Asterisk Hat

A slouchy, easy-to-knit hat in two sizes. Decreases at the top form an asterisk shape. The hat pictured is in the larger size.

Yarn:  Patons UK Wool Blend DK, 1 skein = 251m (you won’t use it all!)

Needles: 4 4mm dpns or 4mm 16” circular needle and 4 4mm dpns.

Gauge:  22sts and 30 rows = 4”

Dimensions: small = 18” around, 8” high, large = 20” around, 9” high.

Extras 3 stitch markers.

Notation: 

CO = cast on

k = knit

p = purl

sl = slip

k2tog = knit 2 stitches together

ssk= slip 2 stitches knitwise then knit them together with the lefthand needle

psso = pass slipped stitch over

pm = place marker

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Double Moss Stitch Pattern:

Row 1: *k1 p1* to end of row.

Row 2: *k1 p1* to end of row.

Row 3: *p1 k1* to end of row.

Row 4: *p1 k1* to end of row.

Directions: 

Note: The directions for this pattern require you to use 4 (not 5!) dpns. The decreases at the top are worked in 6 segments, 2 on each dpn.

Cast on 102 (114) stitches, 34 (38) on each of your 3 dpns (if you’re using them).  Join in the round and place a marker for the beginning of the row if you’re using a circular needle.

Work in k2 p1 rib for 10 rows (or around 1½”). Now work in Double Moss Stitch until hat measures 6” (7”), ending on Row 3 of the Double Moss Stitch Pattern. Change to 4 dpns if you were using a circular needle, ensuring you have 34 (36) stitches on each of your 3 working needles.

Work set-up row: *p1, (k1 p1) 8 (9) times, pm, k1 (p1 k1) 8 (9) times, (you should be at the end of a needle)* to end of row.  You basically work row 4 of the Double Moss Stitch Pattern but place a marker in the middle of each dpn, i.e. after 17 (19) stitches. This divides your stitches into 6 segments for the decreases.

Now decrease as follows:

Row 1: (ssk k1 *p1 k1* to two stitches before marker, k2tog, slip marker, ssk p1 *k1 p1* to two stitches before end of dpn, k2tog ) three times, 12 stitches decreased.

Row 2: (k2 *p1 k1* to one stitch before marker, k1, slip marker, k1 p1 *k1 p1* to one stitch before end of dpn, k1) three times.

Repeat these two rows 6 (7) more times, you should have 18 stitches left.

Final Row: *sl1 k1 psso* to end of row. Cut the yarn leaving a 10'' tail. Thread this through the remaining stitches and pull tight. Sew over the hole a couple of times and weave in any loose ends.