There’s something truly special about knitting a project that blends comfort, style, and a touch of personality. Philip is one of those patterns that instantly feels like an old friend—familiar yet exciting, cosy yet sophisticated. Whether you’re looking for your next go-to knitting project or something to challenge your skills just enough to keep things interesting, Philip has you covered.
Designed with both practicality and aesthetics in mind, Philip is a piece that seamlessly fits into any wardrobe. The rhythmic flow of stitches creates a fabric that feels just as good as it looks, making it a joy to knit and wear. Plus, if you love a pattern that offers versatility, this one is a fantastic choice—whether you prefer bold and vibrant hues or classic, understated tones, Philip adapts beautifully to your creative vision.
If you enjoy knitting projects that provide a balance of relaxation and engagement, you’ll find Philip to be the perfect companion. From the carefully considered design details to the satisfaction of seeing each stitch come together, this pattern invites you to slow down, savour the process, and create something truly special.
Keep reading to learn more about what makes Philip an irresistible addition to your knitting queue!
Pattern Notes for Philip
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.
Create a project page for your project here on Ravelry!
I can’t wait to see your Philip Hat come to life! Share your WIPs and FOs on social media using #rhyFlowerBlog and #PhilipHat—let’s celebrate your creativity together!
Tips & Tricks
For useful resources on knitting hats, please visit: https://rhyflowerknits.com/hats/
Pattern Support for Philip
Please see our Pattern Support page regarding pattern support for our freebie patterns; https://rhyflowerknits.com/pattern-support/
Skill Level
Intermediate
Size Information
Child/Teen [Adult, Large Adult]
20 [22, 24]” / 51 [56, 61] cm
Finished Measurements
17.5 [20.25, 23]” / 44.5 [51.5, 58.5] 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. 8.75 [8.75, 10.25]” / 22 [22, 26] cm in height.
Notions
Tapestry needle, scissors, cable needle, stitch marker (1), pompom (optional)
Suggested Needles
Brim: US6 (4 mm) 16” / 40 cm circular needles, or one size smaller than needles used for gauge
Body: US7 (4.5 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
119 [139, 158] yd / 109 [127, 144] m worsted weight yarn
Suggested Yarn
Small Fish Yarns – Worsted
100% Superwash Merino
210 yd (192 m) / 4 oz (115 g)
Colour: That Blue!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/SmallFishYarns
Gauge
22 stitches by 29 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 the Philip hat
( ): Work instructions within parentheses as many times as directed.
*: Repeat the instructions following the single asterisk as directed.
”: Inch(es).
1/1 LPC: Slip the next stitch to the cable needle and place it at the front of the work, p1, then k1 from the cable needle.
1/1 RC: Slip the next stitch to the cable needle and place it at the back of the work, k1, then k1 from the cable needle.
1/1 RPC: Slip the next stitch to the cable needle and place it at the back of the work, k1, then p1 from the cable needle.
BOR: Beginning of round.
Cm: Centimetre(s).
Dec: Decrease.
G: Gram(s).
K: Knit.
K2tog: Insert the right needle into 2 stitches simultaneously and knit the 2 stitches together. (1 st dec)
M: Metre(s).
Mm: Millimetre(s).
P: Purl.
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(s): Stitch(es).
Yd: Yard(s).
Directions for the Philip Hat
Using the Old Norwegian Cast-on and your smaller needles, cast on 96 [112, 128] 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.
Rounds 1-2: *P1, k2, p1; rep from * across round.
Round 3: *1/1 RPC, 1/1 LPC; rep from * across round.
Rounds 4-5: *K1, p2, k1; rep from * across round.
Round 6: *1/1 LPC, 1/1 RPC; rep from * across round.
Rounds 7-8: Repeat Rounds 1-2 once more.
Round 9: *1/1 RPC, 1/1 LPC; rep from * across round.
Round 10: Repeat Round 4.
Body
Switch to your larger needles.
Round 1: *1/1 LPC, p1, 1/1 LPC, p2, 1/1 RC, p2, 1/1 RPC, p1, 1/1 RPC; rep from * across round.
Round 2: *P1, (k1, p2) twice, k2, (p2, k1) twice, p1; rep from * across round.
Round 3: *(P1, 1/1 LPC) twice, p1, 1/1 RC, (p1, 1/1 RPC) twice, p1; rep from * across round.
Round 4: *(P2, k1) twice, p1, k2, p1, (k1, p2) twice; rep from * across round.
Round 5: *P2, 1/1 LPC, p1, 1/1 LPC, 1/1 RC, 1/1 RPC, p1, 1/1 RPC, p2; rep from * across round.
Round 6: *P3, k1, p2, k4, p2, k1, p3; rep from * across round.
Round 7: *P2, 1/1 RPC, p1, 1/1 RPC, 1/1 RC, 1/1 LPC, p1, 1/1 LPC, p2; rep from * across round.
Round 8: Repeat Round 4.
Round 9: *(P1, 1/1 RPC) twice, p1, 1/1 RC, (p1, 1/1 LPC) twice, p1; rep from * across round.
Round 10: Repeat Round 2.
Round 11: *1/1 RPC, p1, 1/1 RPC, p2, 1/1 RC, p2, 1/1 LPC, p1, 1/1 LPC; rep from * across round.
Round 12: *K1, p2, k1, p3, k2, p3, k1, p2, k1; rep from * across round.
Repeat Rounds 1-12 two [two, three] more times. You’ll have worked the body motif three [three, four] total times.
Crown
When the crown becomes too challenging to work on circular needles, switch to magic loop or double-pointed needles.
Round 1: *K1, p2, 1/1 LPC, p2, 1/1 RC, p2, 1/1 RPC, p1, k2tog; rep from * across round. 90 [105, 120] sts
Round 2: *K1, p3, k1, p2, k2, (p2, k1) twice; rep from * across round.
Round 3: *Ssk, p2, 1/1 LPC, p1, 1/1 RC, p1, 1/1 RPC, p2, k1; rep from * across round. 84 [98, 112] sts
Round 4: *K1, p3, k1, p1, k2, p1, k1, p3, k1; rep from * across round.
Round 5: *K1, p3, 1/1 LPC, 1/1 RC, 1/1 RPC, p2, k2tog; rep from * across round. 78 [91, 104] sts
Round 6: *K1, p4, k4, p3, k1; rep from * across round.
Round 7: *Ssk, p3, 1/1 LPC, 1/1 RPC, p3, k1; rep from * across round. 72 [84, 96] sts
Round 8: *K1, p4, k2, p4, k1; rep from * across round.
Round 9: *Ssk, p3, 1/1 RC, p3, k2tog; rep from * across round. 60 [70, 80] sts
Round 10: *K1, p3, k2, p3, k1; rep from * across round.
Round 11: *Ssk, p2, k2, p2, k2tog; rep from * across round. 48 [56, 64] sts
Round 12: *K1, p2, k2, p2, k1; rep from * across round.
Round 13: *Ssk, p1, 1/1 RC, p1, k2tog; rep from * across round. 36 [42, 48] sts
Round 14: *K1, p1, k2, p1, k1; rep from * across round.
Round 15: *Ssk, k2, k2tog; rep from * across round. 24 [28, 32] sts
Round 16: *K4; rep from * across round.
Round 17: *Ssk, k2tog; rep from * across round. 12 [14, 16] sts
Round 18: Knit across round.
Round 19: *K2tog; rep from * across round. 6 [7, 8] 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 your Philip Hat
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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