Blue Sky Fibers Split Rib Hat Knitting Pattern

Blue Sky Fibers Split Rib Hat

What Is Being Made

The Split Rib Hat is a unisex knitted hat design from Blue Sky Fibers' Traveler Series, created by designer Bobbi Intveld. This hat features a distinctive split rib brim that adds visual interest and a modern aesthetic suitable for both men and women. The finished hat measures 15 inches in circumference when slightly stretched and stands 12 inches tall, designed to stretch and fit adult head sizes ranging from 19 to 22 inches.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques to create its structure and fit. The hat begins with a flat knitting section for the brim, worked back and forth on a circular needle before transitioning to circular knitting in the round for the body. The pattern incorporates crown shaping decreases to taper the top of the hat into its finished form. Stitch markers are used strategically to track pattern repeats and decrease points, ensuring consistent shaping throughout the crown.

Stitches Used

The Split Rib Hat is constructed primarily using a 2x2 rib stitch pattern, which alternates two knit stitches with two purl stitches. This ribbed construction provides natural elasticity, allowing the hat to stretch comfortably across various head sizes. The pattern also incorporates several decrease stitches for crown shaping:

• Knit two together (k2tog) – a right-leaning decrease used in the crown shaping rounds
• Purl two together (p2tog) – a decrease worked in the purl stitches
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) – a left-leaning decrease that creates balanced shaping on both sides of the crown

Materials and Tools

This project requires Baby Alpaca yarn (100% baby alpaca fiber) in a total of 2 hanks, each weighing 50 grams with 110 yards of yardage. The yarn's soft, warm qualities make it ideal for a close-fitting hat. The pattern calls for Size 2 (2.75mm) needles in two formats: a 16-inch circular needle for the brim and body, and a set of double-pointed needles for working the final crown decreases when stitches become too few for circular needle work. Additional supplies include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and decrease points, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends upon completion.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 32 stitches and 37 rows over 4 inches when worked in 2x2 rib and slightly stretched. Achieving proper gauge is essential for ensuring the hat stretches appropriately to fit the intended head size range. The pattern is designed in one size with the understanding that the ribbed construction provides flexibility across the 19 to 22-inch head circumference range.