Double Seed Stitch Hat

Double Seed Stitch Hat by Joan Laws

What Is Being Made

The Double Seed Stitch Hat is a knitted beanie designed in three sizes to fit toddlers, children, and adults. The hat features a circumference of 18 inches (45cm) for toddler sizing, 20 inches (51cm) for child sizing, and 22 inches (56cm) for adult sizing. This versatile design works for various age groups and head sizes, making it an excellent project for creating gifts or a collection of coordinating hats.

Craft and Primary Technique

This project is a knitting design worked in the round using circular needles and double-pointed needles (DPNs). Working in the round creates a seamless construction, eliminating the need for seaming at the crown or back of the hat. The pattern begins with a smaller circular needle and transitions to double-pointed needles as the crown decreases become too tight for circular needle work.

Stitches Used

The Double Seed Stitch Hat incorporates two primary stitch patterns:

• Knit 1, Purl 1 Ribbing (k1, p1 rib): Used for the brim of the hat, this elastic stitch pattern creates a fitted edge that hugs the head. The ribbing is worked for 3 rounds on toddler sizing, 5 rounds on child sizing, and 7 rounds on adult sizing, providing increased length for larger head sizes.
• Double Seed Stitch Pattern: The main body of the hat features a repeating four-round pattern alternating between knit 2, purl 2 (K2, P2) in rounds 1 and 2, creating a textured, reversible fabric. This stitch pattern provides visual interest and a slightly thicker, warmer fabric suitable for a winter hat.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Double Seed Stitch Hat is designed to be worked in Cascade Yarns Highland Duo, a luxury blend composed of 70% baby alpaca and 30% merino wool. This yarn weight is classified as aran weight, a medium-weight yarn that knits quickly while providing warmth and softness. One 100-gram skein (197 yards or 180 meters) in color #2307/Beet is sufficient to complete any of the three sizes.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires two sizes of circular needles and double-pointed needles:

• Size US6 (4mm) 16-inch (40cm) circular needle: Used for the ribbed brim section where the stitch count is smaller and tighter.
• Size US8 (5mm) 16-inch (40cm) circular needle and DPNs: Used for the main body and crown of the hat. The pattern notes indicate that you will transition to double-pointed needles when stitches become too tight around the circular needle during crown decreases.
• Four stitch markers: Used to mark the beginning of rounds and pattern repeats.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 17 stitches over 4 inches (10cm) when working the double seed stitch pattern (rounds 1-4) on the larger size US8 (5mm) needle. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the hat to fit correctly across all three sizes. The pattern begins with a cast-on of 72 stitches for toddler sizing, 80 stitches for child sizing, and 88 stitches for adult sizing. After the ribbed brim, 4 stitches are increased evenly around to reach 76, 84, or 92 stitches respectively before beginning the main stitch pattern.

Difficulty Level

This design is rated as a beginner knitting project. While it involves working in the round and transitioning between needle sizes, the stitch patterns used are fundamental techniques. The double seed stitch pattern is straightforward to follow, and the simple increases and decreases make this an accessible project for knitters developing their skills in circular knitting and hat construction.