Betty is more than just an engaging hat pattern; she’s a delightful knitting experience that brings boundless joy and warmth to every stitch. Crafted with a luxurious bulky weight 8-ply yarn, Betty promises not only coziness but also the thrill of a speedy knitting journey.
From the moment I picked up my needles and started working on my first Betty hat, I was enchanted by the soft, chunky yarn that felt like a warm embrace enveloping me. With every stitch, I found myself immersed in a world of comfort and creativity, a feeling that only intensified as I progressed. To my sheer amazement, the knitting gods seemed to be on my side, granting me the ability to complete not one, but two Betty hats in a single day!
What truly captivated me was the instant gratification that came with every round I knit. The satisfaction of seeing the hat grow before my eyes was nothing short of magical. I couldn’t help but marvel at how this charming pattern had quickly become my newfound obsession, wondering why I hadn’t discovered its delights earlier.
As I continued to knit, I couldn’t ignore the thought of these hats being perfect last-minute gifts. Imagine gifting someone a lovingly crafted, irresistibly cozy hat – a gesture that speaks volumes about warmth and care. The only ones who might not appreciate such a thoughtful present are those who aren’t truly knit-worthy. With Betty by my side, I embarked on a mission to share the joy and warmth with my loved ones, and the smiles and gratitude I received in return were priceless. ♥
PATTERN NOTES
This engaging hat pattern is worked from the bottom up, allowing you to craft a hat that fits perfectly. The construction involves starting with the brim, progressing to the body, and culminating with the crown decreases. As you approach the final stages of the crown, you’ll need to switch from using 16” / 40 cm circular needles to either the magic loop method or double-pointed needles, depending on your personal preference for tackling smaller circumferences.
This pattern is designed to be worked seamlessly in the round, offering written directions.
TIPS & TRICKS
For helpful resources on general hat knitting, please visit;
https://rhyflowerknits.com/hats/
PATTERN SUPPORT
Please see our Pattern Support page regarding pattern support for our freebie patterns; https://rhyflowerknits.com/pattern-support/
SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate
SIZE INFORMATION
Adult
22” / 56 cm
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
20” / 51 cm circumference — the finished measurement is intended to be 1-3” / 5-7.5 cm smaller than your head circumference. This hat is intended to be worn with negative ease. 8.5” / 21.5 cm in length.
NOTIONS
Tapestry needle, cable needle, stitch markers (up to 4 — one that is different from the others to denote the beginning of the round)
SUGGESTED NEEDLES
Brim: US9 (5.5 mm) 16” (40 cm) circular needles, or two sizes smaller than needles used for gauge
Body: US11 (5.5 mm) 16” (40 cm) circular needles, or the size required to obtain gauge
Crown: Same needle size as the body using preferred needles for a small circumference (magic loop or double-pointed needles)
YARN REQUIREMENTS
125 yds / 144 m bulky weight yarn
SUGGESTED YARN
Knit Picks – Wool of the Andes Bulky
100% Wool
137 yds (125 m)/ 3.5 oz (100 g)
Color: Silver
https://www.knitpicks.com/
GAUGE
19 stitches by 19.5 rounds in pattern motif on larger needles = 4” / 10 cm, after blocking. Gauge is crucial in obtaining the correct fit. Changes in gauge will result in a size difference for both your finished hat and the yardage requirements for your project.
PATTERN MOTIF
(multiple of 24 stitches and 8 rounds)
Round 1: P1, 4/2/4 RPC, p2, k4, p2, k4, p1.
Round 2: (P1, k1, p2, k1, p1) 4 times.
Round 3: (P1, k4, p1) 4 times.
Round 4: Repeat Round 2.
Round 5: P1, (k4, p2) twice, 4/2/4 RPC, p1.
Rounds 6-7: Repeat Rounds 2-3 once more.
Round 8: Repeat Round 2.
ABBREVIATIONS
1/1 LPC: Slip the next stitch to the cable needle and place it in front of work, p1, then k1 from the cable needle.
1/1 RPC: Slip the next stitch to the cable needle and place it in the back of the work, k1, then p1 from the cable needle.
2/2/2 RPC: Slip the next 4 stitches to the cable needle and place at the back of work, k2; slip the 2 left-most stitches from the cable needle to the left-hand needle, p2 from the left-hand needle, then k2 from the cable needle.
4/2/4 RPC: Slip the next 6 stitches to the cable needle and place at the back of the work, k4; slip the 2 left-most stitches from the cable needle to the left-hand needle, p2 from the left-hand needle, then k4 from the cable needle.
