A Most Bespeckled Hat
Knit a polka dot hat in the round
True to its name, this hat is most bespeckled. Not to be confused with bespectacled, which is an entirely different sort of hat.
The finished hat can be worn with the cuff unfolded for a slouchier look, or folded for a more traditionally beanie silhouette and for extra warmth. No matter how you wear it, you will be in the height of fashion.
Simple colorwork, a convertible brim, and a cheery pompom make this hat a fun little knit that's sure to get a lot of wear. In super soft Malabrigo, it's darn cozy, too! If you have never worked with stranded colorwork before, this is the perfect introduction to this technique. The easy-peasy polka dots make a great introduction to stranded knitting, and the hat is knit entirely in the round to avoid seaming and excessive purling (not to mention colorwork-on-the-wrong-side...shudder!)
All instructions are coupled with a photo tutorial making it easy to follow along at your own speed. If you have any questions along the way, I'm here to help! Post questions, comments, and photos of your work to share with me and your fellow students.
Click to enlarge
Category:
Knitting
Skill Level:
Intermediate
Basic Skills Necessary:
- Knitting
- Purling
- K2tog
- Slipping stitches
- Passing stitches
- Centered Decreasing
- Double decreasing
- Weaving in ends
- Carrying yarn behind work
Includes:
- Pattern & instructions
- Help from pattern designer anytime!
- Step-by-step photos
You Will Need:
- Worsted weight yarn, 100g/200y main color (Malabrigo Merino Worsted)
- Worsted weight contrast yarn, 40 yards (Malabrigo Merino Worsted)
- US size 7 (4.5 mm) 16in./40.6 cm circular needle or size needed to get gauge
- US size 7 (4.5 mm) double pointed needles or size needed to get gauge
- Stitch marker
- Darning needle
- Pom pom maker (optional)
About the Designer:
Dull Roar
I'm Alex Tinsey and I design stuff! I like simple textures and interesting shapes. I like soft wools and kettle-dyes. I like ice cream. Addis. Hats. Spinning. Ducklings. And I like you too, sugar cheeks. I can?t say I care for bio-writing, though. Boring stuff: I graduated with a degree in psychology (still in mint condition!) from Reed College, after dinking around at the Pacific Northwest College of Art and Kenyon College for a while. I've been knitting since about 2004, designing since about 2006. I was making up my very own garter stitch squares and randomly-decreased hats before that, but I won't count it. I've had patterns published in Knitty, Knit Simple, the Knit Picks Independent Designer Program, and Interweave Knits, though I generally go the self-publishing route.
Reviews of this Workshop
Enjoyable October 24, 2012
TedWP
I enjoyed working this KAL. I got a late start on it but it only took me a month to finish, even with work & school.
love this hat October 9, 2012
dhb
I think this is my new favorite hat! I will definitely make this again in different colors
Fun and comprehensive workshop! August 19, 2012
Domicroche
This was my second Craftsy Mystery KAL, and I was once again very pleased! I had never done stranded colorwork before, so this was a wonderful learning opportunity for me. The instructions were very clear all the way through, and the designer answered any questions very promptly. I especially enjoyed the attention that was given to the gauge swatch - it really made a point that this step is not to be skipped. Like many others, I probably would not have chosen these colors by myself - but when ...
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Cute Hat August 17, 2012
Purrfect Knittr
I'm hoping for a cold winter! Hat was fun to make and the yarn is just beautiful. I've totally fallen in love with the color.
great fun August 17, 2012
marthasc
I have enjoyed making the Speckled Hat. I learned rather slowly that I needed to pay closer attention, so I had to remove a few stitches in order to get the spots aligned. I plan to start another hat today. What a great gift.
Thank you for having the stitch directions with the abbreviations.
Fun Course! Love the pattern and yarn! August 11, 2012
Intocats
Just finished my hat today...woo hoo! It was a fun pattern to knit, and the Malabrigo Worsted is a new favorite. Like many have said before, I wasn't a fan of the Frank Ochre color at first but it grew on me. This pattern is one I could knit over and over again in different colors. In fact, I have enough yarn left over to knit a white hat with yellow dots.
The hat is very loose and slouchy on me (even with my big hair) so I'll probably knit the next one with needles a size ...
Speckled hat August 10, 2012
Knit143
Lovely yarn especially when it is Malabrigo even if the mustard color is not something I would choose. The project was easier than I thought as I had done something similar for a baby hat. Instructions were excellent. I especially liked the directions for making a gauge swatch as I learned something new. I agree with some of the other comments regarding color choice of yarn, that,is, it would be helpful if color alternatives could be offered. This is not a criticism of designer but a ...
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Good jumping off point for experienced knitter August 8, 2012
MissAnthropy
I like to challenge myself with every project I make, which is probably why I have such a hard time following pattern instructions to a T. This pattern, however, was a great starting point for my imagination, and I managed to just tweak it slightly - double knitting instead of stranded for a reversible hat - to fit my needs. Most novice knitters will find this workshop to be very helpful in developing colorwork skills, but I'm glad to say I also managed to learn some new skills (like decreasing ...
Read full review »
Good jumping off point for experienced knitter August 8, 2012
MissAnthropy
I like to challenge myself with every project I make, which is probably why I have such a hard time following pattern instructions to a T. This pattern, however, was a great starting point for my imagination, and I managed to just tweak it slightly - double knitting instead of stranded for a reversible hat - to fit my needs. Most novice knitters will find this workshop to be very helpful in developing colorwork skills, but I'm glad to say I also managed to learn some new skills (like decreasing ...
Read full review »
Fun project August 7, 2012
DonnaRHayes
This was another new technique for me; have never done the 'floats' before. The instructions were very good - easy to follow and the instructor gave good feedback to questions and concerns.
I really like the choices for yarn for the projects; nice quality and colors I like as well.
Thank you! I have enjoyed the KALs.
Fun project August 7, 2012
DonnaRHayes
This was another new technique for me; have never done the 'floats' before. The instructions were very good - easy to follow and the instructor gave good feedback to questions and concerns.
I really like the choices for yarn for the projects; nice quality and colors I like as well.
Thank you! I have enjoyed the KALs.
Cute little hat! August 6, 2012
jillyc
I really enjoyed working on this project. It was quick and easy to knit, and the directions were very easy to follow. Plus, I have a cute little hat to wear or give as a present. The yarn provided was beautiful. I didn't care for one of the colors, but to my surprise, by the time I had completed the hat I really liked it. Only problem I had was trying to upload my picture. I will try again later.
a shame August 4, 2012
spunshinefibers
I signed up for this knit along with high hopes. I am sad to say I will not be completeing the project or signing up for another. I am an experienced knitter and this is not a pattern that holds any appeal for me.. I was very surprised that both knit alongs i have signed up for have not been a mystery in as much as you get to see finsihed project right from the get go.
This is not aimed at the designer she has doen a stellar job with the brief im am sure they were given.
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