In the past few years, I began the tradition of knitting a hat for each of my nieces and nephews for Christmas each year. I like to keep the pattern the same for everyone but choose different yarns to suit the likes of everyone’s individual personalities. I am always on the lookout for great unisex hat patterns that would work for any and every person, and any and every yarn. I wrote Gatekeeper with this in mind. It showcases ribbing throughout, but with enough added interest to not only give the eye something to admire, but also to keep me - the knitter! - engaged and wanting to come back and knit it again and again.

Gatekeeper comes in four sizes to choose from - but because the ribbing provides a lot of stretch, you don’t have to worry too much about guessing the correct size, as each size could fit a variety of head sizes. This is great news if you are knitting for a young one who is expected to grow or if you are knitting a gift and maybe you’re not exactly sure of the measurements of the recipient’s head.

Pattern includes instructions for adjusting size and length. It is both written and charted, so you are able to work with your preferred method. It has been fully tested and professionally tech edited.

Sizes:
Toddler (Child, Adult S, Adult L)
To fit head circumference: 18 (20, 22, 24) inches.

Yarn:
Approximately 100 (120, 140, 160) yds of DK weight yarn.

Shown in:
Madelinetosh Tosh DK (DK weight; 100% merino wool; 225 yds / hank) in a one of a kind speckled colorway (grey/white with orange speckles, shown in Adult L)
Unwind Yarn Company Touring DK (DK weight; 100% merino wool; 231 yds / 100 g) in color “Mulled Wine” (red sample, shown in Adult S)
Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light (Fingering weight; 100% merino wool; 420 yds / hank) in a one of a kind speckled colorway + Rowan Kidsilk Haze (Lace weight; 70% mohair 30% silk; 229 yds / 25g) in color “00600 Dewberry” (purple sample, shown in Toddler size)
Madelinetosh Twist Light (Fingering weight; 75% merino wool, 25% nylon; 420 yds / hank) in “Silver Fox” + Fyberspates Cumulus (Lace weight; 74% alpaca, 26% silk; 164 yds / 25g) in color “Silver Green” pale blue sample, shown in Child size

Needles:
4.5mm/ US 7 circular (I use 16” circulars, but you can use a longer circular if you prefer the magic loop method)
4.5mm/ US 7 DPN
Or size needed to meet gauge.

Gauge:
25 sts and 26 rounds = 4”, knit in pattern, in the round, and measured after blocking.

Notions:
stitch marker
needle for weaving in ends

Skill Level:
Easy

Skills Used:
Knitting in the round
K2tog
Ssk