Valley Yarns Oblique Hat Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Oblique Hat

What is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Oblique Hat is an unisex, versatile beanie designed by Evie Scott. This knitted hat is available in four sizes—XS, S, M, and L—with finished circumferences ranging from 16" to 22.75". The design offers two length options: a traditional 8" beanie or a slouchy 11" version, making it adaptable for different style preferences and head sizes. The hat features a modern aesthetic with a simple two-stitch cable pattern that creates visual interest while remaining accessible to knitters developing their cable skills.

Techniques Used

This hat employs cables and is worked in the round, which creates a seamless, professional finish. The cable work is intentionally simplified—the pattern uses a straightforward two-stitch cable throughout, making it ideal for knitters at the advanced beginner level who want to practice cable techniques without excessive complexity. The pattern notes that the simple cable can be worked without a cable needle if desired, offering flexibility for different skill levels and preferences. The construction begins with ribbing worked on smaller needles, transitions to the body on larger needles, and concludes with crown shaping that uses strategic decreases to create a fitted top.

Stitches Used

The Oblique Hat incorporates fundamental knitting stitches combined with cable work. The ribbing section uses knit and purl stitches in alternating patterns to create elasticity and a secure edge. The main body features stockinette stitch as the base, with 1/1 right purl crosses (1/1 RPC) creating the cable detail. The crown shaping employs purl two together (p2tog) and knit two together (k2tog) decreases to gradually reduce stitches and form the hat's crown. The ribbing pattern alternates between k1, p1 and k1, p2 sequences, providing both stretch and structural definition.

Materials and Specifications

The pattern calls for Valley Yarns Huntington, a durable blend of 75% Fine Superwash Merino Wool and 25% Nylon. This fiber composition offers softness, breathability, and practical machine-washability. Yardage requirements vary by style: the beanie requires 1 to 2 hanks (50g per hank, 218 yards per hank), while the slouchy version requires 2 hanks across all sizes. The pattern specifies US size 3 (3.25 mm) and US size 2 (2.75 mm) needles in both 16" circular and double-pointed needle formats, allowing knitters to choose their preferred method for working in the round. A cable needle is listed as an additional material, though the pattern indicates it is optional. The gauge is 28 stitches and 38 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch using the larger needles.