Explore stranded colorwork with this hat, showcasing a repeating motif of tall fir trees, reminiscent of a serene mountain tree line. The fresh color palette in light and dark blue adds a modern twist, departing from the traditional green and white associated with tree-themed hats. If a classic look appeals to you, opt for green trees on a white background for a charming Christmas touch. Knit with yarn made from recycled wool, nylon and cashmere, complemented by sustainably sourced viscose, this hat ensures a velvety soft and squishable texture while promoting eco-friendly practices.
Time: One-Week Pattern
Skill Level: Intermediate
Size: Finished Hat Size 17 (19)”.
2” negative ease recommended.
Shown in size 17”
Gauge: 23 sts and 32 rows = 4” [10 cm] in stranded St st after wet blocking
Materials
Yarn: Berroco Renew (35% Viscose, 30% Wool, 30% Nylon, 5% Cashmere; 164 yards [150 meters]/50 grams): 1344 Betta (MC, 1 (2) balls), 1322 Blue Jay (CC, 1 (1) ball)
Needles: US size 5 (3.5 mm) and US size 6 (4.0 mm) 16” circular needles
US size 6 (4.0 mm) dpns
Notions: Marker, waste yarn for provisional cast-on, large pompom maker, tapestry needle
Pattern Notes
This hat begins with a tubular cast on and extra-long 1×1 ribbing for a folded brim, but feel free to substitute a regular long-tail cast on, a shorter brim, and/or 2×2 ribbing.
If a larger hat is desired, go up a needle size to increase the gauge slightly.
When working from the Chart, if the float will be more than 5 stitches, catch the non-working yarn every 4-5 stitches by twisting the two yarns together on the back, then continuing with the working yarn. Be sure to keep the floats appropriately loose or the hat will be tight.
Pattern
With smaller circular needle and waste yarn, use the long-tail cast on to CO 51 (57). Do not join.
With MC, *K1, yo* to last st, k1.
Next Row: *Sl 1 wyif, k1* to last st, sl 1 wyif. (101 (113) sts)
Next Row: *K1, sl 1 wyif* to last st, k1.
Repeat the last two rows once more.
Begin Ribbing
Join to work in the round by knitting the first and last K sts together. This is your first st. *P1, k1* to last st, p1, pm. (100 (112) sts)
Work as est in 1×1 ribbing until work measures 3”. You may remove the waste yarn at any time after the first round of ribbing has been worked.
Switch to larger circular needle.
Work Tree Hat chart in your size, joining CC when necessary, and referring to Pattern Notes above regarding yarn floats.
When Chart is complete, break MC. Using CC, continue in St st until hat measures 7.25” (7.75”) from end of ribbing, or to desired length before crown decreases.
Crown Decreases
Switch to dpns when work becomes tight on circular needle.
Rnd 1: *K2tog, k8; rep from * to last 0 (2) sts, k 0 (2). (90 (101) sts)
Rnd 2 and all even rnds: K.
Rnd 3: *K2tog, k7; rep from * to last 0 (2) st, k0 (2). (80 (90) sts)
Rnd 5: *K2tog, k6; rep from * to last 0 (2) st, k0 (2). (70 (79) sts)
Rnd 7: *K2tog, k5; rep from * to last 0 (2) st, k0 (2). (60 (68) sts)
Rnd 9: *K2tog, k4; rep from * to last 0 (2) st, k0 (2). (50 (57) sts)
Rnd 11: *K2tog, k3; rep from * to last 0 (2) st, k0 (2). (40 (46) sts)
Rnd 13: *K2tog, k2; rep from * to last 0 (2) st, k0 (2). (30 (35) sts)
Rnd 15: *K2tog, k1; rep from * to last 0 (2) st, k0 (2). (20 (24) sts)
Rnd 17: *K2tog to end. (10 (12) sts)
Break yarn and draw through rem sts. Cinch tight.
Finishing
Block hat and weave in ends.
Use a large pompom maker to make a pompom with one or both colors. Tie to top of hat.