A very handsome fellow asked me to knit him a beanie just in case his head got cold at work (he works outdoors). He wanted super bulky yarn and big stitches. So I poked around Ravelry, and I saw Kristin Omdahl’s hat. It looked simple enough, and because I want to broaden my horizons into the design field soon, I tried to make one by sight alone. After agonizing over decreases, finally figuring out the correct math, and watching hours of Nick-at-Nite while knitting up the cap, I finally peeked at her instructions. She was increasing from the top-down. Kudos to her!!!
Mine, however, became a bottom-up monster of its own creation. I think it’s cute, and not a terrible first try. It was super-quick to make (3 strands of worsted on size 15′s? Hells yeah!!!), so I think it’s perfect for quick holiday gifts. Play with the colors: use three different strands to support your favorite team, or go with the classic monochromatic look.
Due to the Raised Double Decrease, the rib has a funky variation to it that makes it unique and angular. So here it is… try it out and let me know what you think. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Anything that you can think of to help me to improve the design or instructions would be greatly appreciated. I will post pics of my first attempt later, after blocking.
The Just-In-Case Cap
Skill level:
Advanced Beginner
Size:
Adult
Materials:
- Three skeins of Lion Brand Wool Ease worsted weight yarn
- size 15 dpns
- stitch marker
- tapestry needle
Gauge:
9 sts x 12 rows = 4 inches in k1, p1 ribbed st.
Stitch info:
k- knit
p-purl
rdd- raised double decrease: Slip 2 st knitwise, k next st, pass 2 slipped stitches over stitch just made.
This is the rdd stitch row from the top.
Extreme close-up of those rdd stitches.
Using a strand from each skein held together, cast on 48 stitches with the dpns. Join without twisting. Place stitch marker at beginning of round.
K1, p1 across. Continue until work measures 4-5 inches, then work decrease rows as follows:
Round 1: [(k1,p1) 4 times, rdd, p1] 4 times. (40 st rem)
Round 2: k1, p1 across.
Round 3: [(k1, p1) 3 times, rdd, p1] 4 times. (32 st rem)
Round 4: k1, p1 across.
Round 5: [(k1, p1) 2 times, rdd, p1] 4 times. (24 st rem)
Round 6: k1, p1 across.
Round 7: [k1, p1, rdd, p1] 4 times. (16 st rem)
Round 8: k1, p1 across.
Round 9: k2 tog across. (8 sts rem)
Round 10: k across.
Cut yarn, leaving 8” tail. Weave tail through stitches on needles a couple of times. Weave in ends, block and enjoy!
