Charm Hat Knitting Pattern

Charm Hat in Berroco Ultra Alpaca

What is Being Made

The Charm Hat is a knitted beanie designed by Mel Kennelly, available in three sizes with finished measurements of approximately 18½", 19½", or 20½" around the head and heights ranging from 10" to 13" unstretched. This advanced beginner knitting project creates a classic, fitted hat suitable for various head sizes and personal style preferences.

Knitting Techniques Used

This hat is constructed using the in-the-round method, worked from the bottom edge upward on circular needles. The primary stitch pattern employed throughout the design is Fisherman's Rib, a textured knit stitch that creates depth and elasticity in the finished fabric. Fisherman's Rib is achieved by alternating knit and purl stitches worked into rows below the current working row, creating a dimensional, cushioned fabric that stretches and recovers beautifully.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern Details

The Charm Hat features the following specialized stitches:

• K1rb (Knit one stitch from the row below): Insert the needle from front to back into the stitch from the previous row and knit it, creating a vertical line of texture
• P1rb (Purl one stitch from the row below): Insert the needle from back to front into the stitch from the previous row and purl it, adding dimensional interest
• Fisherman's Rib pattern: An even-stitch pattern worked over two rounds that alternates K1rb with p1 on Round 1, then K1 with p1rb on Round 2, repeated throughout the hat body for consistent texture and elasticity

The pattern begins with a simple knit-one, purl-one setup round before transitioning into the main Fisherman's Rib pattern, which is repeated until the desired height is achieved.

Materials and Tools

The Charm Hat is designed to be knitted using Berroco Ultra Alpaca yarn, a premium fiber blend. One 100-gram hank in colorway #62186 Caribbean Mix provides sufficient yardage for any of the three sizes. Construction requires a 16-inch circular needle in size 6 (4 mm) or the size needed to achieve proper gauge. Additional notions include a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of round and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge and Finishing Details

The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 23 rows over 4 inches in Fisherman's Rib when measured after blocking and unstretched. Accurate gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements, and the pattern instructions emphasize the importance of checking gauge before beginning. The hat is cast on with either 74, 78, or 82 stitches depending on size selection, joined to work in the round, and completed with a setup round before beginning the main Fisherman's Rib pattern repeat.