Fuck Cancer Hat

You will need:

• US sizes 7 and 8 circular needles, 16″
• Set of US size 8 DPNs
• Stitch marker
• Yarn guide (optional, but super helpful for colorwork knitting)
• Yarn needle (for weaving in ends)
• Worsted weight yarn of your choice in at least 2 colors. The hat pictured was knitted with Knit Picks Brava Worsted in Black and Hobby Lobby’s I Love This Yarn in Pink. If knitting for chemo patients, remember to use the softest yarn you can!

Gauge and sizing:

• Gauge is 18 stitches in 4″,  or 4.5 stitches per inch.
• Finished hat measured flat: 10″ wide, 9″ tall with brim unfolded or 7″ folded.
• Hat will fit most adult heads, 21-23″.

Abbreviations used:

• co: cast on
• cc: contrasting color (design color)
• k: knit
• k2p2: knit two stitches, purl two stitches
• k2tg: knit two stitches together
• mc: main color (background color)
• p2k2: purl two stitches, knit two stitches
• rnd(s): round(s)
• st(s): stitch(es)

Start here:

1. With cc and size US size 7 circular needles, loosely co 96 sts using your preferred method; place stitch marker to mark beginning of rnd; join to k in the rnd making sure sts are not twisted.
2. k2p2 for 11 rnds.
3. p2k2 for 10 rnds (this step is so the brim folds easily and neatly).
4. Switch to US size 8 circular needles and with mc, k 2 rnds.
5. Begin colorwork. For all 12 rounds of the chart, repeat columns 25-30 six times, then columns 1-24 once, and finally columns 25-30 six more times. The chart is worked this way to ensure the beginning of each round falls at the back of the hat.

***always work chart from right to left when knitting in-the-round***

Decreasing: 
(switch to dpns when sts become too tight on circular needles)

1. With mc, k 8 rnds (or more if you want a longer hat)
2. k6, k2tg; repeat to end of rnd (84 sts remain)
3. k to end of rnd
4. k5, k2tg; repeat to end of rnd (72 sts remain)
5. k to end of rnd
6. k4, k2tg; repeat to end of rnd (60 sts remain)
7. k to end of rnd
8. k3, k2tg; repeat to end of rnd (48 sts remain)
9. k to end of rnd
10. k2, k2tg; repeat to end of rnd (36 sts remain)
11. k to end of rnd
12. k1, k2tg; repeat to end of rnd (24 sts remain)
13. k to end of rnd
14. k2tg; repeat to end of rnd (12 sts remain)
15. k to end of rnd
16. k2tg; repeat to end of rnd (6 sts remain)

Finishing:
Cut yarn, use yarn needle to thread tail through remaining 6 stitches and pull tightly to close. Weave in ends. Block and add pompom if desired.