Chunky Pom Pom Hat (knit)

A couple years ago I was searching for knitting needles the next size up from US 15 (10 mm) and for whatever reason I couldn't find them in store and I couldn't find US 17 (12 mm) either so I ordered US 19 (15 mm) knitting needles online thinking at the time that they would just be slightly bigger than the 10 mm ones I had (not sure what my logic was there...). When they arrived, I realized these were A LOT bigger than the other ones I had. I might've had a project in mind for them at the time of ordering but when they arrived, surely I had misread the pattern I was planning on using. These straight knitting needles were the length of my arm and the circumference of my thumb!

Well, guess what? They're pretty perfect for loose chunky knits. I love how quickly chunky yarns work up. I love the fine knits too for their elegance and finesse but honestly, it takes sooooo long to knit something and I'm not a very fast knitter (when patterns estimate "just a couple hours!" I find the need to at least double maybe triple the estimate....plus, it isn't like there aren't interruptions because, children.).

Materials

• US 17 (12 mm) knitting needles
• US 19 (15 mm) knitting needles
• yarn needle
• Less than 1 ball of Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick "Spice"
• Pompom maker, 65 mm (or desired size)

Notes

• Gauge: 3 x 3 inches = 7 rows x 6 stitches
• Knitted flat in rows and seamed up the back (I generally prefer knitting in the round when there's the option but I don't have US 19 circular knitting needles sooooo can't do that!).
• This ends up being a pretty loose fitting hat so if you prefer it more snug, you may need to fiddle around with the needle size and yarn thickness. 

Finished Measurements

Circumference: 16 inches at brim (but stretches to be loose fitting)

Length: 9.25 inches

Abbreviations

k = knit

p = purl

k2tog = knit 2 stitches together

p2tog = purl 2 stitches together

sts = stitches

*_* = repeat 

Instructions

• Using smaller needles, long-tail cast on 35 stitches and leave at least 15 inches for seaming at the end.
• Row 1 (right side): k1, *p1, k1* across row
• Row 2 (wrong side): p1, *k1, p1* across row
• Rows 3-4: repeat rows 1-2
• Switch to larger needles.
• Row 5: knit across row
• Row 6: purl across row
• Row 7-14: repeat rows 5-6, 4 times.
• Row 15: *k3, k2tog* across row (28 sts)
• Row 16: purl across row (28 sts)
• Row 17: *k2, k2tog* across row (21 sts)
• Row 18: purl across row (21 sts)
• Row 19: *k1, k2tog* across row (14 sts)
• Row 20: purl across row (14 sts)
• Row 21: *k2tog* across row (7 sts)
• Row 22: *p2tog* across row (4 sts)
• Cut yarn, leaving a tail of 6 inches. Using yarn needle, draw tail through remaining stitches twice and pull tightly. Using the longer tail, mattress stitch to sew back seams together.
• Make pompom and attach to top of hat securely with pom pom ends and the two ends leftover from making body of hat and seaming. All ends should be at the top of the hat.

There isn't much recoil to this hat due to the looseness of the knit. It wears on the slouchier end versus snug. Cushy and soft and cozy.

So smooshy.

I'm thinking these enormous knitting needles could knit up a couch blanket nicely...though I might get bored with that...maybe a scarf instead.

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