How to Knit a Hat From the Top Down
Top Down Knitted Hat Tips
Tutorial Videos, Supplies and more!
Tips for Making a Cute Top-Down Hat with Bulky Yarn
Here are some tips on how I knit up Amy Gunderson's free pattern, A Little to the Left, using Universal Classic Shades Yarn.
How I Made My Hat Pattern (Customizations)
- I used #17s for the slipped stitch pattern and #13s for my ribbing.
- I used YOs for my first two sets of increases, making sure to knit them through the back loops on the next round, which closes the holes that would be created by the YOs.
- I added 2 extra rows, one where I slipped the stitches just as we had done in previous rows. This made my hat slouchy.
- I finished off with the tubular bind off as written in the pattern.
Tips to Get Started: Techniques
- Cast on and start your increases with ease: Cast on 8 sts. (See video below.)
- Join to knit in the round, Round 1: K8. Round 2: *YO, K1* across round (16 sts). Round 3: Treat yarn overs as your P1s by purling them through the back loop to close up the hole.
- How to knit a 1/1 RC and 1/1 LC. (See video below.)
- How to increase by using the make one purl technique (see video below).
- How to bind off in the round using the Kitchener stitch, also known as the tubular bind off. (See video below.)
Getting Your Hat Started
Tips To Cast On a Top Down Hat Using a Bulky Weight Yarn
Supplies needed for the project
Yarn: Classic Shades Big Time, one skein in #805 Tutti Frutti
Alternate yarn: Plymouth Baby Alpaca Grande Hand Dye
Alternate yarn: Plymouth Baby Alpaca Grande Hand Dye
Knitting Needles: Knitters Pride Dreamz US #11s and #15s ( I used #17s), or size needed to obtain gauge. You can use DPNs or circulars with the Magic Loop method.
Tapestry needle: Chibi darning needles for weaving in ends.
How To Increase Using a Make One Purl
How To Knit a Right Cross (RC) and Left Cross (LC)
Decorative Stitches For This Pattern
How To Get a Nice Rolled Edge
Tubular Bind-Off (Kitchener Bind-Off)