Blue Sky Fibers Back to Nature Hat Knitting Pattern

Blue Sky Fibers Back to Nature Hat

What Is Being Made

The Back to Nature Hat is a unisex knit hat designed by Nancy Ekvall that works equally well for men and women. This one-hank project features a finished circumference of 20 inches and a height of 8½ inches, making it a versatile accessory suitable for various head sizes and occasions. The hat is constructed in the round using circular needles, creating a seamless, finished garment.

Techniques Used

This hat employs in-the-round knitting, a fundamental technique for creating seamless cylindrical garments. Knitters cast on stitches and join them in a circle, then work continuously upward without seaming. The pattern incorporates crown decreases to shape the top of the hat, gradually reducing stitches until the opening is closed. Knitters transition from a 16-inch circular needle to double-pointed needles when stitches no longer fit comfortably on the circular needle, a standard practice in hat construction. The finishing process includes weaving in ends and optional blocking to shape.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Back to Nature Hat utilizes basic knitting stitches combined to create textured interest. The primary stitches include:

• Knit (k) – the fundamental stitch that creates the characteristic V-shaped texture
• Purl (p) – the reverse of knit, which creates bumpy texture and visual contrast
• Knit two together (k2tog) – a right-leaning decrease used in crown shaping
• Purl two together (p2tog) – a left-leaning decrease used throughout the crown decreases

The hat features a purled textured stitch pattern that combines knit and purl stitches in alternating sequences. The body consists of 12-round repeats of a pattern that alternates between purl and knit stitches, creating a ribbed, textured appearance. This combination of knit and purl stitches produces dimensional texture that is both visually interesting and tactilely appealing.

Materials and Tools

The Back to Nature Hat requires one 100-gram hank of Blue Sky Fibers Sweater yarn, which contains 55% Superwash Wool and 45% Certified Organic Cotton, yielding 160 yards. This fiber blend provides durability, softness, and easy care. The pattern calls for Size 7 (4.5mm) needles in two configurations: a 16-inch circular needle for the main body and a set of double-pointed needles for the crown shaping when stitches become too few for the circular needle. Additional tools include a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of each round and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends during finishing.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 20 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches when measured in pattern. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the finished measurements of 20 inches in circumference and 8½ inches in height. Knitters are advised to knit a gauge swatch before beginning the project and adjust needle size as needed to match the specified gauge.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as Advanced Beginner, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic knit and purl stitches and are ready to tackle in-the-round construction and simple decreases. The straightforward stitch pattern and minimal shaping make it an accessible introduction to hat knitting.

Care Instructions

The finished hat should be hand washed or gently machine washed in cool water with mild soap. It may be laid flat to dry or tumble dried on low until damp, then blocked to shape. For storage, the hat should be folded rather than hung to maintain its shape and structure.