Olof, a free knitting pattern from Knitty.com. Free knitting pattern for a Fair Isle colorwork hat with corrugated ribbing.

INTRODUCTION

Olof

beauty shot by Anna Peterseil

Tangy

From time to time, every knitter needs to try something new. The Olof hat is a great project to learn Fair Isle technique. Fair Isle, also known as stranded colorwork knitting, is the perfect way to start experimenting with color and different pattern motifs. With a sport or DK weight yarn, solid color, tonal or gradient everyone can make colorful and warm winter garments.

The Olof hat is worked in the round from the bottom up, starting with two rows of 1x1 rib in contrasting color followed by two color 2x2 corrugated rib. The hat body uses 5 different, easy to remember Fair Isle motifs. They can be re-used in scarfs and mittens. The Olof hat is knitted in two colors. Would four colors work? Go ahead, try it.

spacer models: Yosmely Paula, Jeremy Peterseil

spacer photos: Anna Peterseil

SIZE

Adult S[Adult M, Adult L]
shown in size Adult M

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Circumference: 19[21, 23] inches/ 49[53.5, 58.5] cm Height: 9[9.5, 10] inches/ 23[24, 25.5] cm
Choose a size 1-1.5 inches/2-3 cm smaller around than your head.

MATERIALS

Yarn
Rowan Felted Tweed [50% Wool, 25% Alpaca, 25% Viscose; 191 yds/175m per 50g skein] 
color version 1 (shown above):
[MC] 804 Night Sky; Adult M - about 80 yards
[CC1] 197 Alabaster; Adult M - about 80 yards 
[CC2 – band color] 150 Rage; about 10 yards/ 9.1 meters

color version 2 (shown below left):
[MC] 145 Treacle; Adult M - about 80 yards
[CC1] 803 Winter Blue; Adult M - about 80 yards 
[CC2 – band color] 181 Mineral; about 10 yards/ 9.1 meters

Recommended needle size
[always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below - every knitter's gauge is unique]
US #3/3.25mm circular needle, 16 inch/40cm
US #4/3.5mm circular needle, 16 inch/40cm
US #4/3.5mm needles for small circumference in the round

Notions
stitch markers, including 1 distinct one for start of round
yarn needle

GAUGE

22 sts/30 rounds = 4 inches/10 cm in stockinette stitch 
25 sts/28 rounds = 4 inches/10 cm in colorwork stockinette stitch on larger needles

PATTERN NOTES

[Knitty's list of standard abbreviations and techniques can be found here.]

To modify hat size, subtract or add 12 sts to the stitch count for an adjustment of 2 inches.

Video help and tips for stranded colorwork (Fair Isle)

CHARTS

DIRECTIONS

With smaller needles, and CC2, using the Long Tail method, cast on 120[132, 144] sts. Place distinct marker for start of round and join for working in the round.

Contrast band
Rounds 1-2: (K1, p1) around.
Break CC2.

Hat Body
Change to larger 16 inch/40cm circular needle.
Join CC1.
Next round: Knit.

Join MC.

Corrugated Rib round: [With CC p2, with MC k2] to end of rnd.
Work 12[16, 20] rounds as set.

Next round: With MC, knit.
Next round: Work Chart around.

Work as set until chart is complete, changing to needles for small circumference in the round when hat gets too small to work on circular needle.

Final decreases,round 1: K2tog around. 10[11, 12] sts.
Final decreases, round 2: K2tog to last 0[1, 1] sts, k to end. 5[6, 6] sts.

FINISHING

Break yarn leaving 6 inches/15 cm tail. Thread tail onto yarn needle, and pass it through the remaining stitches, then through the hole to the inside of hat. Pull yarn tight and fasten off.

Weave in ends. Soak for at least 20 minutes. Drain and squeeze out the excess water by rolling it up in a towel.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

designername Anna has been knitting as long as she can remember, back in Poland and now in northern New Jersey. She works in two yarn stores and teaches knitting to anyone and everyone who wants to learn. She thinks that life is great as long as the project is interesting, the yarn is beautiful, and the audiobook is fascinating!