Every year, round about the middle of January, we all remember that winter is cold. Very cold. And that there can never be too many warm hats in the hat bin. Every year, round about the middle of January, I knit hat after hat after hat, trying to fill up that bin. This year, each of my little monkeys picked a yarn, described to me their perfect hat, and off I went. Marketa is for my oldest – like her, Petals is vibrant, but not strident, and the cables are pretty, but not too fussy.

Marketa Hat is knit in the round from the bottom up, and is suitable for your favourite aran weight yarn in a solid or semi-solid colour. The pattern comes in one size, to fit an average adult head as a beanie, or an average child head with a bit of slouch.

Sizes: One size, to fit an average adult head circumference of 21-23”/53-58 cm as a beanie, or an average child (from age 4 or so and up) head circumference of 18-20”/46-51 cm as a slouchy hat

Yarn: Colour Adventures Dia Aran (100% merino, 181 yards/166 m per 3.5 oz/100 g), sample shown in Petals on a 21”/53.5 cm head

or other aran weight yarn that blocks well and knits up to a gauge of 18 sts = 4”/10 cm in stockinette

Yardage: 180 yards/165 metres

Suggested Needles: US size 8/5.0 mm 16”/40 cm circular needles and DPNs or size needed to obtain gauge
US size 6/4.0 mm 16”/40 cm circular needle or needle two sizes smaller than gauge needle

Gauge: 18 sts = 4”/10 cm in stockinette stitch on larger needles

Finished Dimensions: Depth: 8.5”/21.5 cm

Circumference: 19.5”/50 cm, unstretched