French Trapper Knit Hat
"This hat pattern is worked flat and seamed, making it perfect for the beginner or advanced knitter. The weight of the yarn and corresponding needle size determines the size of the hat. This pattern fits most: sport weight for a child, #4 and bulky weight for youth and adult. Typically, one standard skein makes a hat and the tassel. Use up your yarn scraps and make a striped hat!"
NotesMatch the needle size to the yarn, as called for on the yarn label, to attain an approximate fit to the head circumference.
Knitting Needle Size8 or 5 mm
Yarn Weight(4) Medium Weight/Worsted Weight and Aran (16-20 stitches to 4 inches)
Gauge9 stitches, 13 rows, 2 inches, ribbing and stockinette - (as a reference only) #4 yarn on size 8 in St st = 2 inch square (9 st, and 13 rows)
Materials List
- #3 sport weight OR #4 medium weight OR #6 bulky weight
- Appropriately sized needle for desired yarn weight
- Yarn needle
Instructions
Beginning at lower edge, and with smaller needles, CO 72 sts.
Ribbing Cuff:
Row 1: *K 2, p 2; repeat from * across. (72 sts) Row 2: *K 2, p 2; repeat from * across. Repeat Rows 1-2 to approximately 3 from CO.
Cap Row 1:
Changing to larger needles, *K in next 23, inc, repeat from * across. (75 sts) Row 2: P in each st across. Row 3: K in each st across. Repeat Rows 2 and 3 for St st until piece measures approximately 8 from CO edge ending with purl row.
Cap Shaping:
Row 1: *K next 13, dec, repeat from * across. (70 sts)
Rows 2-4: Work even in St st.
Row 5: *K next 12, dec, repeat from * across. (65 sts)
Rows 6-8: Work even in St st.
Row 9: *K next 11, dec, repeat from * across. (60 sts)
Rows 10-12: Work even in St st.
Row 13: *K next 10, dec, repeat from * across. (55 sts)
Rows 14-16: Work even in St st.
Row 17: *K next 9, dec, repeat from * across. (50 sts)
Rows 18-20: Work even in St st.
Row 21: *K next 8, dec, repeat from * across. (45 sts)
Rows 22-24: Work even in St st.
Row 25: *K next 7, dec, repeat from * across. (40 sts)
Rows 26-28: Work even in St st.
Row 29: *K next 6, dec, repeat from * across. (35 sts)
Rows 30-32: Work even in St st.
Row 33: *K next 5, dec, repeat from * across. (30 sts)
Rows 34-36: Work even in St st.
Row 37: Dec across. (15 sts)
Row 38-40: Work even in St st.
Row 41: BO loosely in k leaving long tail for seaming fasten off.
Finishing:
Using large-eyed needle and tail, gather BO row tightly. Fold hat in half from top to bottom and sew side seam with same tail. Turn up Ribbing Cuff.
Note: A tassel or a pom-pom can be added to the tip of the hat. Traditionally this was often tucked into the Ribbing Cuff.