Otis Hat Knitting Pattern

Otis Hat by Lisa Richardson

What is Being Made

The Otis Hat is a knitted beanie-style hat designed by Lisa Richardson using Rowan Alpaca Soft DK yarn. This intermediate-level project offers two variations: a classic version with a decorative pom-pom and a simpler single-color option without embellishment. The finished hat measures 36.5 cm (14¼ inches) in circumference and 28 cm (11 inches) in depth, making it a versatile accessory suitable for various head sizes.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs circular knitting techniques worked in the round using double-pointed needles, which creates a seamless construction. The hat features a ribbed pattern worked throughout the body, followed by strategic crown shaping using multiple decrease rounds to gradually reduce stitches and form the hat's fitted top. The pattern includes a turned brim option, allowing crafters to fold back the cast-on edge once or twice for added warmth and texture. The pom-pom version requires basic pom-pom making and attachment skills.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern is a two-round repeat combining knit and purl stitches worked through the back loop to create textured ribbing. The pattern alternates between K1 tbl (knit one through back loop), P1 on the first round and K1, P1 tbl on the second round. Crown shaping utilizes a specialized decrease technique called dec 4, which decreases 4 stitches over 5 stitches by slipping 2 stitches as though to knit 2 together, knitting 3 together, then passing the 2 slipped stitches over together. Final closure involves P3tog (purl 3 together) to gather remaining stitches.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Otis Hat is designed to be worked in Rowan Alpaca Soft DK, a lightweight double-knit weight yarn. The pattern requires 50 grams of yarn for the main color. Three colorway options are provided: Silver 231 (for the pom-pom version), Dark Burgundy 230, and Vermilion 229 (shown in the single-color variation). Construction requires a set of 4 double-pointed 4mm (US 6) needles and a stitch marker to denote the beginning and end of rounds. The tension is measured at 33 stitches and 31 rounds to 10 centimeters over the pattern using 4mm needles, which is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions.

Construction Overview

The hat begins with casting on 120 stitches distributed evenly over 3 of the 4 double-pointed needles. After establishing the ribbed pattern, the knitter continues until the hat measures 22 centimeters, then proceeds with crown shaping through five distinct decrease rounds spaced with 3 to 5 rounds of pattern work between each reduction. This graduated shaping technique ensures a smooth, well-fitted crown. The pattern concludes by threading yarn through the final 6 remaining stitches and fastening off securely.