Softie by Jonna Helin

Softie

Knitting
February 2022
yarn held together
Bulky (7 wpi) ?
18 stitches and 18 rows = 4 inches
in 1 x 1 ribbing, after blocking.
US 8 - 5.0 mm
241 yards (220 m)
1 (2, 3)
English Finnish

Softie is Jonna Hietala’s interpretation of the perfect hat. It’s super warm, holds its shape and is firm enough for a good, long-lasting accessory. And the best of all: it doesn’t itch.

SIZE
1 (2, 3)

To fit a head circumference of approx. 20–21 (21–23, 23–25)”/ 51–53 (53–58.5, 58.5–63.5) cm.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Circumference (without stretching): 15 (15.75, 17.5)“ / 38 (40, 44.5) cm.

Height (without brim folded): 13” / 32 cm.

Note! Because the hat stretches, its circumference is significantly smaller than your head’s circumference.

MATERIALS
Yarn: 2 (2, 3) balls of Sandnes Garn Børstet Alpakka (96% alpaca, 4% nylon, 120 yds / 110 m – 50 g), colourways 5043 (lilac), 2112 (yellow), 4033 (dusty pink) and 9062 (green).

You can also substitute one skein of Børstet Alpakka with Sandnes Garn Kos (9% wool, 62% baby alpaca, 29% nylon, 164 yds / 150 m – 50 g).

The hat is worked with two strands of yarn held together throughout the pattern.

If you decide to use another yarn, you will need approx. 229 (240, 267) yds / 210 (220, 244) m bulky-weight yarn.

Needles: US 8 / 5 mm 16” / 40 cm circular needles (or longer if you use the magic loop method) or DPNs.

Notions: Stitch marker.

GAUGE
18 sts x 18 rnds to 4” / 10 cm in 1 x 1 Ribbing, after blocking.

NOTES
Knitted hats tend to stretch out and no one likes a hat that falls off one’s head or doesn’t stay in place. There are several reasons why a knitted hat doesn’t hold its shape but the material is a big factor. Sheep’s wool (particularly merino) is elastic and tends to hold its shape well, but for example silk mohair and 100% alpaca yarn are more prone to stretch with time. Thus, keep in mind the characteristics of the fibre when choosing yarn for your hat.

CONSTRUCTION
This hat is knitted seamlessly in the round from bottom to top. It is worked with two strands of yarn held together in 1 x 1 Ribbing and is designed with a foldable rib.

MODIFICATIONS
It is incredibly easy to adjust the hat size if needed: simply cast on a couple of stitches more or less. Just make sure to cast on a stitch count divisible by 4.

Find the free pattern on our website.