MR. FATTY RIBBED HAT

[Updated 1-1-08]

I first made this hat upon request from my writing partner, Todd. He spent two years in South America and discovered the joys of alpaca fabrics. Although he isn't a knitter, when I mentioned I worked with llama and alpaca yarns, he begged for a hat to replace the one he'd washed and felted by accident.

The hat needed to be warm, simple and, well, masculine.

Here's the finished product modeled by my husband:


Another version modeled by moi (made of Moda Dea Silk-n-Wool held triple-stranded):



I came up with a simple pattern that uses size 15 needles so it knits in a flash.

Needles: Two sets of size 15 circulars for double-circular method or size 15 dpns (do they even exist?). For instructions on double-circular method for knitting small things in the round--the only way to go i.m.h.o., check out this video on knittinghelp.com.

Yarn: One skein only of Berocco Ultra Alpaca held triple-stranded OR one skein of Cascade Pastaza held double-stranded. Cascade 220 will work as well, held triple-stranded.

Cast on 48 stitches.

Join to work in round. Place marker to mark beginning of round.

Rows 1-4: Work in k2, p2 rib.

Rows 5-8: Switch to wide rib pattern - k4, p4. **If you want a larger hat, here's where you should add more rows.**

Row 9: Decrease as follows - K4, p2, p2tog. Repeat to end of row.

Rows 10-12: K4, p3, repeat to end of row.

Row 13: Decrease - K4, p1, p2tog. Repeat to end of row.

Rows 14-16: K4, p2, repeat to end of row.

Row 17: Decrease - K4, p2tog. Repeat to end of row.

Rows 18-20: K4, p1, repeat to end of row.

Row 21: Decrease - K3, K2tog, repeat to end of row. (24 total sts)

Row 22-24: Knit.

Row 25: Decrease - K2, K2tog, repeat to end of row. (18 total sts)

Row 26: Decrease - K1, K2tog, repeat to end of row. (12 total sts)

Row 27: Decrease (last one!) - K2tog, repeat to end of row. (6 total sts)

Bind off by threading tapestry needle with yarn through remaining six sts and pull tight. Weave in ends. (See top view pictures below.)

Top View #1:


Top View #2:


p.s. Pattern is on Ravelry, now.