Day 19: A Hat to Match the Gloves

When I finished the fingertip-less Treads mitts, I had about 1/2 a ball of yarn left over. I decided the best use of it would be to make a hat that goes with the mitts.

The pattern is very simple. I cast 88 sts onto a set of US 5 (3.75 mm) double-pointed needles, dividing them evenly between the needles. I then worked in 1x1 rib (k1,p1) for 2". Next I knit one row, then the next row was a lateral braid. Another knit row came next, followed by a band of linen ridge stitch, 2 more knit rows, and another lateral braid.

I then went back to the 1x1 ribbing, and worked for 2 1/2" before beginning the decreases. The decreases were worked in pattern, with p2tog, and either a k2tog (if the first 2 sts on the needle) or a k2tog tbl (if the last 2 sts on the needle. I decreased 2 sts per needle, for a total of 8 sts per round. After the first decrease row I knit 2 rows, then did a decrease row every other row until there were 12 sts remaining on each needle, then every row until there were 8 sts remaining on each needle. On the next row, keeping in pattern, I decreased 4 sts per needle using the same decreases as above. Then next row I did a decrease row again, then using a tapestry needle, wove the end into the stitches, pulling them taut.

The hat was finished, and just as easy to complete in a brief period of time as the mitts, making it another excellent last-minute knitted gift.

Details:
Pattern Name: A Hat to Match the Mitts, based on the Treads pattern by Victoria Ann Baker
Pattern Designer: Brenda McCunn
Pattern Source: This is it!
Yarn: Krystal Acres Alpaca's Awesome Alpaca Yarn in Topaz
Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) Clover double-pointed needles