Knit Hats Based on YOUR Skill Level

Don't wait! Knit hats today. Visit the Classroom: "Hats for Everybody"
Knit it Now Success Path

What is the best hat style for your current skill level?

Level 1
Skills Required: Level 1
  • You should have a basic understanding of your machine.
  • You've set up your machine and it's working properly
  • You've identified a yarn that you like that works well on your machine
  • You're familiar with plain knitting (Stockinette , k1 row, p1 row)
  • Casting on and Binding Off
  • Fixing Mistakes
  • Finishing
Fast, plain knitting, minimal construction or manipulation
Challenge:
Use self-striping yarn or add stripes for interest

Level 2
Skills Required: Level 2
  • Level 1 Skills
  • Increases and Decreases
  • Swatching and Gauge
  • Short Row Shaping
  • How much Yarn


Add shaping with increases, decreases and short rows
Plan more time for a "hand-knit" hat look.
Challenge:
Experiment with hand manipulation, add garter rows with Remove, Turn, Rehang , a Garter Bar , or hand Reforming Stitches


Level 3
Skills Required: Level 3
  • Level 2 Skills
  • Hems and Edges
  • Bands
  • Stitch patterning


  • Any hat with automatic or manual stitch pattern
Choose any of the previous hat patterns and play with color and texture
Use punchcards, electronics or hand manipulation
Remember stitch pattern gauges are different than plain knitting, so swatch for bands and stitch pattern separately
Challenge:
Try a new-to-you technique.
If you find it difficult or tedious, a hat is a quick project to use as an experiment.
Consider lace

Level 4
Skills Required: Level 4
  • Level 2 and 3 Skills
  • Using your ribber


Have a ribber? Knit a single or double band for any pattern
Experiment with different needle arrangments 1x1, 2x2, 2x1
Knit a basic hat in a ribber stitch pattern
Challenge:
Experiment with different ribber fabrics.
Get inspired in the Classroom: Ribber Fabric

Level 5
Skills Required: Level 5
  • Level 2-3-4 Skills
  • Get Creative with custom charting. Mix 'n match band styles and crown finishing


Mix 'n Match bands Styles (hung hem, picot hem, ribbing, mock ribbing etc)
Try different crown shaping methods
Challenge:
Make any of the hat patterns "slouchy" by extending the body of the hat. Play with adding length based on your row gauge.
Don't wait! Knit hats today. Visit the Classroom: "Hats for Everybody"
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1 COMMENT
Cherie S
 Nov 14, 2023
This is a good idea for this time of year, as the weather gets colder in many areas. Last year, I was able to add many of my machine hats with those I crocheted and hand knitted to one of our outreach programs that work with the unhoused. Now that I've improved my skills, I can try a few more techniques to make this year's hats extra special.