X-large hat (fits 23-25 inch head circumference) yarn : Noro Silk Garden 1 1/2 skeins needles : set of 5 double points in U.S. # 10 1/2, 16 inch circular needles in size # 10 1/2 and #9 gauge : 3.5 stitches per inch on large needles.
:: i-cord top knot ::
Cast on 4 stitches using double pointed # 10 1/2 needle. Knit one row. *Do not turn. Instead, slide the stitches to the right end of needle and knit them by bringing the working yarn up behind them. Repeating from* over and again creates a tube of knitted stitches. At first you may notice a ladder of yarn across the backside but after a few rows, pulling down on the cord will make the ladder disappear. Make a 3 inch length. Don’t try knotting this piece till a bit further along when the extra fabric makes it easier to snug the knot.
:: crown increases ::
Beginning as if to create another i-cord row, knit in front & back of next 3 stitches, knit last stitch. You now have 7 stitches. Separate onto 2 needles, 4 stitches on needle #1 , 3 on needle #2. Begin working in rounds. To be a reminder that you have come full around again, place a marker between the 1st and 2nd stitches on first needle. This keeps the marker from sliding off the needle, but you must remember it is the stitch before the marker which is the beginning of new round.
Knit one round. Always take a moment to tighten the first stitches on a double pointed needle in this manner : when starting a new needle, knit the first stitch, place the working needle into the 2nd stitch ready to knit, then pull gently on the working yarn to snug up the first stitch with the last one from the previous needle.
next round :: *Knit front and back of each stitch adding one more needle (14 stitches now, 4 on first 2 needles, 6 on the 3rd)
Knit one round. From this point alternate between increase and plain knit rounds, knitting one plain round between each increase round.
next round (an increase round) :: (*knit 2 , m1 by lifting the strand between the stitches on previous row and knit a stitch there. ) repeat * around. add one more needle (there are 21 stitches, 6 on first 3 needles, 3 on fourth) ... Remember to knit plain round...
next increase round :: * knit 3 , m1 * repeat * around
Continue in this method of adding one more knit stitch before m1 in each increase round. You will begin to see the crown growing in 7 sections. At 56 stitches switch to circular needle, moving marker to before first stitch.
:: math moment ::
continue increasing until there are 84 stitches (12 in each section) After the plain knit round, make one final increase round adding 4 more stitches in this manner. k 12, m 1, k24, m 1, k 24 , m 1, k 24, m 1.
:: brow ::
knit rounds with no further increases till hat measures 8 inches along its curved edge from the top.
:: band ::
switch to circular size 9 needle and work in k2,p2 rib for 4 inches. Bind off loosely in pattern.
:: finishing ::
weave in ends. Instead of knotting i-cord, attach it as a loop
