The Purl Band Hat

Winter weather will be with us for a while yet, and if you haven't lost your winter wooly hat over the holidays, you may still be open to making an alternative to be prepared for such a disaster.
Here is an easy pattern which is a perfect place to play. The examples showcase two worsted-weight yarn favourites, Cascade and Noro Kureyon, which give an average knitter 18 stitches in 4 inches, using a 4mm. 16 or 24 inch circular and 4mm. double points to close it in at the top.
This hat requires 2-50 gram balls of Kureyon or 1-100 gram ball of Cascade, but could be made from other yarns giving a similar gauge.
Like many simple hat patterns, the Purl Band Hat can be a jumping off point for incorporating little embellishments. The 1 and 1/2" knit band around the forehead, for example could be done in a decorative stitch pattern, embroidered, decorated with bobbles or worn with a little bling. The width and number of purl bands could be varied; and the top might be finished with an 1 cord, even fastened with a button or tassel.


The Purl Band Hat
Cast on 90 stitches and join into a round. Knit for 1 inch.

Purl 1 round. Knit for 1 and 1/2 inches. Purl 1 round.
Knit 3 rounds. Purl 3 rounds. Knit 3 rounds. Purl 1 round.
Next round: Knit 15, M1 around. (96 sts in round)
Knit 2 rounds. Purl 3 rounds.
Next round: Knit 24, M1 around. (100 sts in round)
Knit 3 rounds. Purl 1 round. Knit 3 rounds.
Purl 3 rounds. Knit 2 rounds.
Knit 8, knit 2 together around. (90 sts in round)
Knit 1 round. Purl 1 round. Knit 1 round.
Knit 7, knit 2 together around. (80 sts in round)
Knit 1 round. Knit 6, knit 2 together around. (70 sts in round)
Purl 1 round. Knit 1 round.
Knit 5, knit 2 together around. (60 sts in round).
Knit 1 round. Purl 1 round. Knit 1 round.
Knit 4, knit 2 together around. (50 sts in round)
Knit 1 round. Knit 3 , knit 2 together around. (40 sts in round)
Knit 1 round. Purl 1 round.
Knit 2, knit 2 together around. (30 sts in round)
Knit 1, knit 2 together around. (20 sts in round)
Knit 2 together around. (10 sts in round)

Gather up remaining 10 sts into a circle with a sewing needle, take yarn to the wrong side and sew in to secure the end.
- Shirlene Greer