Chill Out Winter Hat || Fair Isle Hat with Latvian Braid
What is more fun to make than a fair isle hat with traditional snowflake motifs and an awesome Latvian Braid detail above the brim? I don’t know either, but the good news is that we don’t have to find out because the Chill Out Winter Hat is free knitting hat pattern with a fair isle hat with Latvian braid 🙂
And if you love hats like this one you will adore the Kaleidoscope Harmony Hat, Harmony Hues Hat, or the Confetti Blips Hat.
This hat was made to fight the winter blues that happen to so many of us. While knitting it I found pleasure in doing the Latvian Braid for the first time and then working two-handed fair isle for the body of the hat in two colors that absolutely love. But the part that really made my heart sing is the crown. The decreases on the crown are done in such a way that the colorwork pattern is uninterrupted which I find very satisfying. Overall, making this hat kicked the blues away and I was much more chilled out when I was finished. Hence the name, Chill Out Winter Hat.
Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links which help me cover the cost of publishing my blog. Should you choose to make a purchase, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small percentage of the sale.
CLICK HERE GO TO RAVELRY AND CHECK IT OUT!
Queue it up and Like the Pattern on Ravelry
You need a quickie? Do you have a big stash? Then I have the perfect project for you. Finish this quick knit fair isle hat with 2 balls of worsted weight yarn from your stash! The Chill Out Winter Hat will satisfy process and project knitters alike.
New to Stranded Knitting?
If you are new to stranded knitting, welcome! You are going to LOVE IT! Just take your time and be patient with yourself as you knit with two colors on every round. It is basically a “knit by number,” if you will.
As you look at the chart, each square represents one stitch, and whatever the color of the square is, that is the color you knit for that stitch. You can do this!
Understanding Stranded Knitting Techniques
What is Stranded Knitting?
Stranded knitting, also known as colorwork, involves knitting with two or more colors in a single row or round. This technique allows you to create beautiful patterns and designs, making your projects truly unique. Fair Isle knitting is a popular type of stranded knitting that originates from the Shetland Islands, known for its intricate patterns and vibrant colors.
What is a Fair Isle Hat with Latvian Braid?
A fair isle hat showcases stunning color patterns achieved through stranded knitting. The Latvian braid is an elegant edging technique that adds a beautiful touch to your hat, making it stand out. This braid not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also provides a neat finish, ensuring that your hat is as lovely on the inside as it is on the outside.
Tips for Successful Colorwork
- Choose Your Colors Wisely: When selecting yarn, consider contrasting colors for the best visual impact. Using two colors that are distinct from one another will help your pattern pop!
- Practice Tension: Maintaining consistent tension is key in stranded knitting. Keep your floats (the yarn strands carried behind the work) loose enough to avoid puckering, but not so loose that they sag.
- Use Stitch Markers: Mark the beginning of each round to help keep your place and ensure that you stay on track with the color pattern.
Interested in Learning More About Colorwork?
If you are interested in diving deeper into stranded knitting, magical mosaic knitting, and more, you should check out CampColorwork.com! This online class by Marly Bird and Robyn Chachula teaches all about colorwork in knitting AND crochet, providing you with the skills and techniques to elevate your projects.
Okay, grab your needles and yarn and get started on this Chill Out Winter Hat || Fair Isle Hat with Latvian Braid
Ad-Free PDF Available
Do you want the Ad-Free PDF? It is available for purchase on Ravelry.
Chill Out Knit Fair Isle Winter Hat Pattern Details
SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate
MEASUREMENTS
To Fit Sizes
One size fits most adults
Finished Measurements
Circumference: 21¾“ [55 cm]
Gauge
18 sts = 4” [10 cm] in Fair Isle pattern.
MATERIALS
Yarn
Red Heart Chic Sheep by Marly Bird™ (Art. R170, 100% Merino Wool available 3½ oz / 100 g, 186 yd / 170 m, CYCA #4 worsted)
1 ball: Poolside (MC)
1 ball: Creme de Mint (CC)
This fair isle hat pattern was made with Chic Sheep yarn but sadly, that has been discontinued. However, we do recommend these yarns as substitutes (and they are easy to get online!)
