Softie

*Softie* is Jonna Hietala’s interpretation of the perfect hat. It’s super warm, holds its shape and is firm enough for a good, long-lasting accessory. And the best of all: it doesn’t itch. **SIZE** 1 (2, 3) To fit a head circumference of approx. 20–21 (21–23, 23–25)”/ 51–53 (53–58.5, 58.5–63.5) cm. **FINISHED MEASUREMENTS** Circumference (without stretching): 15 (15.75, 17.5)" / 38 (40, 44.5) cm. Height (without brim folded): 13" / 32 cm. Note! Because the hat stretches, its circumference is significantly smaller than your head’s circumference. **MATERIALS** Yarn: 2 (2, 3) balls of Sandnes Garn Børstet Alpakka (96% alpaca, 4% nylon, 120 yds / 110 m – 50 g), colourways 5043 (lilac), 2112 (yellow), 4033 (dusty pink) and 9062 (green). You can also substitute one skein of Børstet Alpakka with Sandnes Garn Kos (9% wool, 62% baby alpaca, 29% nylon, 164 yds / 150 m – 50 g). The hat is worked with two strands of yarn held together throughout the pattern. If you decide to use another yarn, you will need approx. 229 (240, 267) yds / 210 (220, 244) m bulky-weight yarn. Needles: US 8 / 5 mm 16" / 40 cm circular needles (or longer if you use the magic loop method) or DPNs. Notions: Stitch marker. **GAUGE** 18 sts x 18 rnds to 4" / 10 cm in 1 x 1 Ribbing, after blocking. **NOTES** Knitted hats tend to stretch out and no one likes a hat that falls off one’s head or doesn’t stay in place. There are several reasons why a knitted hat doesn’t hold its shape but the material is a big factor. Sheep’s wool (particularly merino) is elastic and tends to hold its shape well, but for example silk mohair and 100% alpaca yarn are more prone to stretch with time. Thus, keep in mind the characteristics of the fibre when choosing yarn for your hat. **CONSTRUCTION** This hat is knitted seamlessly in the round from bottom to top. It is worked with two strands of yarn held together in 1 x 1 Ribbing and is designed with a foldable rib. **MODIFICATIONS** It is incredibly easy to adjust the hat size if needed: simply cast on a couple of stitches more or less. Just make sure to cast on a stitch count divisible by 4. Find the free pattern [on our website][1]. [1]: https://lainepublishing.com/products/softie-hat?_pos=1&_sid=a2d0e3c20&_ss=r