Celebrate love, warmth, and style with the Hearts & Arrows Hat, a stunning example of stranded colorwork. The repeating pattern of hearts and arrows makes this hat perfect for Valentine’s Day—or any day you want to show some love. If you’re looking for a contemporary twist, try a monochromatic palette with three shades of the same color: a light tone for the background, medium for the hearts, and dark for the arrows. The result? A modern, sophisticated accessory that’s as versatile as it is eye-catching. This is a fun and rewarding knit that will keep your creativity (and your ears!) cozy all winter long.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Size: Finished Circumference 17¾ (19½, 21¼)”
2-3” negative ease recommended.
Shown in size 17¾”
Gauge: 36 sts and 40 rows = 4” [10 cm] in Stranded St st after wet blocking
Materials
Yarn: Cascade 220 Fingering (100% Wool; 273 yards [250 meters]/100 grams): 9559 Indigo Frost Heather (MC), 1 ball; 9568 Twilight Blue (CC1), 1 ball; 9404 Ruby (CC2), 1 ball
Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm): 16” circular; US size 2 (2.75 mm): 16” circular and DPNs
Notions: Marker; tapestry needle; 3” pompom maker
Special Stitches
K2, P2 rbbing
Rnd 1: *K2, p2; rep from * around.
Rep Rnd 1 for pattern.
Pattern Notes
When working the stranded sections, bring the contrast color under the main (background) color.
Pattern
With smaller circular needle and MC, CO 160 (176, 192) sts. Join to work in the round and PM to indicate beg of rnd.
Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 1½”.
Switch to larger circular needles.
Knit 4 (5, 6) rnds.
Join CC1 and begin working from Heart and Arrow Chart. Chart will repeat 10 (11, 12) times around hat. Join CC2 when necessary.
Crown Decreases
When Heart and Arrow Chart is complete, work Top of Hat Chart. When Top of Hat Chart is complete, 16 (17, 18) sts rem. Break yarn and draw through sts, cinching tight.
Finishing
Weave in ends and block.
Pompom
Using one strand each of MC and CC1 (or any combination you prefer), make a pompom and tie to top of hat.