Warmest Regards

*This hat was designed to be given as a gift.* The classic watch cap style looks great on just about everybody. The all-over ribbing makes a stretchy fabric, so fitting is easy. And this pattern is great for using up your leftovers from other projects, since a striped hat is always fun! I offer this pattern to you at no cost, in the hopes that you’ll make many, many gifts. In return, I ask that you make a hat for the charity of your choice. If you don’t have time to knit an extra hat, please consider donating cash equal to what you’d expect to pay for a pattern. If you don’t have a charity in mind, may I suggest [Knit the Rainbow][1]? [www.knittherainbow.org] This organization collects warm, handmade winter garments to be distributed to the thousands of homeless LGBTQ+ youth in New York City. These vulnerable, often-overlooked, young people are worthy of our care and protection. Knitting a hat seems the least I can do. Won’t you join me? **Size** One size fits most teenagers and adults **Finished Measurements** *Head circumference:* Approximately 16” / 40.5 cm without stretching *Length:* 11” / 28 cm uncuffed The 2x2 ribbing in this hat makes a very stretchy fabric. The finished hat will comfortably fit heads ranging from 18-24” / 45.5-61 cm. **Yarn Requirements** *Fingering or sock weight:* 240 yards *DK weight:* 210 yards *Worsted weight:* 180 yards This pattern is a great stash-buster. The yardage given above is the total needed for a single hat. Gather up your bits and pieces and partial balls of yarn. As long as the yarn thickness is relatively consistent, you can change color as often as you please for a one-of-a-kind striped hat! **Needles** 16” / 40 cm circular needle and set of 4 double pointed needles or needles in preferred style for small circumference knitting in the round. *Fingering or sock weight:* US size 3 (3.25 mm) *DK weight:* US size 6 (4 mm) *Worsted weight:* US size 8 (5 mm) Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge. **Notions** Stitch markers, tapestry needle **Gauge** *Fingering or sock weight:* 50 sts and 38 rows = 4” / 10 cm in P2, K2 Ribbing, unstretched *DK weight:* 40 sts and 30 rows = 4” / 10 cm in P2, K2 Ribbing, unstretched *Worsted weight:* 32 sts and 26 rows = 4” / 10 cm in P2, K2 Ribbing, unstretched [1]: www.knittherainbow.org