Description
The Maven Hat is designed in light fingering and is worked from the top down in rhythmic 1x1 rib and broken up by four striking lines of contrasting texture. The hat comes in two versions: one with a folded brim and one without. You can also choose to wear the shorter version with a small brim for more of a “watchman’s cap” look. The pattern provides both written and charted instructions, which makes it accessible to multiple learning styles.

Inspiration
The Maven hat draws its inspiration from a visit to my local yarn shop and dye studio, Ritual Dyes. After completing a hat in their worsted-weight Rambouillet base, I became intrigued by the possibilities of working with a finer gauge. This led me to their light fingering Rambouillet base, Maven. With the yarn chosen, I turned my focus to design. I had spotted a ready-to-wear hat with a seam down the back and wondered how I could create a similar effect and transform it into a deliberate design feature. The result was the Maven Hat!

This pattern was tech edited by Kim Wilkerson of Knit Julep.

Sizes
1 (2, 3, 4) (5, 6, 7)
Newborn (6 Months, 12 Months, Child) (Adult, Adult Large, Adult X-Large)

Finished Measurements (after blocking)
Circumference = 11.25 (12.5, 14, 15.25) (16.75, 18, 19.5) in / 28 (31.5, 35, 38) (42, 45, 49) cm
Version I: Length (unfolded) = 5.5 (6.25, 7.25, 8) (9, 10.25, 11) in / 14 (15.5, 18, 20) (22.5, 25.5, 27.5) cm
Version II: Length (unfolded) = 7 (8, 9, 10) (11.25, 12.75, 13.75) in / 17.5 (20, 22.5, 25) (28, 32, 34.5) cm

Yarn
Version I: 110 (140, 185, 220) (275, 335, 390) yds / 100 (130, 170, 200) (250, 305, 355) m Light Fingering weight
Version II: 145 (180, 230, 275) (345, 415, 485) yds / 135 (165, 210, 250) (315, 380, 445) m Light Fingering weight

Version I sample shown in:
Ritual Dyes, Maven in colorway Clay / Light Fingering weight, 100% Rambouillet wool, 265 yds / 242 m per 50 g
Size 5 (Adult) on model with 23 in (57.5 cm) head circumference

Tools
Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) needles for small circumference knitting (doubple pointed or 32 in / 80 cm circular needles for magic loop.
Note: choose whichever needle size achieves gauge.
Notions: stitch markers (at least 4), unique stitch marker for BOR, removable stitch marker, scissors, darning needle

Techniques:
Disappearing Loop Cast-on (YouTube tutorial by Brooklyn Tweed)
Increasing (m1l, m1r, m1lp, m1rp)
Sewn Tubular Bind-off (YouTube tutorial by Annie Gatzlaff)
Magic Loop, optional (YouTube tutorial by Roxanne Richardson)