This hat is designed to be an introduction to two of my favorite brioche textures: brioche ribbing and brioche honeycomb. The hat is completely reversible!

The crown of the hat looks a bit like a six-sided snowflake. Between the snowflake, the honeycomb, and Mr. Coleridge, this hat became the Rime of the Ancient Beekeeper hat.

Included in the pattern are pictures and links to video demonstrations for the less well-known stitches you might encounter in the hat.

I’m always happy to answer questions, so if you need assistance please don’t hesitate to ask! Or check out my Ravelry group: https://www.ravelry.com/groups/deunyn-knits

Sizes: S (M, L)

Finished Sizes 16 (18, 20) in/40.6 (45.7, 51) cm circumference, 6.5 (7.5, 8.5) in/16.5 (19, 21.6) cm in height, unstretched.
The small size fits children and youth heads (18-21 in/46-53 cm).
The medium size fits small to medium adult heads (21-23 in/53-59 cm).
The large size fits large adult heads (24 in/ 61 cm and up).
Brioche textures have a lot of give so for a snugger fit you may wish to size down for the circumference (but not the length).
 
Recommended yarn Any DK weight yarn

Main Color: 72 (90, 102) yards / 66 (82, 93) meters
Contrast Color: 75 (93, 104) yards / 69 (85, 95) meters
 
Sample shown is size medium on a 21 in/53 cm model. The sample was worked with Madeline Tosh DK, 225 yards / 205 meters / 100 grams (100% Merino wool) in the Stormborn (MC) and Deep (CC) colorways.
 
Needles Size US 8/5 mm 16 in/40 cm circular needles
Or size needed for a loosely tensioned cast-on
 
Size US 6/4 mm 16 in/40 cm circular needles
Size US 6/4 mm DPNs or 32 in/80 cm or longer circular needles for magic loop
Or size needed to obtain gauge
 
Notions cable needle, tapestry needle, stitch marker, scissors

Gauge 18 stitches and 24 rounds = 4 in/10 cm in honeycomb brioche pattern using the smaller needles

Techniques
Knitting, purling, increases, slipped stitches, brioche knitting and purling, brioche decreases

Video tutorials are available for the brioche decrease and for the “go behind yo and k1” instruction used in this hat pattern.

Sources I learned and adapted the brioche honeycomb stitch used in this pattern from Nancy Marchant’s site http://www.briochestitch.com/. Nancy Marchant’s book, Knitting Fresh Brioche, has also been an invaluable resource.

Special thanks to my tech editor, Kirsten Pedrosa, and to my test knitters!

Pattern has been professionally tech edited and tested.

If you reside within the state of Colorado, USA, you may be charged a sales tax of 4% of the purchase price.