The Fisherwoman Hat

I spend my summers working as a commercial fisherman in the waters of Bristol Bay. We live for 6 weeks in a cabin with no electricity or running water, our days and nights governed by the rising and falling of the tides. It’s a hard way to make a living, but it fills me with a sense of purpose. That little stretch of beach in remote Alaska is a part of who I am; it has taught me determination, strength and shown me the potential of which I am capable.

In a place where the average temperature in June is 48°F, hats are an essential part of our wardrobe. Sometimes you need a no-nonsense hat that works as hard as you do. That’s why I designed The Fisherwoman Hat. Inspired by the women who make their livelihood fishing the waters of Alaska, this is a hat made for function and wearability. The simplicity of the design makes it a perfect project to highlight a hand dyed or tonal yarn. I’ve tried to make this hat as beginner friendly as possible, please contact me if you have any questions!

What you’ll need:

Yarn

100g worsted weight yarn. Sample was knit with Farmers Daughter Fibers Squish Worsted Superwash in the Castle Rock Color.

Needles

US 7 16” (or longer) circular needle or long straight needles

US 8 16” circular needle

US 8 DPNs, or US 8 32” circular for Magic Loop

Notions

Stitch marker, Tapestry needle

Gauge

18 stitches = 4” in broken rib pattern with larger needles after blocking.

Abbreviations

CO  – Cast on

K – Knit

P – Purl

K2tog- Knit two stitches together

Notes

The sample hat fits snugly on a 21” head. For a relaxed fit or larger hat, go up a needle size.

Directions

Brim

The brim of the hat is worked flat before joining in the round for the body. If you prefer to work the brim in the round, simply alternate knit and purl rows until you reach the desired length.

CO 88 stitches using the German Twisted Cast On, leave a long tail to seam your edges later.

Knit in garter stitch (knit every row) until work measures 1.5” – 2” (depending on preference, sample hat has a 1.5” brim)

Broken Rib

Switching to larger needles, join in the round being careful not to twist your stitches! Place stitch marker to indicate beginning of round.

Row 1: K 9, P 2 Repeat to end of round.

Row 2: K all stitches

Repeat rows 1 and 2 until work measures 5” (For a slouchy hat, knit to 6”)

Decreasing

Row 1: K2tog, K to established rib, P2 Repeat to end of round.

Row 2: Knit all stitches

Repeat rows 1 and 2 eight times, switching to DPNs or Magic Loop when needed. 24 stitches remaining

Next row: K2tog, P1 Repeat to end of round. 16 stitches remaining

Cut yarn, using a tapestry needle thread through remaining stitches and pull just tight enough to close the hole.

If you worked the brim flat, seam the garter edges together. I found this tutorial helpful to make an invisible seam.

Weave in ends and block.

 

Embellish as you wish! Add a pom-pom (see my post about my favorite way to make DIY pom-poms), buttons, flowers, pins, whatever you desire!

Tag your photos @ranneyknits and use #ranneyknits on Instagram!