Why Knit a Hat?

If you’re stuck knitting scarves and dishcloths because you’re not comfortable knitting in the round, it’s time for you to expand your skills so you can knit more challenging projects.

Learning to knit in the round is the single fastest way to improve your knitting ability and open up the possibility of knitting more exciting projects. After you learn to knit in the round (which is, by the way, totally within your ability to do), you can knit socks, mittens, sweaters, toys, and pretty much anything you can imagine, including, of course, lots of hats!

Why Knit in the Round on Magic Loop?

Knitting in the round (knitting a continuous tube) is a fantastic way to create garments like hats, socks, mittens, and sweaters, but each method of knitting in the round has its drawbacks. Double-pointed needles can be unwieldy and create ladders where the needles meet, plus they don’t allow you to try on as you go or knit your projects two-at-a-time. There’s also the danger of losing one or two of the pointy little buggers! Small circular needles require you to you buy a different circumference of needle for each kind of project, and the two-circulars method requires you to buy more needles than you might otherwise need.

I have found the Magic Loop technique of knitting in the round to be an elegant and fun solution to all these issues and more. A minimal number of needles serves to create a vast number of projects. You can try on as you go which helps you notice and fix any issues as soon as possible. You can knit two identical items at-a-time if you wish (think socks and mittens). The list of pros goes on and on, but suffice it to say, my students have found this method wonderful for anyone wishing to knit in the round with speed and enjoyment.

What Materials Will I Need to Do This Hat on Magic Loop?

You’ll need a 40-47-inch-long circular needle in two sizes, US 9 and 10. Addi Turbo is my favorite brand, but you can use Knit Picks, ChiaGoo, Addi Lace, or any other circular needles you have access to. You can buy them online, on Amazon, or at your local yarn store. I prefer metal circular needles to the bamboo or birch needles you find at big box craft stores. I prefer the 47-inch length as it allows you to knit two-at-a-time in the future if you desire.

What Other Materials Will I Need to Knit This Hat?

You’ll need 100 yards of bulky (chunky)-weight yarn, in a single color or two or more colors if you’d like to do a striped hat. Malabrigo Chunky (available online or at your local yarn store) is my favorite brand, but not machine-washable. Any bulky yarn will work. I prefer wool yarn to acrylic.

What Techniques Will I Learn in This Class?

You’ll learn how to:

• Knit in the round on Magic Loop
• Check your gauge in the round
• Cast on using the Long-Tail Cast-On
• Work in the round in 1×1 rib
• Count your rounds easily so you don’t have to write anything down
• Do the Make One (M1) increase and recognize it when you see it
• Make jogless stripes in the round
• Use the Traveling Loop method to work Magic Loop on many stitches
• Do the Knit 2 Together (K2tog) decrease and recognize it when you see it
• Know when to decrease and when to do a plain round without writing anything down
• Close the top of a hat
• Invisibly weave in ends
• Block your work for professional results

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Personal Answers to Your Knitting Questions

We know self-taught knitters have questions, and we never want you to feel alone. As a KnitFreedom student you have access to personal knitting coaching via email at any time. Just email [email protected] Knitting expert and video teacher Liat Gat will answer your questions about this hat project. You can even send in a photo of your knitting if you aren’t sure how to explain what’s happened.

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