Anchored: Classic Ribbed Hat

Part of the ongoing Wool Theory series

This is Anchored. A very simple, all over ribbed hat available as a free pdf download by clicking download pattern above or at the bottom of this page, or on the free patterns page (link in menu bar above)

Anchored uses center double-decreases for a crown with barely visible shaping. This hat also uses an all-over ribbed pattern and deep folded brim designed so that the baby and adult sizes can fit a variety of head sizes well.

The Center Double Decrease

The part of this hat that may be a bit trickier for beginner or beginner-intermediate knitters is the center double decrease used. The ‘center double decrease’ is sometime also known as a sl2-k1-psso (slip 2-knit 1-pass slipped stitches over) decrease. It’s mouthful for a decrease that is pretty easy after you’ve done it a couple times. It involves three steps.

1. Slip two stitches at the same time as if to knit: Use your right needle to pick up and move the next 2 stitches from the left needle to the right needle at the same time.
2. Knit one stitch: Knit the next stitch so that it is now on your right needle, next to the two stitches you just slipped.
3. Pass the two slipped stitches over the knit stitch: Use your left needle to pick up the two slipped stitches at the same time and lift them over the knit stitch so that you have decreased by two stitches.

If you’d like to see this decrease, there’s a plethora of videos on YouTube. I recommend checking out the Wool and the Gang’s video (youtube link) as it shows the technique clearly.

The result of using the center double decrease is a lovely centered decrease. Instead your crown shaping leaning either left or right, this decrease does not lean in either direction and is minimally visible on the crown of the hat.

Customizing the Hat

The other feature of this hat is the sizing is pretty flexible. The pattern includes instructions for a baby and an adult size. At it is knit entirely in a 1×1 (or k1, p1) rib with a very deep brim, the hat is stretchy to accommodate a variety of head circumferences and can be worn as a fitted beanie or as a slouchy hat. The decreases are also done in multiple’s of 8, so if you wanted to knit a size other than those offered, you could cast on a different multiple of 8 to customize the hat size.

The pattern is available as a direct download by clicking the button below or visiting my free pattern page. on Ravelry.

Happy Knitting!

~Kara