Needles
U.S. 6 [4 mm] 16” [20.5 cm] circular needle, U.S. 8 [5 mm] 16” [20.5 cm] circular needle and set of 5 double-pointed needles, or size required for gauge.
Note: Be sure to obtain the gauge with the larger needles; smaller needles should be two sides smaller than the large ones.
Notions
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
- Tape measure
- Stitch Saver Cord
- Notions Bag for Supplies
- Leather tags
- Leather rivets
- Ball Winder and Swift (great for yarn that comes in hanks)
- Pom Pom Maker (Optional)
- Faux Fur Pom (Optional)
ABBREVIATIONS
CC – Contrasting Color
K – Knit
K2tog – Knit Two Together
MC – Main Color
P – Purl
Slm – Slip Marker
Ssk – Slip, Slip, Knit (see Special Stitches)
St(s) – Stitch(es)
SPECIAL STITCHES
⭐ Slip, Slip, Knit (Ssk): Slip 2 stitches, one at a time, as if to knit. Insert left needle into the front of these 2 stitches and knit them together from this position – 1 stitch decreased.
⭐ Flat Slip, Slip, Knit (Flat Ssk):
Note: This is an alternate ssk method as shown in the Shawl instructional video. This ssk version lies flatter and looks more similar to a reversed k2tog.
Insert needle in front leg of next st but do not knit it, insert needle in back leg of second st on left needle, yarn over and knit both of these sts together (1 st decreased).
CHARTS
Hat Body Fair Isle chart:
Crown decreasing chart:
VIDEO TUTORIALS
Watch this video on YouTube here.
- Long-Tail Cast-on >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEGwt4cedLM <<
- Fixing Long Tail Cast-on >> https://youtube.com/shorts/ZlvKpqAqMrc <<
- Purl Stitch (Continental) >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuDt-8jqh4g <<
- Knit Stitch (Continental) >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3brKFKg5Yc <<
- Fair Isle Technique >> https://youtu.be/OaJg_hh1VVw <<
- Latvian Braid >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2Cxvqh68w0 <<
- How to Tink >> https://youtu.be/c7Gud7k4Y8k <<
- How to Add a Lifeline (3 ways) >> https://youtu.be/FiqYUE_aHAw <<
- How to Bury Ends >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_NBGUKjO-E <<
- How to Use Stitch Fiddle >> https://vimeo.com/1176675910/ee34c31d8c?fl=tl&fe=ec <<
NOTES
- Hat is worked from brim to crown in two colors that interact through Fair Isle colorwork (see Video Tutorials) and a decorative Latvian braid.
- For rounds that use two colors, each stitch notation is followed by the color to be used. So, “ K1 MC “ means knit 1 with Main Color, etc.
- When working in Fair Isle colorwork, keep the yarn floats on the inside of the hats with some give, or the fabric will become too tight and the hat will not fit. Spread the fabric out on the right needle after every few worked stitches to make sure it remains flexible.
GROW
To Unlock Exclusive Subscriber Content click the Box below and join for free by simply adding your email and creating a password! If you are having troubles, clear your cache or reset your password or login to the Grow Publisher Portal.
>> Learn More About Grow Here <<
I’m thrilled to share this amazing pattern with you, many patterns on my blog are absolutely free! I kindly request that you don’t copy and paste or distribute this pattern. Prefer an ad-free experience? Buy a digital PDF pattern for a small fee from one of my online stores for a seamless crafting journey.
I appreciate your support and readership. You are the reason I can keep doing what I love and sharing it with others. So, thank you from the bottom of my yarn-loving heart! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no cost to you.
Chill Out Winter Hat || Fair Isle Hat with Latvian Braid Pattern
BRIM
Using smaller needle, MC and Long Tail Cast-On (see Video Tutorials), cast on 98 sts.
