This hat is a quick knit on US Size 11 needles with Super Bulky yarn. The oversized style is fun and super slouchy and very warm!

This pattern is a great way to learn some new cast on and bind off techniques. I would consider this pattern to be intermediate, but it is actually quite simple once you’ve practiced these new skills on some scrap yarn. The knitting itself is all garter stitch with short rows, the hat is knit on its side and then seamed together. Don’t let these new skills intimidate you, they are quick to learn.

This pattern begins with a provisional cast on. A provisional cast on is used so that there will be live stitches on both sides of the work at the end. These live stitches will be kitchener stitched or grafted together to form an invisible seam. The provisional cast on is not at all difficult to learn.

A tutorial can be found here
http://www.stitchdiva.com/custom.aspx?id=48
or, if you are a visual learner like me, try this youtube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3J-sUx_whE

The hat is knit in long wedges made of short rows. If you are unfamiliar with short rows, it is a technique used to create shaping in a garment by turning the work and knitting in the other direction mid row. It is a little unnerving to begin with, but once you understand how a wedge is created, the pattern moves along quite quickly, as it is comprised of only the knit stitch.

To learn the kitchener stitch to seam the hat together, try this tutorial ..it’s not difficult either. http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer04/FEATtheresasum04.html

In the end, if you decide these new skills are just too much, don’t despair! You can still knit this hat, I have included instructions for you as well!