9 sts = 4 in. (10 cm) over Stockinette st worked in the rnd (k every rnd).
BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR GAUGE. When you match the gauge in a pattern, your project will be the size specified in the pattern and the materials specified in the pattern will be sufficient. If it takes you fewer stitches and rows to make a 4 in. [10 cm] square, try using a smaller size hook or needles; if more stitches and rows, try a larger size hook or needles.
HAT Cast on 40 sts loosely. Divide sts evenly onto 4 needles, being careful not to twist. Place marker for beginning of rnd. Join.
Rnd 1: *K2, p2, rep from * around.
Rep last rnd until piece measures about 5 1/2 in. (14 cm) from beg.
Next Rnd: *K19, k in front and then back of next st (increase made), rep from * once – 42 sts.
Continue in St st worked in the rnd (k every rnd) until piece measures 9 in. (23 cm) from beg.
Shape Crown Next Rnd: *K5, k2tog, rep from * around – 36 sts.
Knit 1 rnd.
Next Rnd: *K4, k2tog, rep from * around – 30 sts.
Knit 1 rnd.
Next Rnd: *K3, k2tog, rep from * around – 24 sts.
Knit 1 rnd.
Next Rnd: *K2, k2tog, rep from * around – 18 sts.
Knit 1 rnd.
Next Rnd: *K1, k2tog, rep from * around – 12 sts.
Knit 1 rnd.
Next Rnd: K2tog around – 6 sts.
Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through remaining sts and gather tightly together. Fasten off.
FINISHING Weave in ends.
ABBREVIATIONS / REFERENCES Click for explanation and illustration
I have knitted 25 to 30 of Ed's Hat with Wool Ease Thick and Quick. On a good day (where I concentrate on the hat) I can finish the hat in 6-8 hours. I use 2 circular needles (size 13) and have had excellent results with the pattern. I have given all but 2 hats (for me) to others and they have been much appreciated. I put all 40 stitches on one circular needle with a cable cast-on and I put the first 20 stitches on the second circular needle and the second 20 stitches remain on the first needle. The only "difficult" thing is remebering where the first stich is located. I usually just leave the original cast-on stitch with a longer than usual trail of yarn. It is useful when doing the final connecting effort after the top of the cap is completed.
All in all, I like the original pattern as it was extendible to using circular needles which are my favorites. I also appreciate the variety of colors of Wool Ease Thick and Quick. I only have had problems with the color black as it makes my distinguishing the yarn edge much harder than any other color. The pattern is flexible and the results are spectacular.
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