Machine Knitting Patterns

Knit Hats Based on YOUR Skill Level

November 14, 2023
1 comments

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

Basic Hat
Mile-a-Minute Basic Hat
Inside Out Hat

Fast, plain knitting, minimal construction or manipulation

Challenge:
Use self-striping yarn or add stripes for interest

Level 2

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.

Challenge:
Experiment with hand manipulation, add garter rows with Remove, Turn, Rehang , a Garter Bar , or hand Reforming Stitches

Level 3

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

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

Challenge:
Experiment with different ribber fabrics.
Get inspired in the Classroom: Ribber Fabric

Level 5

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

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"

1 Comments

- Cherie S
- November 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.