Mika Bobble Hat Knitting Pattern

Mika Bobble Hat in Berroco Catena

What is Being Made

The Mika Bobble Hat is an intermediate-level knitted hat designed by Brenda York from Berroco Booklet #391. This project creates a finished hat measuring approximately 20 inches around and 9 inches high (not including the pompom). The design features a two-color colorwork pattern with a coordinating pompom topper, making it a stylish accessory suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Techniques Used

This knitting project employs several fundamental and intermediate techniques that build knitting skills:

• Circular knitting: The hat is worked in the round using circular needles, which creates a seamless construction and allows for continuous knitting without turning the work.
• Ribbed edging: The hat begins with a five-round knit-purl ribbed section that provides stretch and a finished edge at the brim.
• Stockinette stitch: The main body of the hat is worked in stockinette stitch in the round, creating a smooth, classic fabric.
• Colorwork from chart: The design incorporates a 24-round color pattern worked from a chart, introducing knitters to reading pattern charts and managing multiple yarn colors.
• Color management: The pattern includes specific instructions for changing colors by holding yarn to the left and picking up new color from underneath to prevent holes in the fabric.
• Crown shaping: Decreases are worked to shape the crown of the hat, transitioning from circular needles to double-pointed needles as stitch count reduces.
• Pompom application: The finished hat is topped with a 3-inch pompom, requiring use of a pompom maker tool.

Stitches Used

The Mika Bobble Hat utilizes essential knitting stitches appropriate for intermediate-level crafters:

• Knit stitch (K): The primary stitch used throughout the stockinette stitch sections and the main fabric of the hat.
• Purl stitch (P): Combined with knit stitches in the ribbed brim to create vertical texture and elasticity.
• Knit two together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used during crown shaping to reduce stitches and form the hat's tapered top.

Materials

Yarn: This pattern calls for Berroco Catena, a yarn weight that works well for structured hats. The project requires one 50-gram ball each of two colors: #5470 Onyx (Main Color) and #5401 Moonstone (Contrasting Color). Berroco Catena is specifically recommended by the pattern designer to achieve the intended gauge and fabric characteristics.

Needles and Notions: The project requires a 16-inch circular needle in sizes 10 (6.00 mm) for the ribbed cuff and size 10½ (6.50 mm) for the main body. One set of four double-pointed needles in size 10½ (6.50 mm) is needed for the crown shaping phase. Additional notions include a stitch marker for marking the beginning of rounds, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and a 3-inch pompom maker for creating the hat's decorative topper.

Gauge: The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 22 rounds equal 4 inches when worked in stockinette stitch on the larger needle. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished hat meets the intended measurements.