Step into the world of timeless texture with the Hopscotch Hat, where the rich tradition of cables intertwines with the rustic charm of garter stitch. Designed for cosy, bulky-weight yarn, this pattern offers the perfect balance of warmth, structure, and effortless style—making it an irresistible addition to your hand-knit collection.
From the moment you cast on, Hopscotch invites you on a rhythmic journey, guiding you through each thoughtfully placed cable and textured stitch. Whether you’re curled up with your favourite hot drink or settling into a relaxed evening of knitting, this pattern transforms every stitch into a moment of joy and creativity.
But Hopscotch is more than just a hat—it’s a statement piece, a labour of love, and a testament to your craft. With its striking stitch definition and plush fabric, this design will not only keep you warm but also elevate your winter wardrobe with a touch of handmade elegance.
Let your needles dance through each twist and turn as you bring the Hopscotch Hat to life—one stitch at a time.
Pattern Notes for Hopscotch
Worked from the bottom up, this versatile hat pattern allows you to craft a perfectly fitting hat seamlessly in the round. The construction involves starting with the brim, progressing to the body, and culminating with shaping the crown. 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 preference for tackling smaller circumferences.
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I can’t wait to see your Hopscotch Hat come to life! Share your WIPs and FOs on social media using #rhyFlowerBlog and #HopscotchHat—let’s celebrate your creativity together!
Tips & Tricks
For helpful resources on hat knitting, please visit; https://rhyflowerknits.com/hats/
Pattern Support for Hopscotch
Please see our Pattern Support page regarding pattern support for our freebie patterns; https://rhyflowerknits.com/pattern-support/
Skill Level
Intermediate
Size Information
Baby [Toddler, Child/Teen, Adult, Large Adult]
16 [18, 20, 22, 24]” / 40.5 [45.5, 51, 56, 61] cm — adult sizes are in bold throughout the pattern to help differentiate the multiple sizes.
Finished Measurements
15 [16.75, 18.75, 20.5, 22.5]” / 38 [42.5, 47.5, 52, 57] cm circumference — select a size from the finished measurements that is 1-3” / 2.5-7.5 cm smaller than your head circumference. This hat is worn with negative ease. 6.5 [7.25, 8, 9, 10]” / 16.5 [18.5, 20.5, 23, 25.5] cm in length.
Notions
Tapestry needle, scissors, tape measure, cable needle, stitch marker (1), pompom (optional)
Suggested Needles
Brim: US9 (5.5 mm) 16” / 40 cm circular needles, or one size smaller than needles used for gauge
Body: US10 (5 mm) 16” / 40 cm circular needles, or the size required to get gauge
Crown: Same needle size as the body using preferred needles for a small circumference (magic loop or double-pointed needles)
Yarn Requirements
61 [79, 97, 124, 163] yd / 56 [72, 89, 113, 149] m bulky weight yarn
Suggested Yarn
Ancient Arts Yarns — Big Squeeze
100% Superwash Merino
127 yd (116 m) / 3.5 oz (100 g)
Colour: River Rock
https://ancientartsfibre.com/
Gauge
15 stitches by 18 rounds in pattern motif (body of hat) on larger needles = 4” / 10 cm, after blocking. Gauge is crucial in obtaining the correct fit. Changes in gauge will cause a size difference for both your finished hat and the yardage requirements for your project.
Abbreviations used in Hopscotch
*: Repeat the instructions following the single asterisk as directed.
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 needle, p2 from the left needle, then k2 from the cable needle.
BOR: Beginning of round.
Cm: Centimetre(s).
Dec: Decrease.
K: Knit.
K2tog: Insert the right needle into 2 stitches simultaneously and knit the 2 stitches together. (1 st dec)
M: Metres.
Mm: Millimetre.
P: Purl.P2tog: Purl 2 stitches together. Insert the right needle into 2 stitches simultaneously and purl the 2 stitches together. (1 st dec)
Oz: Ounce(s).
Rep: Repeat.
Ssk: Slip 2 stitches, one at a time, knitwise. Knit the slipped stitches together through the back loops. (1 st dec)
St (Sts): Stitch(es).
Yd: Yard(s).
Directions for Hopscotch
Using the Old Norwegian Cast-on and your smaller needles, cast on 56 [63, 70, 77, 84] stitches. Place a stitch marker to denote the BOR and join to work in the round, ensuring not to twist.
Brim
Continue with smaller needles.
Round 1: *K2, p2, k2, p1; rep from * across round.
Continue working Round 1 until the piece measures 0.5 [1.25, 2, 1.25, 2.25]” / 1 [3, 5, 3, 5.5] cm, measured from the cast-on edge.
Body
Switch to your larger needles.
Setup: *K6, p1; rep from * across round.
Round 1: *2/2/2 RPC, p1; rep from * across round.
Round 2: *K6, p1; rep from * across round.
Round 3: *K2, p2, k2, p1; rep from * across round.
Round 4: *K6, p1; rep from * across round.
Rounds 5-8: Repeat Rounds 3-4 twice more.
Continue working Rounds 1-8 once [once, once, twice, twice] more.
Crown
When the crown becomes too challenging to work on circular needles, switch to magic loop or double-pointed needles.
Round 1: *2/2/2 RPC, p1; rep from * across round.
Round 2: *K5, p2tog; rep from * across round. 48 [54, 60, 66, 72] sts
Round 3: *K2, p2, k1, p1; rep from * across round.
Round 4: *Ssk, k3, p1; rep from * across round. 40 [45, 50, 55, 60] sts
Round 5: *K1, p2, k1, p1; rep from * across round.
Round 6: *K3, p2tog; rep from * across round. 32 [36, 40, 44, 48] sts
Round 7: *K1, p3; rep from * across round.
Round 8: *Ssk, k1, p1; rep from * across round. 24 [27, 30, 33, 36] sts
Round 9: Purl across round.
Round 10: *K1, k2tog; rep from * across round. 16 [18, 20, 22, 24] sts
Round 11: *P2tog; rep from * across round. 8 [9, 10, 11, 12] sts
Cinching the Crown
Cut the yarn, but leave a 6″ / 15 cm tail for closing the crown and weaving in. With your tapestry needle, run the yarn through your remaining stitches and pull gently to cinch the crown of your hat.
Finishing Hopscotch
Weave in all your ends, then soak your hat in water for 20 minutes using a gentle soap or wool wash. Use a balloon, mannequin head, or lay your hat flat to block it while drying. Allow the hat to fully air dry. Once dry, attach a pompom if desired.
Now, with your beautiful new hat, go forth and make a stylish statement! ♥
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