Knitting: Seed Stitch Hat Pattern

The Yarn
I spun some hand dyed Corriedale top for this hat. It was spun at approx. 8 tpi and 12 wpi. The hand spun yarn was spun to approximately a DK weight. Suggested needle size: 3.75mm – 4.5mm. When knitting with hand spun yarns you will need to sample for the correct size.

Knitted Hat Pattern
Knit in the round on circular needles
Cast on 80 stitches

Rolled Brim:
Knit 8 rows
Purl 3 rows
Seed Stitch:
Row 1
Knit
Row 2
K1, P1
Row 3
Knit
Row 4
P1, K1
Continue knitting in Seed Stitch for a length of 5 inches:
Top Edge:
Knit 3 rows
To begin decreasing for the top of the hat, divide the hat into 8 equal portions:
Knit 9, K2 Together,
Repeat to end of row.
Next row – Knit.
Knit 8, K2 Together, repeat to end of row.
Next row – Knit
Knit 7, K2 Together, repeat to end of row.
Next row – Knit
Knit 6, K2 Together, repeat to end of row.
Next row – Knit
Knit 5, K2 Together, repeat to end of row.
Next row – Knit
Knit 4, K2 Together, repeat to end of row.
Next row – Knit
Knit 3, K2 Together, repeat to end of row.
Next row – Knit
Knit 2, K2 Together, repeat to end of row.
Next row – Knit
Break the yarn leaving about 6 inches of thread.

Using a darning needle, thread the yarn through the remaining stitches on the needle.
Pull the stitches together tightly and sew the remaining end in.

Machine Felting
Now comes the scary part. To felt the hat, you will need to wash it in your washing machine. If you have a top loading machine, this process is a bit more controlled, as you can open the lid on the washer and check on the hat every few minutes. Since I’m now living in London, I only have a small side loading washer, that doesn’t open during the wash cycle.

Yes, this was nerve wracking, but I put the hat into the washer and added about a tablespoon of liquid washing detergent into the detergent loading tray. I set the washer to the gentlest setting, turned it on, and tried not to fret.

I did not add anything else to the washer – no other clothing, tennis balls, running shoes or other items. ‘When you add other things, it creates more agitation in the wash cycle, and causes the woollen item to felt more.

The end result was perfect!

Seed Stitch Hat