August may have got off to a warm start, but if you looked in on Saturday's Happy Hookers crochetalong you may have thought the opposite! Michelle wanted to try the ribbed technique so Gill suggested the group try the easy beanie hat pattern she'd suggested a while ago. In keeping with the more wintry theme Ann also brought along the snowflakes she was making. Sandy was welcomed along to the virtual group for the first time. Chunky or aran wool is needed plus suitably large hooks (5 or 6 for aran; 7,8, or 9 for chunky), so this turned out to be a very quick make. There was an initial flurry of activity as everyone needed to measure the number of chain stitches needed according to their head size (measure from crown to forehead, plus some extra for a turnup of a couple of inches) to adjust from the number shown in the video. This was followed by much concentration to ensure each half treble stitch was crocheted into the back of the stitch to achieve the desired rib effect. It was then a matter of repeating the stitch and rows until the crocheted oblong could be fitted around the head. The excellent video tutorial included a couple of useful new techniques for the making up stage: making a seam using slip stitch, plus threading the wool through the top of the hat so it could be cinched together for the final finish.
For those who prefer it, here's Gill's written instructions for the hat.
EASIEST EVER HAT
Aran yarn and 5mm hook or Chunky yarn and 9mm hook
Make a slip knot and chain 27 for chunky or 45 if aran (this was my fit for large head and hat also had a brim).
Stitch is Half Double Crochet (HDC) = yarn over hook, place hook into chain, yarn over hook and pull through, 3 stitches. Yarn over hook and pull through all three stitches.
NB all stitches are made into the back of the loop to create the ribbed effect.
Row 1). HDC into 3rd chain from hook. HDC to end of row chain 2 and turn.
Row 2) HDC into the back loop of the chain to end of row, chain 2 and turn.
Repeat row 2 until 23 rows for chunky or until the rectangle fits around you head.
Make up by crocheting the hat together on the seam and slip stitch top rib stitch on top of hat then pull tight to gather top of hat. All that's left to do is the addition of bobbles (pom pom or faux fur depending on the makers' preferences) for a stylish look ready for winter! Look out for the instructions for Ann's pictured snowflakes in a future post.