I’m so excited to show you my latest project – the Knit Thick & Quick Gwen Hat!
This project is very beginner friendly with a comfortable, slouchy finished fit. Read on below about the inspiration and yarn details, or scroll on down for the free pattern.
The Inspiration + Design
I knit the original Gwen Hat in one of my favorite new yarns – Chainette from Lion Brand. But this weekend I’m headed to NYC for the LB Blogger Bash and we are holding a sip ‘n stitch event where I needed to supply an easy 1 skein pattern with Wool Ease Thick & Quick. Problem is: I realized I didn’t have one!! So I knit up a quick Gwen while watching La La Land the other night.
I’ve been loving a Knit 2 Purl 2 rib lately and the squishy base it gives to a project. Simple stockinette lets this yarn really shine and then a strong, dimensional decrease to close up the top of the hat adds a bit of subtle detail. I thought about adding a pom pom (this fluffy yarn makes such nice poms and there was plenty leftover from 1 skein) but I really love the look of those decreases at the crown so I left it alone!
I’ve sized this pattern for newborn babies all the way through adult mens – you’ll want to make Gwen hats for the whole family after you make the first 😉
The Yarn
I used the good old standby, Wool Ease Thick & Quick for this pattern. This new color Carousel (I used it in my Storybook Hood & Pocket Scarf pattern here) is my new favorite. It’s got minty greens and pale pinks with pops of raspberry all pulled together with a soft grey spun throughout. So delicate and pretty!
You’ll just need one ball of Thick & Quick for this pattern, but go ahead and grab several – you’ll be glad you did. Click here to order yours, I’ve only seen this colorway on LionBrand.com!
PATTERN
- Get the ad-free, large print, printable PDF pattern HERE.
- Grab the Ultimate Pattern Bundle that includes 100+ patterns just like this one for under $30 HERE.
- PIN this pattern to your Pinterest boards for later HERE.
- Add this pattern to your Ravelry queue HERE.
To sum it up: A relaxed fit with unisex charm, the Gwen Knit Hat is simple to work up and so stylish for everyone! Beginner techniques will have you looking like a pro with a better-than-store-bought fit due to Lion Brand’s Wool-Ease Thick & Quick yarn. Hat sizes in baby-adult mens.
Materials:
–Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick Yarn (Category 6/Super Bulky, 6 oz, 50g, 106 yds)
1 skein makes any size hat – I used Carousel
–Size US #15 (10mm) 16″ circular knitting needles (<<<my favorites!)
-optional alternate to magic loop knitting: 5mm DPNs
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Gauge:
8 sts x 11 rows in stockinette stitch = 4″
Sizes (finished head circumference):
Baby/Toddler (12″)
Child (16″)
Adult Women’s (20″)
Adult Men’s (24″)
Abbreviations (US terms):
CO – cast on
k – knit
p – purl
k2tog – knit 2 together
tbl – through the back loop
sm – slip marker
st(s) – stitch(es)
rpt – repeat
Skill Level:
Level 2 – Easy
Pattern Notes
-This hat pattern is written in several sizes, adult women’s will be bolded throughout as this is our most popular size (& the size pictured).
-You may sub out other super bulky weight yarns, but be mindful of your gauge.
-I will be using the magic loop technique to work the decreases at the crown of my hat. You may also use double pointed needles if you prefer.
-All stitch counts in < > are final stitch counts for the Rnd.
Knit Thick & Quick Gwen Hat
CO 24 (32, 40, 48)
Join to work in the Rnd being careful not to twist your stitches. Place marker at the beginning of Rnd.
Work in K 2 P 2 Rib until piece measures 2″ or 7 Rows
Continue in Stockinette (K all sts) until hat measures 3 (3, 3.5, 4, 4, 4.5)” from rib
Crown Shaping:
Note: Change to working in magic loop or on DPNs as needed.
Next Rnd: Knit each st around placing a stitch marker every 6 (8, 10, 12) sts
You should have 4 st markers total including the marker at the beginning of your Rnd.
Decrease Rnd: K2tog, *K to 2 sts before marker, K2togTBL, sm, K2tog; Rpt from * 2 times more, K to last 2 sts, K2togTBL <16, 24, 32, 40>
Next Rnd: K each st around <16, 24, 32, 40>
Rpt last two Rnds until you have 8 sts remaining
Finish off yarn leaving a long tail. Draw tail through 8 sts on needles. Remove needles and pull tail tight to cinch. Weave ends.
Looking for more SIMPLE STITCH PATTERNS? Check these out!
1. Crochet Avery Hat / 2. Crochet University Scarf / 3. Crochet Brooklyn Ridge Hat