How to Knit a Funky Hat

A hat is one of the easiest garments to knit. It is a satisfying project to knit for yourself or to give as a gift. Although this garment is a simple one, there are many ways to embellish it or to create an offbeat shape that is as amusing or cutting-edge as it is pleasurable to make.

Things You'll Need

• Yarn Tailor's measuring tape 12-inch circular needle Set of five double-pointed needles Tapestry needle Thread Sewing needle Pen or pencil Paper

Instructions

Knit a hat that will stand out in a crowd

1. Decide what features of your hat will be the ones that will make it distinctive. There are many elements that can create a funky hat--from construction and yarn choices to embellishments and added features. Having a balance of interesting features is key for your funky hat. Don't overload your hat with distinctive features, or it will end up looking like a directionless mess. Pick one or two interesting things to use in your hat.

2. Knit a swatch in each yarn you want to use. Determine the gauge of stitches per inch and rows per inch. Write this gauge down. Create a sketch of what you want your hat to look like. Distinctive shapes include hats with cat ears or horns; ear flaps that cover the ears; a scarf that extends from opposite sides of the hat, covering the ears and wrapping around the neck; as well as stocking caps, tams and other shapes. Using a tailor's flexible tape measure, determine how many inches you need the headband to be. The headband rests on the ears, forehead and base of the skull. Multiply this measurement by the gauge you have swatched to get the approximate number of stitches you need to begin your hat.

3. Decide what you want the headband of your hat to look like, including the stitch pattern you want to use. Add on the number of stitches to your approximate headband stitch count from Step 2 to get the number you need to cast on. Cast on this number of stitches to the circular needle. Mark the beginning of your row with a stitch marker and begin to knit your headband in a circular configuration.

4. Begin the body. Depending on the features of your hat, you may begin unorthodox shaping in the body of the hat. To create a wider shape, increase stitches at a consistent rate around the hat. To narrow your shape at any particular point, decrease stitches at a consistent rate around the hat. If flaps are your feature, complete your hat and then pick up stitches along the edge of your hatband and begin knitting the flaps that way. If ears, horns, knobs or other embellishments are your feature, complete your basic hat shape and then either pick up stitches at the appointed places in your hat or knit these elements separately. You can then sew them onto your hat with a tapestry needle and the same yarn you used to knit the elements, or you can use a regular sewing needle and thread. If you use this method, use similarly colored thread to match the knitted pieces.

5. Weave in loose ends using your tapestry needle. Gently hand wash your hat in a mild detergent and block it, either on a towel or a hat form. Leave hat in place for one-to-three days until it is dry. Sew on additional embellishments as needed. These can include buttons, sequins or any other elements that work with your design.