Malabrigo Perry Hat Knitting Pattern

Malabrigo Perry Knit Hat

What Is Being Made

The Malabrigo Perry is a textured knit hat designed for easy skill level knitters. This one-size-fits-most hat features a crown shaping with a classic brim and is completed with a decorative pompom. The finished hat measures 21½ inches in brim circumference and 9 inches in depth, making it a versatile accessory suitable for various head sizes.

Construction Method

The Perry hat is constructed using a bottom-up, worked-flat approach with seaming. Rather than working in the round from the crown down, this design is knitted flat in pieces and then seamed together, which can be easier for knitters who prefer working on straight needles. The hat begins with ribbed edging at the brim and progresses upward through textured stitch patterns before decreasing to shape the crown.

Stitches and Techniques

This design showcases two primary stitch patterns that create visual interest and texture:

• Double Seed Stitch: The main fabric stitch worked over an odd number of stitches. This stitch alternates knit and purl stitches in a checkerboard-like pattern, creating a reversible, textured fabric with excellent drape and dimension. Double seed stitch is worked by knitting the knit stitches and purling the purl stitches on right-side rows, then reversing this pattern on wrong-side rows.
• Knit 1, Purl 1 Ribbing: Used for the brim edge to create elasticity and a neat finished edge that hugs the head comfortably.

The crown shaping is accomplished through strategic knit 2 together (k2tog) decreases worked at regular intervals across multiple decrease rows. These decreases are distributed evenly throughout the crown, gradually reducing from 100 stitches down to just 10 stitches. The yarn end is then pulled through the remaining stitches twice to secure and close the crown opening.

Materials and Tools

The Malabrigo Perry requires minimal materials, making it an efficient project:

• Yarn: One 3½-ounce (100-gram) hank of Rios by Malabrigo, which provides approximately 210 yards (192 meters) of super-washable merino wool. The pattern is worked in colorway #005 Aniversario.
• Needles: One pair each of U.S. size 6 (4mm) and U.S. size 7 (4.5mm) straight needles. The smaller needles are used for the ribbed brim, while the larger needles accommodate the double seed stitch body.
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows equal 4 inches (10 centimeters) over double seed stitch using size 7 (4.5mm) needles. Checking gauge before beginning is essential for proper fit.
• Additional Notions: A 2½-inch (65mm) pompom maker for creating the crown embellishment, and a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends.

Design Characteristics

The Perry hat combines practical construction with aesthetic appeal. The double seed stitch creates a fabric with excellent texture and visual interest while remaining durable and easy to care for thanks to the merino wool fiber. The pompom finish adds a playful, classic touch to the crown. The one-size-fits-most design with 21½-inch circumference accommodates a wide range of head sizes, and the 9-inch depth provides good coverage. The use of superwash merino ensures the finished hat is easy to maintain and can be machine washed, making it a practical everyday accessory.