This hat is named for Cape Byron, or Walgun in the local Arakwal language, the first point in mainland Australia to see the morning sun. Knitted in the soft colours of a daybreak sky, this slouchy hat features a simple lace pattern that looks equally elegant in a solid yarn or a colourful speckled colourway. The brim can be folded up to form a cuff, or left unfolded for extra slouch.

Knit in the round from the bottom up, this hat works up quickly, making it perfect for a gift or to spoil yourself. The optional pompom adds a touch of fun, and is perfect for using up a scrap of leftover yarn.

The samples were knit in the Winter base from Australian dyer Skein, a lovely, soft merino yarn. If you are substituting, choose a worsted weight yarn that has a little drape.

10% of all sales of this pattern go to Bábbarra Women’s Centre in Maningrida in the Northern Territory, Australia. Bábbarra Women’s Centre enables local Aboriginal women to develop and run women-centred enterprises that support healthy and sustainable livelihoods. To find out more, visit their website.

Materials
Yarn
Skein Winter (100% Superwash Merino;
215 yds/ 197 m per 100g skein); 180 (200, 220) yds / 165 (180, 200) m, plus extra for the pompom (optional)
Samples use Cherish (child) and Mystic (adult small)

Needles

• 3.5 mm / US4 40 cm / 16” circular needle
• 4 mm / US6 40 cm / 16” circular needle
• 4 mm / US6 needles for working small circumference in the round: DPNs, one long circular or two short circulars

Notions

• Stitch markers
• Yarn needle
• Pom-pom maker (optional)

Gauge
20 sts / 27 rounds = 10 cm / 4” square in stockinette stitch using 4 mm / US6 needles

Sizes
Child (adult small, adult large)

Finished measurements
Brim circumference (unstretched): 37 (46, 50) cm / 14.5 (18, 19.75)”
Hat height (with brim folded): 20 (26, 26) cm / 7.75 (10.25, 10.25)”

Skills required

• Knit and purl

• Increasing, decreasing

• Long tail cast on

• Working in the round on circular needles

• Working small circumferences in the round on DPNs / with magic loop / with two circulars

• Lace