“Attitude is the *little* thing that makes BIG difference.”

― Winston Churchill

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Hello there fellow knitter!

This is The Yarnist. The daily newsletter that makes you love knitting the same way Elvis loves his blue suede shoes.

Here's what we've got for you today...

• Knitspiration: Hat patterns to make you happy
• Stitchionary: A stitch that's like a brick wall
• Pattern Pick: This cable hat is a classic
• PLUS: Counting sheep, AI yarn store, and more

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Disclaimer: This newsletter may contain sponsored ads and affiliate links.
When you buy using them, you support our work here at The Yarnist, as we get a small commission.

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Knitspiration

🤠 7 Happy Hat Patterns To Make You Smile

My favorite thing to knit (and also design) is hats.

They're portable, quick to knit, and incredibly useful.

Once you understand their construction, they're infinitely customizable.

It's my favorite type of knitted item to gift to friends, and ideal for donating to charity.

And if you can knit a hat, you know 80% of the skills you need to knit almost any other knitting project.

There are many ways to knit hats, but the most classic is the traditional Watch Cap, also known as a beanie or toque.

Today we're going to look at a few great watch cap projects you can knit in less than a weekend.

A brief history of the Watch Cap

Knitted caps are pretty well documented going back to the 14th century. The most famous of these come from the Welsh town of Monmouth.

This precursor to our modern watch cap hasn't changed too much. The hat was knit from the brim up with simple shaping near the top. Just before binding off the stitches are gathered together into what's called a *button* before picking up stitches for a double brim.

The design became popular amongst men working outdoors and soldiers. Wool caps were even used as cushioning under metal helmets.

While it is still highly associated with fishermen working in cold stormy weather, it wasn't until WW2 that it garnered its modern name.

Navy crew members took turns on "watch" throughout the night for enemy movement. The thick woolen hats they wore were perfect for staving off the ocean chill. And as service men returned home for war, the style caught on, along with the name "Watch Cap."

Knitted hats have never really gone out of style, especially with men. But in the early 2000s chunky knit hats with big pompoms started catching on with young women. These days you're just as likely to see a fur pompom on top of a hat, but this trend seems to be dying out a bit.

Regardless, knitted watch caps aren't going anywhere and remain a staple project for most knitters.

Our favorite knitted watch cap projects

With the knitting boom of the mid 2000s came an influx of independent knitwear designers. And as hat's are an easy project to design you can now find more than 75,000 beanie patterns on Ravelry.

Luckily we've cut through the noise to offer a few of our favorites.

Let's dive in!

Dot Beanie by Stephanie Lau This simple hat pattern is all about texture. Knit in a quick knit bulky yarn you'll have one of these done in no time. Plus this pattern comes with a matching cowl! Get This Pattern

Musselburgh by Ysolda Teague The original swatchless hat pattern: a classic double-layered beanie with 4-point crown shaping. The multi-gauge pattern now includes 9 gauges, for yarn weights between light fingering and DK, and 6 sizes. Get This Pattern

Payne Hat by Fabienne Gassmann A simple argyle cable, reminiscent of Scottish plaids, crisscrosses its way up this cozy, slightly slouchy hat, leaving plenty of space for the rustic nature of the tweed yarn to shine through. Its a perfect companion for long walks in the crisp fall air or in-between seasons. Get This Pattern

March Hat by Meghan Babin Our friend the Seersucker stitch has returned in this lovely textured beanie. The quilted diamond motif gives this hat a 3D look that is as fun as it is stylish. Get This Pattern

Seed Rib Hat by Lion Brand Studio Ok this one is maybe more shawl than scarf, but it really caught our eye so we had to include it. If you want a sampler style project to practice new stitches, this is gorgeous project is for you! Get This Pattern

Stockholm Hat by PetiteKnit This is a different take on the classic watch cap, inspired by the street fashion of Stockholm. The crown is shaped with a straight section in the middle, and it's designed to have a bit of room at the top. Get This Pattern

Lord's Seat Hat by Inese Sang This whimsical hat plays with ribbing in a different way. Using twisted stitches to create curving lines, everything comes together in the crown as a beautiful masterpiece. Get This Pattern

BONUS PICK!

Stripes on Stripes Hat by Lee Meredith This clever hat uses two different self striping yarns to create a unique look. With some fun techniques peppered throughout, this hat will be hard to put down! Get This Pattern

Conclusion

So what do you think?

Are you a fan of knitting hats?

Do you have a favorite hat pattern?

Hit reply and let us know!

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Announcements

Here's a couple of upcoming events you might want to check out!

Knit Your Wardrobe Summit (Feb 1-4) I'm doing a presentation for this FREE event along with 14 other knitting teachers and designers. Get Your FREE Ticket!

Headband KAL Feb 4-24 • Space is limited Join us as we explore new techniques through a quick headband project. 4 projects to choose from! Get on the waiting list

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Daily Stitch

Mistake Rib Stitch

As we finish up our week of slipped stitches I'll leave you with this bit of illusion.

Using alternating segments of stockinette and garter ridges, slipped stitches are places to create vertical bars.

These bars create the illusion of bricks stack upon each other. It's super simple to knit but looks like it would be complicated. 😉

​Learn This Stitch

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Yarnist Insider Bonus

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Members Only

Finish Off Friday Did you finish a project this week? ​Share a photo with the community!

LIVE Knitting Circle (Replay) If you weren't able to join us a replay of last night's call is now available to watch here.

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Pattern Pick

Chasm by Lacie Lynnae

This classic cabled hat is simple and fun to knit.

Using basic cable braids with nice wide ribs, this hat is easy to make even if you've never done cables before.

It pairs perfectly with any outfit and everyone will be asking where you bought yours.

And Yarnist readers get 20% off this pattern through Sunday!

Save 20% on this Pattern

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Knits & Giggles

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Thanks for reading!

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Before you go...below you'll find a few ways we can work together, and other bits & bobs:

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Look at you reading all the way to the end!

Here's a bonus video with this incredible arial footage of sheep being herded. 🤯

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