Design Your Own Hat-Part 3: How to Shape Your Hat

Learn how to increase/decrease in the round in order to shape the body and crown of your hat, as well as all the finishing tips and tricks you need!

Where We Left Off: The Body of the Matter
As you might remember, in our last episode, we were all about the cuff. Now, brace yourselves as we dive into shaping the body and crown of your hat. It’s like giving your hat its own personality. Think of it as hat yoga – start with a little stretch here, and then a little bend there, and voila! All it takes is a little bit of increasing and decreasing. Not sure how to increase/decrease in the round? Don’t worry! I’ll break it down for you.

Increase/Decrease: The Knit and Tuck
In the video above, we’ll waltz into the world of increasing and decreasing in the round. This is where your previous skills really come into play now that you’ve had time to master them. Ever wondered how to give your hat that perfect shape? It’s all in the increase and decrease, my friends. It’s like your hat is on a diet in one row and a feast in the next. We’ll show you the magic of adding and reducing stitches so seamlessly, you’ll feel like a knitting ninja!

Crocheting Seams Like a Dream
Firstly, let’s talk about crocheted seams. If you think crochet is just for grandmas and baby blankets, think again! We’re going to use a crocheted seam to give your hat that extra oomph. This technique is not just about joining pieces; it’s like the secret spice in your knitting recipe. It’s like knitting meets crochet in a dance-off. Who will win? Your hat, of course! And moreover, your time! The crocheted seam is a quick alternative to hand stitching, taking minutes what could potentially take hours otherwise.

Closing the Crown: The Cherry on Top
Now, the grand finale – closing your hat crown. This is where the ease and the beauty of the result really make you feel undeniably like a pro. Closing the crown is like crowning the king or queen of the hat world. And it’s easy peasy. Simply break your yarn and thread it through your remaining stitches after all crown decreases have been completed. Then, pull it tight and weave in your tail along the inside of your hat.

Share the Knitty Gritty
There you have it, you’ve mastered how to increase/decrease in the round, how to close your hat, and (if needed) how to do the crocheted seam! Before you scamper off with your new fabulous hat, a hearty thank you for sticking with me. I’d love to see your creations! Share them on social media, and show the world how you’ve all of a sudden turned a bundle of yarn into a masterpiece. Don’t forget to tag me @KnittyKnightly on instagram, or @KnittyKnightlyCrafts on Facebook; I’m like a proud knitting momma over here!

FAQ
How do I fix a mistake if I notice it several rows later?
Don’t panic! Knitting is forgiving. You can either unravel a few rows (we know, it hurts a little) or get creative and incorporate the mistake into your design. Sometimes, the best features are unplanned!
Are there any specific techniques I should know before starting?
Basic knitting skills are enough to get you started. I’ll guide you through any advanced techniques as they come up as long as you trust the process.
Is this pattern suitable for children’s hats?
Yes, with some adjustments! It’s easy to modify the size larger or smaller by adding or taking away pattern repeats correspondingly.
How can I share my finished hat?
I’d love to see your creation! Share it on social media using my hashtag #dyohat, and you might just get featured on my page.
What if my hat doesn’t look like the one in the tutorial?
That’s the beauty of handcrafted items – each piece is unique! Embrace the quirks and most important remember, practice makes perfect.