Hiking Hat

Click here to view pattern on Ravelry Everyone needs that perfectly warm, oversized, loose-fitting hat for those winter hikes, walks, or even just for running to the car and back. Many years ago I knitted this same hat in a slightly looser gauge with three colors and a long ribbed brim to wear turned up or down or anywhere in between. I knit the adult-medium size and literally everyone in my family, from my husband on down to my youngest daughter, have worn this same size Hiking Hat.  And it looks great on everyone!  Because of the looser gauge, the long brim and the structure of the hat it is incredibly versatile. On top of that, the hat is a simple joy to knit. Easy stitch patterns keep it interesting and working on the larger needle-size makes the Hiking Hat a super-quick knit. Sizes Baby (small child, large child, adult small, medium, large) Finished circumference measurements 14 (16, 18, 20, 21, 23) inches or 36 (41, 46, 51, 53, 58) centimeters Sizing note: The hat is supposed to be oversized and looser fitting. This is taken care of in the design of the hat, so choose the size that is closest to the intended head-circumference in inches. If the head circumference falls in between sizes, round up to the next size. Yarn Barrett Wool Co. Home Worsted Weight (100% American Wool; 230 yards, 210 meters/100 grams), 1 skein each in three contrasting colors. Note: 3 skeins will make three adult-medium size hats including the pom-poms.  Needles US size 8 (5mm) sixteen-inch (40cm) circular needle and double-pointed needles in same size, set of 4. Needle suggestion:  ~ You may find the smallest size is easier to knit on double-pointed needles from the start.  ~ Switch to double-pointed needles for all sizes as needed during the crown decrease. Gauge 4.5 stitches and 6 rows per inch (2.54cm) in stockinette stitch  Tools Yarn needle Tape measure or ruler Scissors Stitch marker Optional: pom-pom maker