![](/path/images/2772/success_path.jpg)
What is the best hat style for your current skill level?
Fast, plain knitting, minimal construction or manipulation
Challenge:
Use self-striping yarn or add stripes for interest
Use self-striping yarn or add stripes for interest
- Lucky Cloche
- Machine Knit Beret with band or hem
- Watch Cap with band or hem
- Shaped Crown Beanie with band or hem
- Santa hat with band or hem
Add shaping with increases, decreases and short rows
Plan more time for a "hand-knit" hat look.
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
Experiment with hand manipulation, add garter rows with Remove, Turn, Rehang , a Garter Bar , or hand Reforming Stitches
- 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
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
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
- Earflap Hat
- Fisherman Rib Hat
- Rib 'n Roll Slouchy Hat
- Any hat with ribbed band
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
Experiment with different needle arrangments 1x1, 2x2, 2x1
Knit a basic hat in a ribber stitch pattern
- Machine Knit Beret modified as a slouchy hat
Mix 'n Match bands Styles (hung hem, picot hem, ribbing, mock ribbing etc)
Try different crown shaping methods
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.
Make any of the hat patterns "slouchy" by extending the body of the hat. Play with adding length based on your row gauge.
Login
You must be logged in to add your comments
1 COMMENT
Cherie S
Nov 14, 2023
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.