We’re going to have a new president in a couple weeks, and not everyone is excited about it. Here’s a free pattern, done two different ways but with the same yarn, to make hats to donate to help keep women marching on Washington warm. (Why do such a thing? What’s the point? Where did this concept get started? I’ll let the ladies behind this project say it best by directing you to their website.) This pattern knits up easy in an hour or two depending on your skill level. One version of the pattern is done in the round with a kitchener stitch bind off for a seamless finished look, and one is knit flat with ribbing, garter stitch and side seams so even beginners can knit a What’s New Hat to contribute.
What’s New Hat (intermediate)
Supplies
1 skein Lion Brand Yarn Wool Ease Thick & Quick in some kind of pink
US size 15 needles, either DPNs or circulars with ~14″ cords
tapestry needle
scissors
Abbreviations
CO – cast on
X (Y) – work the number of sts indicated in parenthesis () to make a larger hat. Measurements for the two hat sizes may be found in the gauge & dimensions section below.
rnd – round
k – knit
p – purl
rpt – repeat
kitchener stitch bind off – see embedded video tutorial below the pattern for how to do this
BO – bind off
Gaguge & dimensions: 2 sts/inch. The finished hat measures 8(8) inches in height, 11 (12) inches across the top (when laid flat), & 9.5 (10.25) inches across ribbed bottom (when laid flat before first wear).
The pattern
CO 44 (48) sts and join into a rnd.
1. (k2, p2), rpt ( to ) around.
Rpt row 1 eight times.
2. k around.
Rpt row 2 fifteen times.Arrange all sts evenly on two needles. Using kitchener stitch, BO all sts and weave in ends to finish.
What’s New Hat (beginner)
See above for abbreviations, gauge, yarn, etc. Please note that this pattern is worked flat.
The Pattern
CO 24 sts
1. (k2, p2), rpt ( to ) across.
Rpt row 1 eight times.
2. k across.
Rpt row 2 to 8 rows before desired length.
Rpt row 1 eight times.
BO all sts.
Using a tapestry needle and the same yarn used for your hat, fold your hat in half, lining up the CO and BO edges. Sew the right and left sides of the hat closed to form the finished shape. Weave in all ends to finish.
For more information on the Pussyhat Project, please visit their website or follow them on Instagram.
Such a wonderful hat, and with such significance!! High fives for supporting activism and speaking out against hate.
Yes! I’ve made 5 so far, and counting. One is going with my daughter to DC, three are going with me, my sister, my other daughter and her partner to Boston, and the fifth is to be won by my granddaughter in Madison, WI. So important to know there is such power in numbers. We are not alone. We will not sit back and watch our rights be trampled on.
Hi Heidi,
I am looking at the instructions for the “What New Hat” (begginner) i.e. pussyhat.
Could you clarify yarns and needles for this pattern. The pattern would indicate double pointed needles as opposed to circular needles used in the intermediate pussyhat pattern. And what size needle (still US 15). Did you use Wool Ease Thick and Quick for this pattern as well.
Also I was confused about what was meant by the instruction “Rpt row 2 to 8 rows before desired length”. Could your clarify or explain what is meant here.
I have already knit 3 of the intermediate. Thanks for sharing these great patterns that support such a important message.
Absolutely happy to help, Melanie! Rpt row 2 to 8 rows before desired length means that the final 8 rows are worked the same as the first 8 rows.They are forming half of the hat’s ribbed edge. The first 8 rows formed the other half of the hat’s ribbed edge, so when you seam the hat’s sides at the end, your ribbing will reach all the way around the brim of your hat.
Below the beginner hat instructions, you’ll notice “See above for abbreviations, gauge, etc.” That means that the needle size, needle type, yarn, gauge, and more. Both hats are done in the same yarn and on the same needle, however the beginner hat is worked flat. Since the pattern doesn’t say “join into a round” after the cast on, that’s how you know it’s worked flat. Since this has raised questions, I’ve added a note to the beginner pattern for clarification. Thanks so much for bringing this to my attention!
Thanks for the clarifications, Heidi. I’ll give it a try.
Regards,
Melanie
(Fellow knitter…and librarian)