Hi I have a pattern for a knitted hat using circular needles. I knitted it and it fits me well - it was a one size hat pattern. I want to knit one now for my husband but he would need it a bit bigger. How to I adapt the pattern to increase the size. Do I use more stitches or do I use bigger needles. I have never done this before and am a novice to knitting. Can anyone offer me any guidance.
Any help appreciated.
Thanks
Enlarging size of knitted hat
It would help if we could see the pattern. If there is a decorative shaping etc, the divisions may need to be reworked. But generally speaking, Id say using more stitches would be preferable. Changing the size of the stitches will make a different texture. Which you may or may not like.
Hi it is a Fair Isle pattern. See pic. It uses 3mm and 3.25 mm circular needles and casts on 136 stitches for the one size hat.
My opinion (only):
Id increase the # of stitches by the # of stitches in the repeat of that blue/white/yellow motif near the rib. Then the solid stripe gives you an opportunity to increase again to a multiple of the large star. At that point, it is a rather large amount to increase , imo. The next blue stripe gives you an opportunity to get back down to your caston # (which is larger than the pattern called for. ) Then you have to get creative on the next part. I think decreasing all the way down to pattern specs in just that row would be too steep. I think you’ll need to alter the little cross things in order to more gradually get down to where it needs to be at the bottom of the crown diamonds. Maybe decrease in the white area?
JMHO. .
This will change the shape a bit (fatter in the middle). But I think you are wise to try & increase the size. I believe Fair Isle suffers from being stretched too far. (Grinthrough of backside colors)
Let us know how you decide to do it.
Welcome to the forum!
You really want to make a swatch larger than 4x4" so that you can measure over the middle 4."
You could take your swatch and measure over the middle 2" and double the stitch number to see if your gauge is close to the pattern gauge.
If you get a gauge of 27sts/4" the hat would be 19.3" unstretched. Plus 4" negative ease would give you 23.3" which is close to you head size.
Did you work your swatch in the stranded pattern? Stranding often tightens up the knitting for more sts per inch.
Would you delete the pattern link please? We can’t post large portions of patterns on the forum due to designer copyright.
Thank you so much!
I did make my search over 4" but I didn’t do it in the stranded pattern. I now remember how my Icelandic sweater was significantly smaller than the given measurements even though I swatched it - without the stranded pattern.
FYI I promptly deleted the link to the pattern.
I am SO happy I have you as my resource!!! The nearest yarn shop from me is 20+ miles away.
Warmly,
Anita Rose