Saturday, October 22, 2011

Generic Skullcap Knitting Pattern

I wanted to knit a hat that had a really fun design... but it came with no hat pattern (just the design chart.) Instead of looking up a plain skullcap knitting pattern, I decided to design my own. Why bother designing my own version? I plan to use this hat pattern as the template for future designs. It is easier for me to have the knitting kinks worked out before I start adding complex colorwork.


Materials:
  • 1 skein Berroco Peruvia yarn (100 g, worsted weight: I used 68 g in this project.)
  • US Size 6  (4.0 mm) knitting needles (double pointed or circular, whatever your preference is. Recently I've started using the magic loop method so I can complete hats all on one pair of knitting needles.)
  • Yarn needle for weaving in loose ends
  • Gauge: 5 st/inch; 7 rows/inch over stockinette.
  • Finished size: 20" circumference (It fits me loosely, but still very comfortable. It fits my husbands head well.)

Generic Skullcap Knitting Instructions
  • Cast on 100 stitches on size 6 needles.
  • Join to knit in the round and knit 8 rows of 2x2 ribbing (~1 inch). Note: 2x2 ribbing is *K2, P2* across the round.
  • Knit 33 Rows or until piece measures ~6 inches from the cast on edge.
  • Begin Crown Decreases:
    • *K8, K2tog* across (90 sts)
    • K 1 round
    • *K7, K2tog* across (80 sts)
    • K 1 round
    • *K6, K2tog* across (70 sts)
    • K 1 round
    • *K5, K2tog* across (60 sts)
    • K 1 round
    • *K4, K2tog* across (50 sts)
    • K 1 round
    • *K3, K2tog* across (40 sts)
    • K 1 round
    • *K2, k2tog* across (30 sts)
    • K1 round
    • *K1, k2tog* across (20 sts)
    • K2tog across (10 sts)
    • K2tog across (5 sts)
  • Cut yarn and pull through remaining stitches. Weave in loose ends and enjoy your skullcap!


My husband reading while wearing the hat.

This was my first time knitting with Berroco Peruvia yarn, and I have to say that I LOVE it. The fabric has a really rich feeling.

---------------------------------------
Abbreviations Used in this pattern:
Kfb - increase by knitting into the front and back of a single stitch.
M1 (Make 1)- increase stitch by picking up yarn between two stitches, twisting and knitting.
K - knit
P - purl
I-cord - knit stitches on dpn's without ever turning the needle (effectively knitting in the round with a small number of stitches.)
SSK - decrease by slipping two stitches then knitting them together. Alternatively, you could slip one stitch, knit one stitch and pass slipped stitch over.
K2tog - decrease by knitting two stitches together.

These knitting pattern was created by ChemKnits for your personal or charity use. You are not to sell, distribute or reprint this pattern without the permission of ChemKnits. © 2011 ChemKnits