Creative Loops

For the second week of my project, I had planned to work on the brim. However, I was quite worried whether I would be able to complete the brim or not. That left me wondering if I would have anything to discuss in this post!

I faced a few setbacks and had to undo a lot of my work, but eventually, I managed to overcome the issues and complete the brim successfully with plenty of time to spare.

The Brim

When planning that hat, I wanted a simple stocking stitch design. However, I knew the hat would need some texture to it. To achieve this, I decided to use a 1×1 rib in k1, p1 tbl for the double brim. This will make the twisted stitch more visible when the brim is turned back and effectively provide the interest needed in the design.

It took a lot of false starts to decide on needle sizes. I knew from experience that for a rib, I would need to use a smaller needle, and with this being a hat, the fabric would need a closer knit than say a sweater. A 3.75 mm needle for the rib and a 4.50 mm needle for the main body of the hat seemed a reasonable starting point.

I started off with 90 stitches, and I completed the brim really quickly. I was all excited that the pattern was proceeding quicker than I had thought until I tried it on. It was a little too tight. So, I had to start again and, at this time, added 6 more stitches. I had to settle with this number because of the rib stitches and for the decreases later on. I am thankful the math for this hat is pretty straightforward, for maths was never my greatest strength!

The Body of the Hat

Once the rib stitches were completed for a second time, the hat fit perfectly, and I was still amazed that with all the early problems, I got to this stage before the week was done. I changed needles and began the stocking stitch body. I knew this section of the hat would knit up quickly. Getting to 7.5 inches would not take long at all.

A few hours of solid knitting, the hat is ready for the decrease section. I have split the stitches onto two circular needles, and I’m ready to begin. That is once I’ve written the decrease pattern out. Even for me, I will need this part written so I know where I am, and I don’t make any rookie mistakes.

This time next week, I am hoping the hat will be completed and the pattern fully written so I can share it with you.

Fingerscrossed.