Adult's Striped Bobble Hat in Reverse Stocking Stitch

This free knitting pattern for a bobble hat was originally designed for my friend Jo and is loosely based on the skiing hats which are popular at the moment.  The additional striping as the wool changes colour in this hat adds an extra twist on the standard striped bobble hat.
The hat is easy to make and is ideal for beginners or more experienced knitters alike.  Total preparation time is probably about 4 - 8 hours depending on experience.

Requirements:

3 x 50g and 2 x 20g Balls of chunky knitting yarn in contrasting colours
1 x 5.5mm Knitting Needles

Abbreviations:


Abbreviation
   
 Meaning
     
sts      Stitches      
    Knit (number after it refers to how many stitches to knit)
     
 K2tog     Knit next two stitches together as one stitch (decreases the number of stitches by 1)
   
[ ]
    Repeat instructions within [ ] as specified by the instruction directly following the bracket

Pattern:
Print copy of free knitting pattern ribbed bobble hat

To make hat (make 1):
Using 5.5mm needles and colour A cast on 74 stitches.
Starting with a purl row, reverse stocking stitch 4 rows
Change to Colour B and continue in reverse stocking stitch for a further 3 rows

Change to Colour C and continue in reverse stocking stitch for a further 3 rows

Change to Colour D and continue in reverse stocking stitch for a further 3 rows

Change to Colour A and continue in reverse stocking stitch for a further 3 rows

Change to Colour B and continue in reverse stocking stitch for a further 3 rows

Change to Colour C and continue in reverse stocking stitch for a further 3 rows

Change to Colour E and continue in reverse stocking stitch for a further 3 rows

Change to Colour A and continue in reverse stocking stitch for a further 3 rows

Shape Crown:
Row 1:  Change to colour B and continuing in pattern work; K2, [K2tog, K6 ] repeat to end (65 sts)
Row 2:  Purl to end
Row 3:  K2, [K2tog, K5] repeat to end (56 sts)
Row 4:  Change to colour C; Purl to end
Row 5:  K5 [K2tog, K4] repeat to last 3 stitches, K2 tog, K1 (47 sts)
Row 6:  Purl to end

Row 7:  Change to colour D;  [K2tog, K3] repeat to last 2 sts, K2tog (37 sts)
Row 8: Purl to end
Row 9: K1, [K2tog, K2] (28 sts)
Row 10: Purl to end

Row 11: K1, [K2tog, K1] (19 sts)
Row 12: Purl to end
Row 13: [K2tog, K2tog] repeat to end (10 sts)
Break off yarn, thread yarn through remaining stitches and secure.

 

 

To make up

Carefully sew down back of hat ensuring that the seam cannot be seen on the outside of the hat.  Make a Pompom and attach securely to the top of the hat.The Pompom shown here was prepared by wrapping wool around my hand, tying in the centre and trimming to shape.

 

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