We’re Mad for Plaid! This Fall –ok, and frankly since my punk rock, late teens — I’m mad for plaid, so I’m thrilled to see retailers and runways alike, riding the cross-stripes train! From Tartan to lumber jack, it’s hip to be (melded) square(s); and I dig ’em all. It’s the simplest form, checkerboard and outlined cubes, however that has me swooning this season. Which brings me to the point of this post, and my latest beanie pattern: the Mad for Plaid (aka Ode to Designer, Adam Lippes) Hat! You don’t need to deal with complicated stranding methods to get the graphic look of this plaid. Knit simply with the mosaic method of slipping the stitches of the yarn not in play, the result is immediate and satisfying. Here’s how: Mad for Plaid Hat Materials 1 ball each, Patons Classic Wool Roving Size U.S. 10 1/2 (6.5 mm) double-pointed needles (dpns) –or size needed to obtain gauge. Size U.S. 11 (8 mm), 16″(41 cm) circular needle (circ)–or size needed to obtain gauge. Size U.S. 11 (8 mm) double-pointed needles (dpns) –or size needed to obtain gauge. (NO SLOUCH VERSION ONLY) Tapestry needle Sizes S/M(L/XL) Finished Measurements Circumference: 20″(21″)/51 (53.5 cm) Fits up to 22″ (23″)/56 (58.5) head No Slouch Version Length: 8″(8 1/2″)/20 (21.5) cm Slouchy Version Length: 10″(11″)/25.5 (28) cm Gauge 12 sts x 22 rows = 4″/10 cm in garter mosaic pattern stitch. Directions With A and smaller dpns, CO 60(63) sts. Divide sts evenly amongst needles; join taking care not to twist. Rows 1-6: *K1, p2; rep from * around. Switch to circ needle. Row 7: Knit. Join B when necessary. Row 8: *Sl 1 with Color A , K2 with Color B; rep from * around. Row 9: *Sl 1 (A); p2 (B); rep from * around. Row 10: With A, knit. Row 11: With A, purl. Rep Rows 8-11 for garter mosaic pattern stitch, until piece measures 7″ (7 1/2″)/No Slouch Version, and 10″(11″) Slouch Version. SLOUCHY VERSION: Bind off, leaving long tail of A. NO SLOUCH VERSION ONLY: Crown shaping — switch to larger dpns when necessary. Row 1: *K1, k2tog; rep from * around. Rows 2, 4 & 6: Purl. Row 3: *K2tog; rep from * around. Row 5: *K2tog; rep from * around, ending with a k0 (k1). Row 7: Repeat Row 5. –5 (6) sts. BO, leaving a tail. With tapestry needle, weave tail through remaining live sts on needles; remove needles; cinch shut. Feet tail through inside of hat. Finishing SLOUCHY VERSION ONLY Close hat crown as follows: With tapestry needle & Color A tail, insert through center front and back (joining front and back at center); take a stitch. (Upper left photo above.) Pinch side edges to the same center point and stitch through both thicknesses. The top of the beanie will now be in a star formation. Continue in this manner, pinching the opposite edges and stitch them together until top of hat is completely closed. Fasten off. BOTH VERSIONS Using colors A & B held together, make pompom using your preferred method. I love using a Pompom Maker! Sew pompom onto top of hat. Weave in ends. Love your beanie, and ready to embrace even more plaid? Here are four, be-squared blankets by the talented, Yarnspirations in-house designers! Plaid Blanket Patterns Buffalo Plaid Afghan(Crochet) Boldly Colored Plaid Blanket (Knit) Yours in Plaid, Vickie
