This is a simple slip stitch hat I’ve been doing for a few years now. It has changed little over the years, but I have improved the top of the hat. It now has a slower decrease, and a better, smoother fit.

It takes two yarns, or two colors of one yarn. Lots of color combinations are possible. I really like a variegated or multicolor yarn with a solid, and they both work as the Main Color or the Contrast Color. It is also a wonderful stash buster (see bottom photo)!

I used to use a size 3 needle for the beginning of the hat. I now use, and have written the pattern for, a size 5. I’ve a 23” head, and it works better for me, and is more comfortable. I wear the size large. I can get the smaller size on as I cast on quite loosely, but I much prefer the large. If you are making the hat for someone with a very small head, or a child, a size 3 needle would be helpful in making the hat fit tighter.

This pattern has been test-knitted many times, but if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to let me know.