February 1, 2026

It’s a little weird that they direct you to the slip stitch ribbing tutorial by TL Yarn Crafts (linked above) but then the written instructions are different. If you go by the TL Yarn Crafts video, the ribbing is alternating rows of back loop slip stitches and yarn over back loop slip stitches, like so:

• BL = Back Loop
• Ch = Chain
• PM = Place Marker
• RS = Right Side
• WS = Wrong Side
• YOST = Yarn Over Slip Stitch

Notes:

• Ch1 does not count as a stitch
• Place a stitch market on WS at the end of Row 2 so you know which row to yarn over for

Row 1: Ch. the number of stitches indicated in the pattern, slip stitch into the back bump of the second chain from hook and slip stitch into the back bump of each chain to the end (1 fewer slip stitches than chains), turn

Row 2 (WS): Ch1, YOST under both loops of the first stitch, YOSL in the BL of each stitch to the second from last stitch, YOSL under both loops of the last stitch, turn

Row 3 (RS): Ch1, slip stitch under both loops of the first stitch, slip stitch into the BL of each stitch to the second from the last stitch, slip stitch under both loops of the last stitch, turn

Repeat rows 2 and 3 to the length indicated in the pattern.

Obviously, I’m doing the ribbing Toni’s way, but I’m beginning to think I should just knit the second of these hats I plan to make. This ribbing looks nice but it’s thicker than knit ribbing, not as elastic, and most importantly SLOW. If it’s not much faster than my super slow knitting (because I’m a baby knitter), then why crochet if I’m trying to mimic the look of knit anyway?

Note: PassioKnit Kelsie does a deep dive into comparing the look and stretch of several crochet ribbings in one of her videos too.

It’s also weird that they recommend a 4.5mm hook regardless of whether you use DK or worsted. I should have used a 5.5mm but that’s on me because I didn’t swatch. I’ll swatch for the Csc body stitch and use the appropriate hook for that. It took me more rows to get to the desired length so I’ll have to decrease by 12 as I work in the ends of the ribbing rows to start the body of the hat.

February 7, 2026

And I’m done. I think my ribbing is too tight because the “poof” over the ears is very pronounced. Oh well, it is nice and warm.

I’ll include this in K’s Valentine’s care box because it’s red, along with the conversation hearts, chocolate heart, and silly card.