This pattern includes a second PDF version that is formatted for knitters with low vision. It has black text, size 22 or larger text in a sans serif font, no italics, no columns, and fully-written directions. The chart is still included but is not needed to work the pattern. Many thanks to Gemma Thompson (gemmabelle here on Rav) and the Accessible Patterns group for their guidance in formatting patterns in a more accessible way.

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The Santa Barbara Hat is named for Santa Barbara Island, part of the Channel Islands National Park just off the coast of my hometown in California. It’s the smallest of the Channel Islands, windswept and a bit isolated. For large parts of the year, if you visit, you’ll want a good hat to keep cozy – so this hat has you covered!

This hat comes in three sizes and is super stretchy. It has just enough texture to keep it interesting without being overwhelming, and the vertical columns of twisted stitches and purls converge at the crown to form a star-shaped detail.

SIZES
S, M, L

Finished hat circumference: 16.5 (18.25, 20) in / 42 (46.5, 51) cm

(Note: most people like their hats snug, so if that’s what you’re looking for, choose a finished hat size that is somewhat smaller than your actual head.)

MATERIALS
Worsted weight yarn, 180 (210, 240) yds/ 165 (193, 220) m

Sample shown knit in Plymouth Yarn Select Worsted Merino Superwash

GAUGE
4” (10 cm) square = 24 stitches x 31 rows in stockinette

NEEDLES
One set of needles for your preferred style of small-circumference knitting in a size to match gauge listed above, plus one set of needles two sizes smaller (for the brim)

Suggested needle sizes: US 8 (5.0 mm), US 6 (4.0 mm)

TOOLS
One stitch marker for beginning of round; optional additional markers between pattern repeats
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
Optional pom pom maker

SKILL LEVEL
Adventurous beginner to intermediate
Techniques: increases, decreases, knitting in the round, twisted stitches