When I first started knitting I was more inclined to make up my own patterns. Sometimes they worked out, other times not so much. I was more adventurous in a way, less focused on proficiency and more on experimentation. I had completely forgotten about an early hat I made for my brother, but when I saw him over the Christmas holidays he told me he still wears it. Since I can barely remember making the hat, I figured it was high time to replace it. Or at least add to his collection!

I decided on Jared Flood’s Turn a Square – a toque with raglan decreases and subtle striping. I used Mission Falls 1824 Wool and Noro Silk Garden. The hat takes less than a ball of each, so it could be a great project to use up some of your yarn leftovers.

Here are some other man-friendly patterns I came across in my search for my brother’s birthday hat:

Windschief (Ravelry link) by Stephen West

Golden Autumn (Ravelry link) by Lucy Sweetland

Koolhaas by Jared Flood

Seaman’s Cap by Brenda Zuk

Thorpe (Ravelry link) by Kirsten Kapur

[Ravelled]

The Woodman’s Cap would make a fine accessory for the tin man in your life. The shape is reminiscent of the funnel the Tin Woodman wore on his head in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. However, this cap is made out of some of the yummiest merino around – Malabrigo worsted. I’m sure it will bring much more warmth and comfort than the original metal.

I made this cap for my cousin Paul’s birthday and thought I’d write up the pattern to share with you. The overall shape is based on an existing machine-knit hat that he has worn (and worn and worn), and wanted a replacement for. This new version is a classic toque with a ribbed brim, funnel topper and optional handle.

Note: If you choose to use one colour rather than two you will likely only need one skein of Malabrigo

Finished Measurements

Hat circumference  = 23 inches (58 cm) or man-sized

Materials

1 skein Malabrigo Worsted in Vaa (51) – colour A

1 skein Malabrigo Worsted in Lettuce (37) – colour B

US 9 (5.5 mm)/ 16 inch (40 cm) circular needle

US 9 (5.5 mm) double-pointed needles

2 stitch markers (different colours)

tapestry needle

measuring tape

Gauge

17 sts and 28 rows in 4 inches (10 cm) of stockinette stitch

Directions

Cast on 88 sts with colour A

Place a stitch marker and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist any stitches

Work K2, P2 rib for 3 inches  (7 1/2 cm) as follows: [K2, P2] to end of round, repeat for every round

Change to colour B using the TECHknitter’s Stationary Jogless Stripes technique: slip the marker at the beginning of the next round, start stockinette stitch with colour B and work to end of round; on the next round, slip the marker and slip the first stitch of the colour change round purlwise; knit the rest of the stitches in the round (2 rounds worked)

Continue in stockinette stitch for five more rounds

Shape body of hat as follows:

a)  k2tog, knit 42, place second stitch marker, k2tog, knit to end of round (86 sts)

b) knit five rounds

c) k2tog, knit to second marker, slip marker, k2tog, knit to end of round (84 sts)

d) knit four rounds

e) k2tog, knit to second marker, slip marker, k2tog, knit to end of round (82 sts)

f) knit three rounds

g) k2tog, knit to second marker, slip marker, k2tog, knit to end of round (80 sts)

h) knit two rounds

i) k2tog, knit to second marker, slip marker, k2tog, knit to end of round (78 sts)

j) knit one round

k) k2tog, knit to second marker, slip marker, k2tog, knit to end of round (76 sts)

l) knit one round, removing second stitch marker

Shape the crown as follows:

Round 1 – [k2, k2tog], repeat to end of round (57 sts)

Rounds 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 – knit

Round 3 – [k1, k2tog], repeat to end of round (38 sts)

Round 5 – k2tog, knit 17, place second marker, k2tog, knit to end  of round (36 sts)

Round 7 – k2tog, knit to second marker, slip marker, k2tog, knit to end of round (34 sts)

Round 9 – k2tog, knit to second marker, slip marker, k2tog, knit to end of round (32 sts)

Round 11 – [k2tog], repeat to end of round (16 sts)

Round 13 – k2tog, knit to second marker, remove marker, k2tog, knit to end of round (14 sts)

Work funnel tip in stockinette stitch for approximately 2 inches (5 cm), or until desired length

Bind off

Optional funnel handle (concept courtesy blacksanta)

Cast on 3 stitches with colour B and work an I-cord for 3 inches (7 1/2 cm)

Bind off and attach to hat at colour change round (placement pictured above)

Finishing

Weave in yarn ends with tapestry needle

Wet block being careful not to stretch ribbing at brim