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I wanted to make another slouchy hat for Kate with the purple Tanis yarn I got at the Knitter's Fair, but she had other ideas. She insisted on a brimmed hat with a big pompom. So here it is, and I've included the pattern too, even though it's pretty basic. It's sized for an older child. However, this one turned out to be fairly stretchy and can probably fit a teen or small adult.
Instructions
Size: Child's large. Final circumference is 45cm/17.5in but will stretch to 56cm/20in.
Yarn: 1 skein Tanis Fiber Arts Hand Dyed Yarn (100% superwash merino wool), Green Label Aran Weight (115g/4oz, 196m/215yds per skein) in Grape.
Gauge: 20 stitches and 26 rows over 10cm/4in square using larger needles.
Needles: 3.75mm and 4.5mm (set of 4 double-pointed needles or 2 circular needles in each size) or size to achieve gauge.
Abbreviations:
K: knit
K2tog: knit 2 together
Instructions for Hat:
With smaller needles, cast on 88 stitches. Join in a round, making sure the row is not twisted and do rounds of 2x2 rib (K2, P2 around) for approximately 10cm/4in.
Change to larger needles and start stockinette stitch, knitting every row in the round. Continue in stockinette stitch until the hat measures 24cm/9.5in from the beginning.
Start shaping for crown.
First round: (K9, K2tog) 8 times. (80 stitches)
Next round: Knit.
Next round: (K8, K2tog) 8 times. (72 stitches)
Next round: Knit.
Next round: (K7, K2tog) 8 times. (64 stitches)
Next round: (K6, K2tog) 8 times. (56 stitches)
Next round: (K5, K2tog) 8 times. (48 stitches)
Next round: (K4, K2tog) 8 times. (40 stitches)
Next round: (K3, K2tog) 8 times. (32 stitches)
Next round: (K2, K2tog) 8 times. (24 stitches)
Next round: (K1, K2tog) 8 times. (16 stitches)
Next round: K2tog 8 times. (8 stitches)
Draw yarn through all 8 remaining stitches and close tight. Secure yarn in a knot. Weave in ends. With remaining yarn, make a pompom with diameter of 10cm/4in and attach to top of hat. Fold ribbing to form brim.