Valley Yarns Calamondin Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Calamondin Slouchy Hat

What is Being Made

The Calamondin is a stylish slouchy hat designed by Susan Baron and published by Valley Yarns. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a relaxed-fit hat available in three sizes: Small (21½" circumference), Medium (22¾" circumference), and Large (24" circumference). The finished hat measures 8¾ to 9¼ inches in height depending on size, making it an ideal accessory for everyday wear with a comfortable, slouched silhouette.

Techniques Used

The Calamondin employs several key knitting techniques that make it suitable for adventurous beginners:

• Worked in the Round: The entire hat is constructed using circular needles and double-pointed needles, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a seamless finished garment.
• Bottom-Up Construction: The hat is knit from the brim upward to the crown, allowing you to try on the hat as you work and adjust the final length as desired.
• Increase and Decrease Shaping: Strategic increases after the ribbed brim create the slouchy fit, while decreases at the crown shape the top of the hat.
• Old Norwegian Cast-On: The pattern uses this stretchy cast-on method to begin the brim, providing flexibility and durability at the hat's edge. A video tutorial is referenced for guidance.
• Stitch Marker Placement: Markers are used throughout to track pattern repeats and mark the beginning of rounds, particularly important when managing the Diagonal Slip-Stitch pattern.

Stitches Used

The Calamondin combines fundamental and decorative stitches:

• Knit and Purl Ribbing: The brim features K1, P1 ribbing worked for 1¾ inches, creating an elastic edge that hugs the head comfortably.
• Diagonal Slip-Stitch Pattern: The main body of the hat showcases a Diagonal Slip-Stitch pattern, which adds visual interest and texture while remaining accessible for adventurous beginners. This stitch pattern is maintained throughout the body until crown shaping begins.
• Increase Stitches: Make One (M1) increases are used to expand the stitch count after ribbing, creating the slouchy proportions.
• Decrease Stitches: Knit Two Together (K2tog) and Slip, Slip, Knit (ssk) decreases shape the crown, reducing stitches gradually for a fitted top.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The Calamondin is designed to be knit with Valley Yarns Wachusett, a premium blend of 70% Merino Wool and 30% Cashmere. The yarn is lightweight and luxurious, with each ball containing 50 grams and 163 yards. The pattern requires 2 balls total (approximately 326 yards), and the sample shown is worked in Color #400003 Wine. This yarn combination provides incredible softness and beautiful drape, making the hat comfortable against the skin and creating an elegant slouch.

Needles and Notions: The pattern calls for US size 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles in a 16-inch length, along with matching double-pointed needles for crown decreases. You will also need stitch markers to track pattern repeats and round beginnings, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 32 rounds over 4 inches when worked in the Diagonal Slip-Stitch pattern and blocked. Achieving this gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished circumference and height. The hat begins with 96, 102, or 108 cast-on stitches depending on size, and stitches are increased to 108, 114, or 120 stitches for the body, creating the relaxed slouchy fit that defines this design.

Skill Level and Pattern Notes

Rated as Adventurous Beginner, the Calamondin is accessible to knitters with basic skills who are ready to tackle seamless in-the-round construction and decorative stitch patterns. The pattern maintains the Diagonal Slip-Stitch pattern throughout the body where possible, even during crown shaping, adding visual continuity. The body is worked until it measures 7 to 7½ inches from