Join round being careful to not twist cast-on edge, and mark first st.
Round 1: Knit.
Round 2: * K1, P1; repeat from * around.
Repeat Round 2 only 5 more times more.
Count: 7 total rounds worked.
LATVIAN BRAID
Round 1: * K1 MC, k1 CC; repeat from * around.
This round forms the base of your braid. It isn’t visible at the bottom of the braid, but it is the horizontal line of stitches you see in between each round of twists you’re about to create. Traditionally, you work the same color for each st on Round 2 as on Round 1, (MC over MC, CC over CC, etc).
Bring both yarns to the front of the work.
Note: Do not take the time here to untwist the yarns on the following round. They will become untwisted on Round 3 when you switch the direction of twist.
Round 2: * P1 MC, bring CC under MC (twisting yarns), p1 CC, bring MC under CC (twisting yarns); repeat from * around.
Round 3: * P1 MC, bring CC over MC (untwisting yarns), p1 CC, bring CC over MC (untwisting yarns); repeat from * around.
If done correctly, once you have completed Round 3, your two yarns will become totally untwisted, ready to work in whatever patterning is called for on subsequent rounds.
BODY
Knit 1 round with MC only.
Place 6 more markers on the needle, 14 sts apart each, creating 7 total sections of 14 sts. Be sure to use markers of a different color or design from the beginning-of-round marker.
Work 42 rounds in Fair Isle colorwork (see Video Tutorials) following color chart for Hat Body. Read every row in the chart from right to left, since Hat is made entirely in round with the right side always facing.
Hat Body Fair Isle chart- See Chart Above
CROWN
Note: Switch to double pointed needles when the work becomes too tight to fit around circular needles.
Crown decreasing chart — See chart above
Round 1: * K1 MC, k1 CC, slm; repeat from * around.
Round 2: * K2tog CC, [k1 MC, k1 CC] 5 times, ssk MC, slm; repeat from * 6 more times.
Count: 84 sts (-14 sts decreased).
Round 3: * K1 MC, k1 CC, slm; repeat from * around.
Round 4: * K2tog MC, [k1 CC, k1 MC] 4 times, ssk CC, slm; repeat from * 6 more times.
Count: 70 sts (-14 sts decreased).
Round 5: * K1 CC, k1 MC, slm; repeat from * around.
Round 6: * K2tog CC, [k1 MC, k1 CC] 3 times, ssk MC, slm; repeat from * 6 more times.
Count: 56 sts (-14 sts decreased).
Round 7: * K1 MC, k1 CC, slm; repeat from * around.
Round 8: * K2tog MC, [k1 CC, k1 MC] 2 times, ssk CC, slm; repeat from * 6 more times.
Count: 42 sts (-14 sts decreased).
Round 9: * K1 CC, k1 MC, slm; repeat from * around.
Round 10: * K2tog CC, k1 MC, k1 CC, ssk MC, slm; repeat from * 6 more times.
Count: 28 sts (-14 sts decreased).
Round 11: * K1 MC, k1, CC, slm; repeat from * around.
Round 12: * K2tog MC, ssk CC, slm; repeat from * 6 more times.
Count: 14 sts (-14 sts decreased).
Round 13: * K1 CC, k1 MC, slm; repeat from * around.
Remove all markers.
Cut both CC and MC, leaving a 10” [25.5 cm] tail. Use yarn needle to thread one of the tails through each remaining st knitwise. Pull tail tight to close top. Weave tail in on wrong side of Hat to secure.
FINISHING
Weave in all loose ends.
Attach leather tag with leather rivets (optional).
Sew on faux fur pom-pom, or create a pom-pom with pom-pom maker and sew to top (optional).
Get more free patterns!
Click here for more free knitting patterns by Marly Bird
With the Chill Out Knit Hat, you’re not just making a cozy accessory; you’re exploring the fascinating world of stranded knitting. The combination of fair isle techniques and the Latvian braid will give you a beautiful hat that you’ll be proud to wear or gift. So gather your yarn, and let’s get started!
