I would love to knit Purl Soho’s Merry Ear Flat Hat. It asks for Supersoft Merino and if using metric sized needles, 8mm.
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2020/11/20/merry-ear-flap-hat/
As I am unable to buy the wool from the States (to expensive in post/packaging), I was trying to find an equivalent here from UK. However, all the substitute yarns I am looking at buying don’t seem to allow for such a large needle size. Also wondered if 8mm is very large for a baby hat?
Probably a silly question, but any suggestions welcome, thank you
Cute and cozy hat!
It’s a good question. Size 8mm isn’t so unusual for a bulky to super bulky yarn.
The pattern and the yarn used knit at 12sts/10cm on an 8mm (or even 9mm) needle. The best way to figure this out is to make a swatch or begin knitting the pattern with your yarn. That way you can adjust the needle size to get the correct gauge. The needle recommended in the pattern is just that, a recommendation. You may knit more tightly or loosely than the pattern knitter.
What yarns have you considered for this hat?
Maybe you’d consider 2 strands held together?
This Drops yarn is in their group B weight (DK/worsted) and 2 strands together makes equivalent of group D (chunky) which is listed as 12 sts to 10 cm on size 8 mm
There’s a good range of coloirs too.
I haven’t used it myself but just looked for something as a UK option in the gauge you need.
https://www.garnstudio.com/yarn.php?show=drops-merino-extra-fine&cid=19
It’s also possible to combine 2 different fibre types if you wanted, there are some combination swatches on the Drops site.
It’s a superwash, don’t know if that’s suitable for you.
Thank you. I think I will change tack and look at converting the pattern to a smaller guage. I feel that thickness of wool is a bit thick for a 4 month old or so. So grateful for your feedback
Here are a couple of ideas: