Hat size

How-to Questions
1

Since the doll’s hat worked out ok, I’m ready to start one for myself. I found the style I want - VERY SIMPLE - it’s only my 2nd itr effort, and it’s my first hat. The first one that has to be worn, like “real” clothing, anyway -

I have a question before I begin. There’s a video tutorial, plus a pattern download for this one which makes it perfect for my first hat.

I’m confused about the size. I understand about the measuring and working out my gauge - but she says to cast on the number of sts that [I][I][B]equal[/B][/I][/I] your head measurement. I would’ve thought you’d make a knit hat an inch or so less in diameter than your actual head measurement. :??

My hair is very short, very fine and straight - if I knit the hat knit to my exact measurement, won’t it be sloppy?

I know many have you have made dozens of hats, and I know you have a wealth of knowledge :slight_smile:

If you have time and want to check the video, the part about size is at 2:40 at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_hl7HGMDy0

The written pattern is a pdf, at http://www.knitpicks.com/holiday-en/gifts-to-knit/for-men/easy-peasy-hat-pattern.html

Thanks for any input - muchly appreciated :hug:

2

Depends on what stitch pattern/design/technique you are using.

Ribbing stretches quite a bit so hats with a ribbed brim will often be made smaller than your measurements but, will stretch to fit.

Other patterns (garter, fair isle work) have less give and therefore may be sized to fit from the onset.

3

I didn’t watch the video as you don’t really need one for this. The written one tells you what you need to know. It has you figure your stitches per inch then figure your cast on based on that. 84 stitches seems a lot for a bulky weight hat though. Is that the yarn weight you’re using?

That said…I’ve made dozens of hats for gifts and charity 99% of which I never use a pattern. I use worsted weight and cast in 80 stitches. If the yarn is a heavy worsted I might cast on 72. Knitting is stretchy and unless it’s way bigger or smaller it will generally fit.

So… My suggestion for your first hat is to just try the pattern as written if youre using bulky weight. You’ll need to knit for at least a few inches before you can judge the size.

4

In the video, they do recommend a multiple of 8 with rounding down if necessary, the rounding down for a better fit. I agree about going down about an inch for a nice fit. Maybe between the multiple of 8 and the rounding down, you’ll come out with a good measurement.
This is a nice, simple pattern but it does make a pretty, flattering hat.

5

Good point! I’ll do my math and see what happens with the 8 and rounding down first. I’m not using a bulky yarn, so I knew I couldn’t follow the instructions exactly.

And yes, I look awful in hats and worst of all with a ribbed edge :ick: and I thought my best bet was a rolled edge, so thought I had a real find with this one - clear instructions and made for beginners. Lucky, or what!