Pirouette Hat

Please note: this pattern is now available to download as a pdf from Craftsy for $2. It will still be freely available on this blog, but I thought people might want the opportunity to download a pdf version.

I'm making this as a Christmas present for a french teacher friend using a bit of leftover malabrigo. It's such a nice yarn and very cosy! I've used a lace pattern that has five stitch repeats, but one extra stitch in the round which gives the twirl effect. 

Yarn Less than one ball Malabrigo Worsted ( = less than 192 m).

Needles 4.5mm/ US 7 dpns

Gauge 18st = 10cm in stocking stitch with 5mm/US 8 needles

Dimensions 19'' circumference, 9'' high. 

Notation 

k = knit
p = purl

CO = cast on

k2tog = knit two stitches together

yo = bring the yarn to the front of your knitting

k1fb = knit into the front, then the back, of the next stitch
dpn = double pointed needle

Directions

CO 80 stitches, 30 on first needle, 25 on second, 25 on third. Work in k2 p2 rib for 8 rounds. Now k1fb, k2, k2tog, yo *k3, k2tog, yo* until your hat measures 7''. You should end up working a k2tog at the end of each dpn (and working the next yo at the start of the following dpn), if this isn't the case shift the stitches around so it is! For the last five stitches on the last dpn before you start decreasing, only work k3 k2tog, don't do a yo on the next needle. Now work decreases as follows:

Row 1: *k3 k2tog yo k3 k2tog* to end of row (i.e. repeat the part in **'s 8 times)

Row 2: *yo k2 k2tog yo k3 k2tog* to end of row

Row 3: *k2 k2tog yo k3 k2tog* to end of row

Row 4: *yo k1 k2 tog yo k3 k2 tog* to end of row

Row 5: *k1 k2tog yo k3 k2tog* to end of row

Row 6: *yo k2tog yo k3 k2tog* to end of row

Row 7: *k2tog yo k3 k2tog* to end of row

Row 8: *k4 k2tog yo* to end of row

Row 9: k3 k2 tog *k4 k2tog* to end of row

Row 10: *k3 k2tog yo* to end of row

Row 11: k2 k2tog *k3 k2tog* to end of row

Row 12: *k2 k2tog yo* to end of row

Row 13: k1 k2tog *k2 k2tog* to end of row

Row 14: *k1 k2tog yo* to end of row

Row 15: k2tog *k1 k2tog* fto end of row

Row 16:*k2tog* to end of row

Note that "to end of row" means work three dpns, rather than 81 stitches, this ensures the pattern "twists" nicely!

8 stitches remain, cut yarn leaving a 6'' tail, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight and secure inside the hat. Weave in loose ends.