Advanced Beginner/ Intermediate Lesson – Traveller’s Hat

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to knit the Traveller’s Hat, which is a great first hat that’s gender neutral. The hat is a very easy beginner knit pattern if starting with the long-tail cast on, or is perhaps an advanced beginner or intermediate project if using the circular tubular cast on, which I recommend and assume you will be using.

You’ll need the following supplies:

• Approximately 200 yards of aran weight yarn, 100 yards in each color if you’d like to knit in stripes;
• 16” circular needles in sizes 3 and 6 (or correct sizes to obtain gauge);
• Size 6 needles (or the same size as your larger needle if different to obtain gauge) for knitting magic loop (either one long circular needle or two, depending on whether you use the traditional magic loop method or magic loop using 2 sets of circular needles; you could also choose to use DPNS);
• One knitting needle several sizes larger than you need for your project (I used a size 10 straight needle);
• A small amount of smooth scrap yarn in a contrasting color;
• A crochet hook (any size will work; if you don’t have one, I suggest size G);
• One stitch marker; 
• Scissors; and
• A yarn needle. 

Start by downloading or printing the Traveller’s Hat pattern, and then review each of the following:

• Introduction to knitting in the round;
• How to make sure your hat will fit;
• How to knit a gauge swatch;
• How to knit the circular tubular cast on for 1×1 rib (or you can use the long-tail cast on);
• How to change colors when knitting in the round and knit a jogless join; 
• How to make a pom pom; and
• Watch the video overview of the whole project (at the bottom of the pattern page), which shows all the steps after the cast on.

Note you can block the hat over an inflated balloon if you want, although I did not block this hat. Learn more about blocking in general.  

Feel free to post a question in the comment section or drop me an email. Happy knitting!