Side-by-side photos showing negative ease in action: a fitted pair of socks hugging the feet and a snug knitted hat conforming to a model's head shape

About Negative Ease

Take steps to guarantee that hats stay on and socks fits well with negative ease.

Ease hat learning library measuring Negative Ease socks

Negative Ease to make sure hats stay on!

When knitting sweaters, we add "ease" so the sweater doesn't cling.

For hats, it's important to make them smaller and incorporate Negative Ease .
By making the circumference of a hat smaller than the head size, we rely on the stretch of knitting to keep the hat on the head in the strongest wind.

The Knit it Now Hat sizing chart helps you select your hat size and lists the head (actual) measurements.
When building our hat patterns, enter the desired FINISHED circumference with the Perfect Fit Dimensions.

Ribbing may need more negative ease because of the stretch

Knit it Now Hat Classroom: KNITITNOW.COM/HATS

Negative ease = body measurement MINUS finished hat/sock measurement

Negative Ease for great fitting socks

When knitting sweaters, we add "ease" so the sweater doesn't cling.

It's important to make socks smaller so they take up less space in shoes. Customize your socks by adding Negative Ease

By making the circumference the sock smaller than the actual foot size, we rely on the stretch of knitting to keep the the feet warm and the socks comfortable to wear.

The Knit it Now Sock sizing chart helps you select your sock size and lists the actual foot measurements.
Because ease is so personal, we DO NOT add negative ease to our sock patterns. The default sizing shows foot circumference. It's up to you to modify the circumference measurement for negative ease.