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To celebrate getting my website/blog up and running, I’m releasing my first ever free patterns! This set is knit in chunky yarn on big needles in a simple two-row pattern. It goes really quickly. Perfect if you’re a procrastinator (like me) or scrambling for a handknit gift a few days before a Christmas party (like I was).

SIZES: Hat: will stretch to fit heads from 18 to 26 inches [46 to 66 cm]; Cowl: 48 inches [122 cm] long, 4.5 inches [11.5 cm] wide (unstretched)

YARN: sample was knit in Ella Rae Classic Chunky Superwash (100% superwash wool; 121 yds/111 m per 100g skein); color 13. The hat took every last bit of 1 skein and the cowl took 2 skeins with about 20g left over. Just about any chunky or bulky weight yarn would be appropriate for this pattern.

NEEDLES: Hat:US #10.5 [6.5 mm] circular needle, 16 or 20 inches long & set of US #10.5 [6.5 mm] double-pointed needles (or preferred needles for working top of hat in the round). Cowl: US #10.5 [6.5 mm] straight or circular needles, any length.

NOTIONS: Stitch marker, yarn needle.

GAUGE: 14 sts/22 rows = 4 inches/10 cm in stockinette stitch; 20 sts/22 rows = 4 inches/10 cm in  unstretched Lined Rib pattern.

Abbreviations used in this pattern:
k: knit
p: purl
st(s): stitch(es)
RS: right side
WS: wrong side
p2tog: purl two together

HAT:

Using US #10.5 [6.5 mm] circular needle, cast on 66 sts.

Join for knitting in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a marker to indicate the beginning of the round.

Begin Lined Rib pattern:

Round 1: *k3, p3; repeat from * to end of round.
Round 2: *k1, p1; repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat these two rounds for Lined Rib.

 Work in Lined Rib until hat measures 7 inches [18 cm] (for close-fitting hat) OR 9 inches [23 cm] (for bigger, more slouchy hat) from cast-on edge.

Begin decreases after you’ve just worked Round 2 of the Lined Rib pattern. Switch to double-pointed needles when there aren’t enough sts to fit around the circular needle.

Decrease Round 1: *k3, p1, p2tog; repeat from * to end of round—55 sts.
Decrease Round 2: *k1, p1, k1, p2tog; repeat from * to end of round—44 sts.
Decrease Round 3: *k2, p2tog; repeat from * to end of  round—33 sts.
Decrease Round 4: *k1, p2tog; repeat from * to end of round—22 sts.
Decrease Round 5: *p2tog; repeat from * to end of round—11 sts.
Decrease Round 6: *p2tog; repeat from * to last st, p1—6 sts.

Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread tail on a yarn needle and draw through live sts on needles. Pull tight to close hole.

Weave in ends and block hat if desired.

COWL/INFINITY SCARF:

Using US #10.5 [6.5 mm] straight or circular needles, cast on 24 sts.

Do not join. Working back and forth in rows, begin Lined Rib pattern:

Row 1 (RS): *k3, p3; repeat from * to end of row.
Row 2 (WS): *k1, p1; repeat from * to end of row.
Repeat these two rows for Lined Rib.

Work in Lined Rib until piece measures 48 inches [122 cm] from cast-on edge.

Bind off all sts loosely in pattern.

Using mattress stitch, sew the short ends of the cowl together to form a loop. Weave in ends and block cowl if desired.

Hope you enjoy!