instructions for a shorter version, which has just a little ease at the crown, and a taller version with tassel, in which the extra fabric at the crown, aided by the weight of the tassel, causes the top to fold over. Instructions for the stitch pattern are given in both written and chart form.