Cloudscape Hat by Tasha Miller Griffith

Cloudscape Hat

Knitting
November 2018
Bulky (7 wpi) ?
15 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches
in pattern, blocked
US 10 - 6.0 mm
100 - 120 yards (91 - 110 m)
One size, adult medium/large, with notes for alterations.
English
This pattern is available as a free Ravelry download

This hat is inspired by repeating cloud shapes, which always fascinate me with their resemblance to fabric structures, and by my friend Andrea’s idea that I might design something to go with the super-varied thick-and-thin yarn that she dyes (Spinup Yarns Merino Slub). Partway through this project I realized that it would also work really well with slubby handspun yarns.

The Cloudscape Hat is knit from the top down. The pattern includes a slouchy and a more fitted beanie version, and both a chart and written instructions for the cloud shape pattern. You will need to know how to knit in the round, including in a small circumference with either double-pointed needles, two circular needles, or the magic loop method. Support is provided for all other techniques you will need, either in the text of the pattern or with links to further information. The pattern is illustrated with original drawings and photos. It has been carefully edited and tested.

Size:

This pattern is written for an adult size medium/large, to fit head sizes 22-23” (56-59 cm) with slight negative ease. I designed it to stay on, but not to squash my hair! Suggestions for adjusting the size are included.

Finished (blocked) measurements:

Slouchy version: 21” (53.5 cm) circumference around brim and 10” (25.5 cm) tall from brim to center of crown.

Beanie version: 21” (53.5 cm) circumference around brim and 8” (20.5 cm) tall from brim to center of crown.

Gauge (in pattern, blocked):

15-16 stitches and 24-25 rounds in 4” (10 cm). With thick-and-thin yarns like the ones recommended, gauge will vary somewhat. Measure in a few places, and over the full 4 inches, to get a good average.

Yarn:

The slouchy version uses 1 skein of Spinup Yarns “Merino Slub” (100% Merino, single ply, 130 yards/119 meters in 100 grams). The finished hat weighs 84 grams.

The beanie version uses my friend and test-knitter Lauren’s handspun, which she describes as a woolen spun, two-ply with one strand of a wool/silk blend and one of an Alpaca/Shetland blend, 8 wraps per inch. The finished hat weighs 57 grams.

A wide variety of yarns could work well for this project, provided that they have a definite slubby texture, and are loosely spun enough to “bloom” out in the thicker sections. The more dramatic the difference between the thick and thin portions of the yarn, the more you will see a wave in the brim, and texture throughout the hat. I get 6-7 wraps per inch with the Merino Slub (between bulky and super bulky) and knit it here at a slightly tighter gauge than that would suggest, which makes it dense enough for a cozy hat, while still allowing room for the thicker stitches to open up. The wraps per inch of Lauren’s yarn would suggest a tighter gauge than the hat calls for, but it looks good and shows the texture well here, knit a little bit more open. If you’ve been wondering what to do with that yarn from your first attempts at spinning (or your first attempt at deliberately spinning slubs), this could be it.