Classic Elite Yarns Bastille Hat Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Bastille Knit Hat

What Is Being Made

The Bastille is a classic, easy-to-knit hat designed by Meg Myers. This seamless, worked-in-the-round knit hat features a finished circumference of approximately 20¼ inches and stands 10½ inches tall from cast-on edge to the center of the crown. The design offers versatility in styling—it can be worn slouchy or with the brim folded for a more fitted appearance, making it suitable for various preferences and head shapes.

Techniques Used

This hat is constructed using bottom-up, seamless construction worked entirely in the round. The pattern begins with a cast-on at the brim and progresses upward to the crown, eliminating the need for seaming. The design employs strategic increases and decreases to shape the hat, transitioning from circular needles to double-pointed needles as the stitch count decreases toward the top. Stitch markers are used throughout to track crown decrease placement, with one marker designated as the beginning-of-round marker and seven additional markers positioned for shaping.

Stitches Used

The Bastille utilizes two primary stitch patterns. The ribbing section features a 3 x 2 Rib stitch (worked over a multiple of 5 stitches), which creates vertical texture and elasticity at the brim. The pattern reads: knit 3 stitches, purl 2 stitches, repeating this sequence around. The main body of the hat is worked in Stockinette stitch (St st), which produces a smooth, classic knit fabric. Crown shaping is accomplished through strategic knit 2 together (k2tog) decreases and make 1 (m1) increases positioned at marked intervals to create a gradual taper toward the crown.

Construction Details

The hat begins with 110 cast-on stitches worked in 3 x 2 Rib for 3 inches, establishing a textured, fitted brim. An increase round raises the stitch count to 121 stitches before transitioning to the larger needle size and Stockinette stitch for 4 inches of body length. Crown shaping begins with eight evenly spaced markers placed 15 stitches apart, with decreases worked every third round initially, then every round as the crown narrows. The final 8 stitches are secured by threading yarn through all remaining stitches twice and pulling tightly to close the top of the hat.

Materials

The Bastille calls for Ava by Classic Elite Yarns, a yarn blend composed of 86% wool, 9% viscose, and 5% metallized polyester. Two 50-gram balls are required, providing approximately 128 yards per ball. The pattern specifies circular knitting needles in US sizes 4 and 5 (3.5 and 3.75 mm), with the smaller needle used for the ribbed brim and the larger needle for the body. Double-pointed needles in US size 5 (3.75 mm) are needed for the final crown decreases when the circumference becomes too small for circular needles. The pattern also requires eight stitch markers, with one in a contrasting color to mark the beginning of each round.

Gauge and Finishing

Proper gauge is essential for this design: 24 stitches and 34 rounds equal 4 inches in Stockinette stitch using the larger needle. After completion, finishing involves weaving in all yarn ends and lightly blocking the hat while taking care not to stretch the ribbed brim section. The finished hat is suitable for a range of head sizes due to the elasticity of the ribbed brim and the versatility of styling options provided by the pattern design.