Whit’s Knits: Felted Bucket Hat
October 10, 2010

The Materials

• 1 skein of Cascade’s Eco +, 100% Wool. One skein makes one hat, and two skeins makes three (don’t waste yardage, though - it’s quite close!). These colors, from top to bottom, are Rainier Heather 9454, Pumpkin Spice 2453, and Straw 4010. Please be aware that natural, undyed colors will require more washings to felt.
• 1 size Q crochet hook

The Pattern
Gauge
1 1/2 single crochets = 1 inch (unfelted)

Finished Size
Approximately 24 inch circumference, to fit most men.

Important Note
The yarn is doubled throughout this pattern. You can either roll your skein into two balls or pull from the inside and outside of one ball.

Begin
Chain 3 and slip stitch into the first chain to make a ring.
Round 1: Chain 1, 6 single crochet (sc) into the ring.
Note: Mark the first stitch of the next round with a removable marker. Make sure to reposition the marker at the beginning of each round to mark the new first stitch.
Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch. (12 stitches)
Round 3: Repeat Round 2. (24 stitches)
Round 4: 1 sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch, repeat from to end of round. (30 stitches)
Round 5: 2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 4 stitches, repeat from to end of round. (36 stitches)
Round 6: 1 sc in each stitch.
Round 7: 1 sc in next 5 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch, repeat from to end of round. (42 stitches)
Rounds 8 and 9: 1 sc in each stitch.
Round 10: 2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 6 stitches, repeat from to end of round. (48 stitches)
Rounds 11-13: 1 sc in each stitch.
Round 14: 1 sc in next 7 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch, repeat from to end of round. (54 stitches)
Rounds 15-17: 1 sc in each stitch.
Round 18: 2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 5 stitches, repeat from to end of round. (63 stitches)
Round 19: 1 sc in each stitch.
Round 20: 1 sc in next 6 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch, repeat from to end of round. (72 stitches)
Rounds 21-23: 1 sc in each stitch.
Round 24: Slip stitch in each stitch.
Weave in the ends.
Here’s what your hat should like (pretty huge and wacky!):

Felting
Most people recommend a top loading washing machine for felting so that you can stop mid-cycle to check on your progress. I didn’t have access to a top loader, so I just crossed my fingers and headed for my neighborhood Laundromat. I tossed each hat into its own machine along with some soap and a few tennis balls. After two hot cycles, they were perfect! So, if you have a top loader, use it, but, if not, I say, go for it!
Remember, if you’re using a natural, undyed color you may have to spend a little more time at the Laundromat. Those colors can be a bit stubborn!

Article originally appeared on Knitting Crochet Sewing Embroidery Crafts Patterns and Ideas! (http://www.purlbee.com/).
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