Nothing is more exciting than a free pattern and here is my latest from Cascade Yarns, Heritage Seamless Hat & Hand Warmers:
Best of all, this set requires just one hank of the Heritage, a wonderful sturdy sock yarn that gives terrific stitch definition. I used color #5604, a medium blue that my mom and I love, love, love.
Both the hat and hand warmers have tons of tiny cables to keep your interest.
The hat's band is initially worked flat (beginning with a provisional cast on), seamed with a three needle bind off, and then stitches are picked up for the crown shaping and bottom ribbing, which are worked in the round. The hat band is 20" to fit a 21-22" head, but this pattern is easy for customization. Simply add or subtract the ribbing at the band ends to make smaller or larger. This hat fits best with an inch or two negative ease (smaller than the head you are knitting for) for a snug fit. Personal preference is your determining factor ultimately on that one. Keep in mind the amount of stitches picked up around the edges will vary accordingly as well.
The hand warmers are worked in the round from the bottom up to the thumb opening. The fabric is then worked flat for the length of the thumb opening and finally rejoined in the round for the top ribbing. The hand warmers are extremely stretchy because of the ribbing. Unstretched, the fabric is 6.75" and stretches comfortably to 9+". They feel absolutely divine on your little hands. In fact, if you would like to see for yourself, I will be dropping off a hand warmer (and copies of the pattern) to Wild Purls on Monday, October 31st, so come take a test drive. They carry the Heritage and I am sure you will find the perfect color for you.
More specifics:
Sizes
Hat: 20” circumference, unstretched, to fit 21”-22” head, Length: 7.25” Hand Warmers: 6.75” circumference, unstretched, to fit 9+” circumference hand, Length: 8.25” Note: Hand warmers stretch significantly because of ribbing.
Yarn
Cascade Heritage, 3.5 ounces, 100 grams, 437 yards, 400 meters, 75% superwash merino, 25% ny- lon, made in Peru, color: #5604, 1 hank for both projects
Yardage
Hat: 165 yards Hand Warmers: 179 yards Total Yardage: 344 yards
Materials, Hat
US size 2 (2.75 mm), 16” circular or size needed for gauge US size 2 (2.75 mm), set of 4 double pointed needles or size needed for gauge US size 2 (2.75 mm), straight or size needed for gauge. Waste yarn of similar weight for provisional cast on 3 (5/8”) genuine shell buttons Stitch markers: 1 of color A, 10 of color B Cable needle Tapestry needle to weave in ends
Materials, Hand Warmers
US size 2 (2.75 mm), set of 4 double pointed needles or size needed for gauge 1 stitch marker cable needle Tapestry needle to weave in ends
Gauge
8 stitches and 11 rows/rnds = 1” in stockinette stitch 19 stitches of chart = 1.5” 10.5 stitches and 11 rows/rnds = 1” in (k1, p1) ribbing, unstretched
Happy knitting! Click here for the free pattern!