The Misfit Christmas Hat

You will need:

• US sizes 7 and 8 circular needles, 16″
• Set of US size 8 DPNs
• Stitch markers
• Yarn guide (optional, but super helpful for colorwork knitting)
• Yarn needle (for weaving in ends)
• Worsted weight yarn of your choice in 2 colors. Hat pictured was made with Red Heart Soft in Teal and Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice in Pearl Mist.

Gauge and sizing:

• Gauge is 18 stitches in 4″,  or 4.5 stitches per inch
• Designed for a slouchy fit on most adult heads (21-24″)

Abbreviations used:

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

Start here:

1. With mc and smaller circular needles, 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 6 rnds.
3. Switch to larger circular needles, k 2 rnds.
4. Join cc to begin colorwork.

***chart is worked from right to left and bottom to top***

For all 17 rounds of the chart, repeat columns 1-12 three times, then columns 13-39 once, then columns 40-51 twice, and finally columns 40-48 once. You may find it helps to use stitch markers to separate these sections.
Once colorwork is complete, cut cc. Continue knitting with mc until work measures 8 inches, then begin decreasing.

back of hat

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

1. k10, k2tg; repeat to end of rnd – 88 sts remain
2. k to end of rnd
3. k9, k2tg; repeat to end of rnd – 80 sts remain
4. k to end of rnd
5. k8, k2tg; repeat to end of rnd – 72 sts remain
6. k to end of rnd
7. k7, k2tg; repeat to end of rnd – 64 sts remain
8. k to end of rnd
9. k6, k2tg; repeat to end of rnd – 56 sts remain
10. k to end of rnd
11. k5, k2tg; repeat to end of rnd – 48 sts remain
12. k to end of rnd
13. k4, k2tg; repeat to end of rnd – 40 sts remain
14. k to end of rnd
15. k3, k2tg; repeat to end of rnd – 32 sts remain
16. k to end of rnd
17. k2, kt2g; repeat to end of rnd – 24 sts remain
18. k to end of rnd
19. k1, k2tg; repeat to end of rnd – 16 sts remain
20. k to end of rnd
21. k2tg; repeat to end of rnd – 8 sts remain

Finishing:
Cut yarn, use yarn needle to thread tail through remaining 8 stitches and pull tightly to close. Weave in ends. Block and add pompom if desired.