Hat Like a Wheel

Hat Like a Wheel by Mary Annarella

What is Being Made

Hat Like a Wheel is a versatile knitted hat pattern designed by Mary Annarella that offers multiple customization options for different wearing styles and preferences. This intermediate-level knitting project produces a fitted beanie or slouchy hat available in two sizes: medium (19.5" circumference) and large (21.7" circumference). The pattern accommodates various finishing choices, including short or folded brims and optional slouch shaping, making it adaptable for different head sizes and personal style preferences. An optional pompom can be added as a decorative crown embellishment.

Techniques Used

Hat Like a Wheel is worked in the round from the bottom up, a fundamental technique for creating seamless, tubular garments. The construction begins with ribbing at the base, which transitions smoothly into the main body pattern. The crown shaping is accomplished through decreases worked in pattern, maintaining the visual integrity of the cable design as the hat tapers toward the top. The pattern provides flexibility in construction with options for a short brim or a folded brim, and knitters can choose to add slouch shaping for a more relaxed fit.

Stitches Used

• Ribbing: The hat begins with ribbed stitching at the base, creating an elastic, fitted edge that hugs the head comfortably
• Cabled Pattern: A simple cable pattern forms the main body of the hat, flowing naturally from the ribbed section and creating textural interest and depth
• Decreases: Strategic decreases worked in pattern shape the crown, maintaining the cable design's visual continuity while reducing stitches toward the top

Materials and Gauge

Hat Like a Wheel is designed for aran weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn that works up quickly while providing structure and warmth. The pattern requires two needle sizes to achieve proper gauge and fabric characteristics. Size 7 needles are used for the cabled crown pattern, producing a gauge of 24 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches when measured unstretched and blocked. Size 5 needles (two sizes smaller) are used for the ribbing, which measures 24 stitches and 31 rows over 4 inches unstretched. This gauge differential ensures the ribbing remains elastic and fitted while the body maintains appropriate drape and structure. The finished hat measures approximately 8 inches in depth for the beanie version, or approximately 12 inches from the folded ribbing to crown for the slouchy variation.