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]

Have you heard of Magpie Patterns? I came across this great collection of knitting, sewing, crochet and embroidery patterns through their blog, Crafty Bird.  They’re based in Portland, Oregon (as so many good things are!) and some patterns are printed and mailed, and others are downloads. I really enjoyed browsing Magpie’s collection of handpicked designs. Some designers I knew, but more were new to me! Here are just a few.

Kalea and Malia by Kids Tricots (Images courtesy Kids Tricots)

Kids Tricots is the work of French knit designer Muriel Agator (Ravelry link). Magpie carries six of her English patterns. These are some seriously cute kids’ knits. I’m glad my friends are giving me plenty of little people to knit for!

Hooded Cardigan and Floral Wrap by She's Crafty Handknits (Images courtesy She's Crafty Handknits)

New Zealand-based Hadley Fierlinger (Ravelry link) is the designer behind She’s Crafty Handknits. More adorable knits for little people! Hadley designs beautiful baby knits and is the author of Vintage Knits for Modern Babies. One of my absolute favourites has to be the Floral Wrap (above right). The next baby girl in my life will definitely be getting one!

Pasha and Elizabeth by Jane Richmond Designs (Images courtesy Jane Richmond)

Canadian designer Jane Richmond has designed some perfect slouchy hats and chunky scarves. I have a skein of Burly Spun that has her Autumn toque written all over it. Jane also has some really cute, and seamless (hurrah), baby patterns as well.

My cousin (aka The Ginger Ninja) requested a camouflage Woodman’s Cap just like the one I made for her dad. I modified the pattern a bit to accommodate her cute little redhead: I casted on 72 sts and worked K1, P1 rib for three inches (rather than K2, P2).  I worked the decreases as established for the larger version.

We went shopping this afternoon for a flower girl dress for her to wear to my brother’s wedding in the spring.  She asked if she could wear her hockey pants under the dress. She’s definitely more of a hockey gear than dress girl! Regardless, she looked pretty darn cute.

[Ravelled]

I love the slouchiness of this hat! I don’t know if I’ll be able to give it up… Katushika’s Wurm pattern is available for free (along with some other great patterns) and knits up quickly enough to make it a perfect last-minute holiday project. I’ve been loving Mission Falls lately. This hat took about two and a half balls of their 136 charcoal merino. One feature of this pattern that I love is that the hat band is doubled, which makes for a neat-looking, snug finish.

[Photos courtesy of Chris and his awesome new camera]

[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