The Ember Dreams Hat is inspired by the rich palette of autumn forests, where copper leaves, golden branches, and deep shadows blend into a mosaic of color. Designed to be both beautiful and practical, the Ember Dreams Hat is perfect for crisp walks beneath fiery canopies, weekends at the cabin, or cozy evenings by the hearth.

Its snug fit and warm fabric will keep the chill at bay while adding a touch of autumn glow to your handmade wardrobe. You can wear it as a relaxed slouch or fold the brim to turn it into a warm watch cap that hugs your ears on colder days. Whether you are knitting it for yourself or as a heartfelt gift, this hat carries the spirit of fall in every stitch.

Sizes (based on finished hat circumference)

• S - 17.5” (44 cm)
• M - 19.5” (49 cm)
• L - 21” (53 cm)

Note: This hat is designed to be worn with approximately 2.5–3.5” (6–9 cm) of negative ease for a comfortably snug fit.

Techniques used

The Ember Dreams Hat is a cozy and rewarding project suitable for adventurous beginners and experienced knitters alike. It uses simple stitches along with the following techniques:

• 1×1 rib: a stretchy, reversible knitting pattern made by alternating one purl stitch and one knit stitch across the row or round
• cdd: center double decrease (a decrease that turns 3 stitches into 1, with the center stitch lying neatly on top)
• k2tog: knit 2 together (single right-slanting decrease)
• sl st p-wise wyib: slip stitch purl-wise with yarn in back
• ssk: slip, slip, knit (single left-slanting decrease)
• The pattern begins with a tubular cast-on for a neat, stretchy edge, but you’re welcome to use any other cast-on method that provides similar elasticity.

The pattern includes both charted and written instructions so you can follow your preferred format or use them together. A schematic of the finished hat is also included for reference.

Gauge

18 sts and 36 rounds = 4” (10 cm) in tricolor pattern, working in the round on US 6 (4 mm) needles

Materials

• U.S. size 6 (4 mm) or size to obtain gauge
• U.S. size 4 (3.5 mm) or size that is approximately 0.5 mm smaller than needles used to obtain gauge
• 5 stitch markers
• Row counter
• Tapestry needle to weave in ends

Yarn

Recommended: Medium (#4) Worsted

Used in the pattern: Sandnes Garn Alpakka Ull (60% alpaca, 40% wool), 50 g / 1.8 oz / 100 m / 109 yds, colors 2745 (MC), 4227 (SC1), 8082 (SC2)

Approximate yarn requirements:

• S: about 1 skein (80 m / 85 yds) in MC, 0.5 skeins (23 m / 25 yds) each in SC1 and SC2
• M: about 1 skein (100 m / 109 yds) in MC, 0.5 skeins (28 m / 30 yds) each in SC1 and SC2
• L: about 1.5 skeins (115 m / 125 yds) in MC, 0.5 skeins (37 m / 40 yds) each in SC1 and SC2