Jumbo Pom Hat Knitting Pattern

Jumbo Pom Hat in Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok Jumbo

What is Being Made

The Jumbo Pom Hat is a modern, statement-making knit hat designed by Nancy Ekvall for Blue Sky Fibers. This cozy accessory features a two-color colorblock design that creates visual interest through strategic color changes throughout the construction. The finished hat measures 20 inches in circumference and stands 9 inches tall, making it a generously sized, warm piece perfect for cold-weather wear. An optional large pom-pom can be added to the crown for extra flair and playfulness.

Techniques Used

This knit hat is constructed using fundamental circular knitting techniques suitable for advanced beginners. The pattern begins with a cast-on of 18 stitches worked in the round using double-pointed needles, eliminating the need for seaming. The construction progresses through several distinct sections: a ribbed cuff for stretch and comfort, stockinette stitch body sections, and strategic color changes that divide the hat into horizontal bands. The crown is shaped using decreases worked across multiple rounds to taper the top smoothly. The optional pom-pom is created separately using a 4.5-inch pom-pom maker and then attached to the crown, adding a playful finishing touch.

Stitches Used

• Cast On (CO): Foundation stitch creating the initial 18 stitches
• Knit (k): Primary stitch used throughout the stockinette sections and body
• Purl (p): Used in alternation with knit stitches to create the ribbed cuff texture
• Knit Two Together (k2tog): Decrease stitch used in the crown shaping rounds to reduce stitch count from 18 to 9 to 5 stitches
• Ribbing (k1, p1): The alternating knit and purl pattern creates the elastic cuff at the hat's base

Materials and Tools

This pattern uses Woolstok (Jumbo) yarn from Blue Sky Fibers, which is composed of 100% Highland Peruvian wool. The jumbo weight yarn is substantial and quick to knit, with each cone containing 500 grams and 43 yards. The pattern requires one cone each of two coordinating colors—the sample shown uses Blue Ash (A) and Arctic Cloud (B), though knitters are encouraged to select their own favorite color combinations. The yarn's natural fiber content provides excellent warmth and breathability.

Construction requires Size 36 (20.0mm) double-pointed needles or the appropriate size to achieve the specified gauge of 4¼ stitches and 6 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Additional tools include a stitch marker for tracking the beginning of each round and a 4.5-inch pom-pom maker for creating the optional crown embellishment. The finished hat works up quickly given the jumbo yarn weight and large needle size.

Pattern Notes

The Jumbo Pom Hat is classified as an advanced beginner project, making it accessible to knitters with foundational skills while offering straightforward construction. The pattern is worked seamlessly in the round, which eliminates finishing seams and creates a professional appearance. The strategic color changes occur at specific round intervals, creating distinct horizontal bands that showcase the two-color design. The crown decreases are worked evenly across multiple rounds to create a smooth, tapered top. Knitters are invited to save leftover yarn to create a second hat in reverse colors, maximizing the use of materials and offering design flexibility.