Everyone needs more knitted hats in their life, and today I share seven pattern ideas for hats. I’ve been out of knitting sorts lately and attempting a new hat is just the ticket to get back into it.

I’ve gone through a tricky time recently and I wanted to find a way to order my thoughts through the yogic medium of knitting. I was inspired to look at hats as a quick and satisfying project. This would allow the thrill of an FO with minimal commitment of time and effort. Today I’ll share seven different pattern ideas for you if you need a quick and satisfying project.

We start the show by reflecting on a recent challenge, in the hope it will help listeners who may be going through similar circumstances. A friend from home recently died very young and very unexpectedly. I was thrown by this, as although I am no stranger to friends departing the mortal plain early, thanks to being ex-military, I hadn’t had the same happen with ‘home’ friends. It became clear I had compartmentalised these two groups into separate areas.

At the funeral, I was delighted to reacquaint with friends who I love dearly, but hadn’t seen as often as I would like over recent years. The juxtaposition of joy at their company and sorrow at the occasion was difficult to process; I never associated them with anything but happy and fun times. It was intensely painful to see them in such pain at our collective loss, and confusing in some ways, trying to rationalise these people with these unfamiliar circumstances.

As a result of this recent upset, I’ve struggled with the knitting. My mind has been anywhere but on creating, despite knowing that the act of deliberate creation allows thoughts to order themselves in the mind. The rhythmic process of knitting, stitch by stitch, and making something as a result, can be incredibly healing. I found I didn’t want to work on existing projects. The restlessness was distracting.

I decided to consider a new project, inspired by my dear friend’s ever present beanie hat, atop his enormous mop of curly ginger hair. I’ve shared them in this episode for anyone who wants some inspiration (who doesn’t need hats in winter?) and also for anyone who would like to use a hat project to work through something, as I will be.

Hat Pattern Inspiration

You can find all these patterns in a collection in my Ravelry queue.

1) Tremblant Toque by Diana Walla

Tremblant Toque by Diana Walla. Image Copyright Diana Walla.

This pretty toque is the perfect blend of colour and pattern to create a hat that is modern, wearable and stylish. I like how the neon pink catches the eye and compliments the grey shades perfectly. The use of quite simple motifs allows for a more modern feel than the traditional Shetland or Scandi looking patterns. Knitted in 4ply weight as stranded colour work in the round, there is enough to keep the seasoned knitter entertained, whilst allowing adventurous beginners a worthy challenge.

You can buy the pattern for CAN $7.50 on Ravelry.

Jason’s Cashmere Hat ny Melissa Thomson. Image Copyright Mellissa Thomson.

2) Jason’s Cashmere Hat by Melissa Thomson

This Aran weight hat is a great balance of texture and design, whilst being totally unisex and appealing to all ages. I enjoyed how the crown decreases on this hat are neat and ordered, meaning the shape of the crown is maintained. It would look particularly good in a nice, crunchy high twist yarn, which would really show off the cabled detail. The folded up ribbed brim add extra warmth and cosiness to this design, which looks to be a quick and satisfying knit. It would also look great with an oversized pom pom.

You can get this pattern for free via Ravelry.

How Quiet Hat by Helen Stewart. Image Copyright Helen Stewart.

3) How Quiet Hat by Helen Stewart

This DK weight hat is part of the Knitvent 2018 collection. Knitvent is a collection of patterns that Helen creates each year, with a different theme, but all perfect for gift knitting. It is a longstanding joke that it isn’t Christmas until the Coca Cola truck has been on telly and Helen has released Knitvent. This hat is sized from baby to large adult, meaning you can crank out a couple of sixes from just one skein of yarn. It looks equally nice with a fluffy pom pom or without, and is sure to be a popular gift knit.

This pattern is available as part of the Knitvent 2018 collection on Ravelry, which is priced at £15.54 for all 6 patterns.

Beeswax Hat by Amy van Der Laar. Image Copyright Amy van Der Laar.

4) Beeswax Hat by Amy van Der Laar

This lovely DK weight textured hat uses the honeycomb as inspiration, to create a lovely textured, almost 3D looking pattern on the body of the piece. Starting with the ribbed brim, it quickly progresses into a complex-looking pattern, created from mini cables, which looks very impressive. It would be ideal knitted in a nice plump yarn to really show off all the texture.

This pattern is available for $7.20 on Ravelry and also comes with matching mitts and cowl patterns (available separately)

Alaska by Camilla Descoteaux. Image Copyright Camille Descoteaux.

5) Alaska by Camille Descoteaux

This 4ply toque uses the clever colour changes of gradient yarns to create a stunning, sunset-type effect on the body of the hat. Knit in the round using stranded colour work, it is a really interesting piece that is sure to create conversation. An interesting knit to execute, there is lots of fun to be had with playing with the colour changing yarns in this hat.

You can find the pattern on Ravelry for CAN $6.60

Basic Norwegian Star Hat by Cara Jo Knapp. Image Copyright Cara Jo Knapp.

6) Basic Norwegian Star Hat by Cara Jo Knapp

This free pattern for a worsted weight hat is a great option for those who want a more traditional looking hat with familiar star motifs. It can be a great canvas for experimenting with colour and as it’s a thicker yarn, should be a quicker knit for those who are a little impatient.

You can get the free pattern here on Ravelry.

Yukon Campfire Hat (buffalo plaid) by Liz Sutton. Image Copyright Liz Sutton.

7) Yukon Campfire Hat (Buffalo Plaid) by Liz Sutton

I liked this hat as it was unusual in its pattern. It also reminds me both of a lumberjack and Dennis the Menace, which is in no way a bad thing! I think this would be an interesting knit both in the techniques used, but also as a way to play with colours. It’s worsted weight, so should be both quick and warm to wear.

You can find this pattern for CAN $6 on Ravelry.

Wrap Up

I hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s pattern pick and will come over to the Shinybees Community and let us know what hats you are working on!