Rainbow Elf

Rainbow Elf

A hat designed by Gryffngurl

All rights reserved for the hat design and photos

I LOVE to make hats for the holidays. This year, I wanted to knit something different from what I usually make. This pattern incorporates something that I didn't think I would enjoy - making stripes (with all the weaving in!) and a design element that I love - lots of floppiness.


This is just a formula. You will notice in the instructions that I did not include details for when to change stripes. I made several versions of this hat; all of them have stripes with different widths and different colors. My favorite washable yarn is Plymouth Encore. If your LYS carries this brand and has the neon colors I suggest using the neon yellow, green, and orange. For the red and blue, I suggest finding the brightest that you can find.

Notes:
If you want less of a "tail", you can increase on every 4th row (instead of on the 7th row).
If you want more of a "tail" knit the 12 stitches after the first increase row for more than 6 rows.**

Abbreviations:K=Knit
M1=Make one increase. Here is a link if you are not familiar with this increase, please look at this link: http://tutorials.knitpicks.com/wptutorials/make-1-increase/
PM=Place a stitchmarker
SM=Slip marker from left to right needle

Supplies used:
Size 9 circular needles (or any size that gives you gauge)
Worsted weight yarn in whatever colors you would like. I used Plymouth Encore.
6 stitchmarkers (one different from the others )

Gauge: 4.5 stitches/inch

PATTERN:

Cast on 6 stitches (I used Judy's Magic Cast On). However you can use any circular cast on. PM the stitchmarker that is different from the others to indicate beginning of round.

Row 1: Knit

Row 2: *K1, M1, PM repeat from * to end (12 stitches)

Knit 6 rows even **

Next row: *K2, M1, SM, repeat from * to end (18 stitches)

Knit 6 rows even

Next row: *K3, M1, SM, repeat from * to end (24 stitches)

Continue in this manner, increasing 6 stitches on every 7th row until you have 84 stitches.

Knit even until hat measures 14 inches from the top.

Next row, change to K1, P1 rib pattern.

Knit even for about 3 inches.

Bind off (I use Jeny's Stretchy Bind Off)
Voilà! Your hat is done! 

Please let me know if you have any questions. =) Happy Holidays!