Dec: Decrease.
K: Knit.
K2tog: Insert the right needle into 2 stitches at the same time and knit the 2 stitches together. (1 st dec.)
P: Purl.
Pm: Place marker.
Rep: Repeat.
Rm: Remove marker.
Sm: Slip marker.
Ssk: Slip 2 stitches knitwise, then knit slipped stitches together through the back loops. (1 st dec.)
St (Sts): Stitch(es).
DIRECTIONS
Using the Old Norwegian Cast-on and your smaller needles, cast on 96 stitches. Place a stitch marker to denote the beginning of the round and join to work in the round, ensuring not to twist. Note: The 10-stitch cables cinch in the hat quite a bit, so your hat will seem quite large until you start working the 4/2/4 RPC.
BRIM
Continue with smaller needles.
Round 1: *K1, k2, p1; rep from * across round.
Continue working Round 1 until the piece measures 1.5” / 4 cm, measured from the cast-on edge.
BODY
Switch to your larger needles.
Setup: *P1, 4/2/4 RPC, p2, k3, 1/1 RPC, 1/1 LPC, k3, p1, pm; rep from * to last 24 sts, p1, 4/2/4 RPC, p2, k3, 1/1 RPC, 1/1 LPC, k3, p1. (24 sts between each M.)
Round 2: *(P1, k1, p2, k1, p1) 4 times, sm; rep from * to last 24 sts, (p1, k1, p2, k1, p1) 4 times.
Round 3: *(P1, k4, p1) 4 times, sm; rep from * to last 24 sts, (p1, k4, p1) 4 times.
Round 4: Repeat Round 2.
Round 5: *P1, (k4, p2) twice, 4/2/4 RPC, p1, sm; rep from * to last 24 sts, p1, (k4, p2) twice, 4/2/4 RPC, p1.
Rounds 6-7: Repeat Rounds 2-3 once more.
Round 8: Repeat Round 2.
Round 9: *P1, 4/2/4 RPC, (p2, k4) twice, p1, sm; rep from * to last 24 sts, p1, 4/2/4 RPC, (p2, k4) twice, p1.
Rounds 10-25: Repeat Rounds 2-9 twice more.
Round 26: Repeat Round 2.
CROWN
When your crown becomes too difficult to work comfortably on the circular needles, switch to magic loop or double-pointed needles.
Round 1: *(K2tog, k3, p2, k3, ssk) twice, sm; rep from * to last 24 sts, (k2tog, k3, p2, k3, ssk) twice. (20 sts between each M.)
Round 2: *(K1, p2) 3 times, k2, (p2, k1) 3 times, sm; rep from * to last 20 sts, (k1, p2) 3 times, k2, (p2, k1) 3 times.
Round 3: *K2tog, k2, p2, k2, ssk, k2tog, 2/2/2 RPC, ssk, sm; rep from * to last 20 sts, k2tog, k2, p2, k2, ssk, k2tog, 2/2/2 RPC, ssk.(16 sts between each M.)
Round 4: *(P2, k1, p2, k1, p4, k1, p2, k1, p2) twice, sm; rep from * to last 16 sts, (p2, k1, p2, k1, p4, k1, p2, k1, p2) twice.
Round 5: *(K2tog, k1, p2, k1, ssk) twice, sm; rep from * to last 16 sts, k2tog, k1, p2, k1, ssk. (12 sts between each M.)
Round 6: *(P1, k1, p1) 4 times, sm; rep from * to last 12 sts, (p1, k1, p1) 4 times.
Round 7: *(K2tog, p2, ssk) twice, sm; rep from * to last 12 sts, k2tog, p2, ssk) twice. (8 sts between each M.)
Round 8: *(K2tog, ssk) twice, sm; rep from * to last 8 sts, (k2tog, ssk) twice. (4 sts between each M.)
Round 9: *K2tog twice, rm; rep from * to last 4 sts, k2tog twice. 8 sts
CINCHING THE CROWN
Cut yarn, leaving a 6” / 15 cm tail, for closing the crown and weaving in. With your tapestry needle, run yarn through your remaining stitches and pull gently to cinch the crown of your hat.
FINISHING
Weave in all your ends and soak your hat in water for 20 minutes with a gentle soap or wool wash. Block your hat with a balloon, or mannequin head, or lay it flat to dry. Let air dry completely. Happy Knitting!