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Knit a Hat Without using a Pattern

Knit a Hat Without using a Pattern
I was in a yarn store a week or two ago and overheard someone asking for a pattern for a scarf. It was all I could do not to say, you don't need a pattern for a scarf! Cast on until it's wide enough, then knit until it's long enough! Done! But I was good.

Hats are slightly more complicated if you want a nice round bit at the top, but not so much that you really need a pattern for them either. If you've done a little knitting, and know how to knit, purl, cast on, etc., a patternless hat is well within your skill level. A bit of math and a swatch, and you're golden. Here's how.
 
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Step 1Tools & Materials

Tools & Materials
You'll need yarn and circular needles at a reasonable size, and some double-pointed in the same size (or close, no more than a size off in either direction). A tapestry needle is nearly but not quite necessary for hiding the yarn tails when you're done.

Depending on the particulars of your yarn, you will almost certainly need just one ball. Check the yardage on the ball so you know whether you need to adjust your calculations. My yarn came in balls of 100 meters.
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9 comments
Feb 14, 2009. 8:22 PMLithium Rain says:
Nice! I admire people who can knit. I always get mad and quit in the middle of something like this. :D
Nov 17, 2010. 8:18 AMcarpe_noctem says:
not to be a fact nazi, but wouldn't a sweater without sleeves be a vest?
PS: thanks for the knitting 'ible, I learned how in 7th grade but I could only do the garter stitch, and i forgot most of it.
Jun 18, 2010. 7:10 PMredwren says:
I guess how much you need a pattern depends on the complexity of the finished project. A candle-flame lace scarf for example.
Feb 15, 2009. 8:14 PMthepelton says:
I hope this doesn't sound too silly, but is there an instructable that shows the basic knitting stitches?
Feb 15, 2009. 9:39 PMrandofo says:
Indeed. Rachel also posted how to knit.
Feb 15, 2009. 10:32 PMthepelton says:
Thank you. Got it.
Feb 15, 2009. 11:24 AMgmjhowe says:
Nice work! I love the colours you used.
Feb 15, 2009. 12:10 AMBeanGolem says:
I've only done a tad of knitting in da round. I made one sleeve of a sweater. woo. haha. Love the earth tones. yay nature.

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Author:rachel
I'm a founding member of Noisebridge (https://noisebridge.net), a hackerspace in San Francisco, and Ace Monster Toys (http://acemonstertoys.org/), in Oakland. If you're in the area, stop by and say h...
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