For the past few months, I've been looking for the perfect hat to knit up this season to brave the cold, wet, winters of the Pacific Northwest. Most of the patterns I liked were for slouchy beanies and while I'm a big fan of the style, I needed something that will keep me warm during my early morning commute to work.
When I saw the classic cuffed hat from Purl Bee that was posted last week, I fell in love...it was just what I had been looking for! Just the right mix of classic fit and a touch of fun with the large pom pom on top. It was meant to be.
Last month, I stopped by Tolt Yarn and Wool in Carnation, WA to pick up a little inspiration. Even better, they now carry Quince and Co. yarns! I've wanted to try Quince and Co.'s yarns for quite some time, but without having seen it in person, I was weary to make the investment and place an order online. I can officially stay I'm never looking back. I bought a couple skeins of Puffin and it is hands down my new favorite yarn that I've worked with. Puffin is a single-ply yarn that has a somewhat felted texture. The yarn holds up its shape as you work with it, making it perfect for the structure of knit accessories and sweaters. Plus, the colors are just gorgeous...
Puffin yarn from Quince and Co. in Frank's Plum, Cypress, and Gingerbread
The only problem was that this yarn is a different gauge than the yarn that the Purl Bee pattern calls for. Without some calculations, this hat just wouldn't knit up correctly. So I've done some math and referenced other patterns to create a knit beanie pattern for bulky yarns. Hope this works for your winter knitting plans too!
Bulky version of the Classic Cuffed Hat from Purl Bee
Materials: Pattern made for adult size hat
- about 200 yards of bulky weight yarn (I used two skeins of Quince and Co.'s Puffin)
- a US #10, 16" circular needle, for the ribbing
- a US #10.5, 16" circular needle, for the body
- a set of US #10.5 double pointed needles
- stitch marker
- pom pom maker (optional)
Set Up
Using the smaller circular needles (US #10), cast on 54 stitches, using the cast on method of your choice. The Purl Bee has a great tutorial for a long tail tubular cast on, but I like to use a simply long tail cast on myself.
Join the stitches in the round, being careful not to twist stitches. Place a stitch marker at the join to mark the beginning of the round.
Create Ribbing
Row 1: *k1 p1, repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat round 1 until piece measures 4 inches from cast on edge, about 18-20 rounds.
Work the Body
Switch to the larger needles (US #10.5) and knit in a stockinette stitch until your hat measures 9 1/2 inches from cast on edge.
Shape the Crown
Round 1: *k7, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round (ending up with 48 stitches)
Round 2: knit all stitches
Round 3: *k6, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round (ending up with 42 stitches)
Round 4: knit all stitches
Round 5: *k5, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round (ending up with 36 stitches)
Round 6: knit all stiches
Switch to double pointed needles (US #10.5)
Round 7: *k4, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round (ending up with 30 stitches)
Round 8: *k3, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round (ending up with 24 stitches)
Round 9: *k2, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round (ending up with 18 stitches)
Round 10: *k1, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round (ending up with 12 stitches)
Round 11: *k2tog, repeat from * to end of round (ending up with 6 stitches)
Cut the tail and thread it through the remaining 6 stitches. Weave the tail and all other ends into the back side of the hat.
Making the Pom Pom (optional)
Follow the manufacturer's directions for making a large, 3" in diameter pom pom (or follow this tutorial, using all four fingers). If using your hand to create the pom pom, leave 2 tails, about 6" in length. Using a darning or tapestry needle, pull the two tails through either side of the crown of your hat. Turn the hat inside out and firmly tie the tails together with a double knot. Thread both tails back up to the base of the pom pom and trim them to the same length at the rest of the pom.
