Mastering the Art of Decreasing: A Guide to Knitting Hats in the Round

Knitting is a timeless craft that has been passed down through generations, with each stitch holding a story of its own. From cozy sweaters to intricate lace shawls, there is no limit to what can be created with just two needles and some yarn. But if you’re anything like me, you may have encountered a bump in the road when it comes to knitting hats in the round. The endless circular motion can lead to a dreaded problem – an oversized hat! Fear not, fellow knitters, as we guide you through the steps on how to decrease knitting a hat in the round, resulting in a perfectly fitting and stylish headwear. Let’s unravel the secrets to achieving a flawless finish in your next knitting project.

The Basics of Knitting in the Round

Knitting in the round, also known as circular knitting, is a method used to create seamless tubes of fabric. This technique is often used to make hats, gloves, socks, and other items that need to fit snugly around a circular object such as a head or hand.

To begin knitting in the round, you will need circular knitting needles or double-pointed needles. Circular needles are two needles joined by a cable, while double-pointed needles are shorter and have points on both ends. Both types can be used to knit in the round; it is just a matter of personal preference.

Before you start knitting, make sure your stitches are facing the right direction on your needle. This may require flipping them over or untwisting them if you are using circular needles.

The Importance of Gauge

One crucial aspect of knitting in the round is maintaining an even and consistent gauge. Gauge refers to the number of stitches and rows per inch in your knitted fabric. It is essential to check your gauge before starting a project because it can significantly affect the size and fit of your finished item.

To determine your gauge, you will need to knit a swatch using the yarn and needle size specified in your pattern. Most patterns will provide instructions for creating a swatch and then measuring its dimensions against the desired gauge. It may seem tedious, but taking the time to check your gauge can save you from having an ill-fitting finished product.

Decreasing Stitches

Within any knitting project comes a time when it becomes necessary to decrease stitches. In hats knit in the round, decreasing is typically done at the crown (top) of the hat. This creates a tapering effect that gives the hat its shape.

To decrease stitches while knitting in the round, there are various methods that you can use, such as knit two together (K2Tog), slip slip knit (SSK), or knit two stitches together through the back loops (K2TBL). Your pattern will specify which decrease method to use, but most knitting decreases involve working two stitches together in some way.

Decreasing in the Round

Decreasing while knitting in the round is slightly different from decreasing in flat knitting. With circular needles, you are always working on the right side of your work, so you will decrease every other round rather than every row.

One way to keep track of your decreases is by using stitch markers. You can place a stitch marker after each decrease to act as a visual reminder to decrease on that same spot on subsequent rounds.

Some hats require more gradual decreasing than others, depending on the desired shape and fit. If this is the case, your pattern may specify to decrease after three or four rounds instead of every other round. Make sure to follow your pattern’s instructions carefully and place markers accordingly.

Finishing Your Decreased Hat

Once you have reached the specified number of stitches for your hat size, it is time to finish off. At this point, you will likely have 8-12 stitches remaining that need to be worked into a seamless crown.

To close the opening, use a yarn needle and weave it through all remaining stitches. Cinch them tightly and weave in the end to secure them. You can then turn your hat inside out and tuck in any remaining yarn ends before wearing or gifting your finished product.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Just like with any knitting project, there may be times when things do not go as planned while working on a hat knit in the round. Here are some common issues that you may encounter and how to troubleshoot them:

– Twisted stitches: If you notice that your stitches are twisted rather than laying flat, then you likely have joined your work in the wrong direction. You can either start over or carefully untwist the stitches before continuing.
– Stitches too loose: If you find that your knit fabric is too loose, try using a smaller needle size to achieve a tighter gauge.
– Stitches too tight: On the other hand, if your stitches are too tight, use a larger needle size to loosen up the gauge.
– Uneven decrease lines: This issue can occur if you are not careful when working your decreases. Make sure to follow your pattern’s instructions and use markers for guidance.

Knitting a hat in the round may seem like an intimidating task at first, but with practice and patience, it can become second nature. Remember to check your gauge, use stitch markers for guidance, and stay consistent with your decreases for a seamless finish. With these tips and techniques in mind, you will be able to create beautiful hats that fit perfectly every time. Happy knitting!

Finding the Right Techniques

When it comes to knitting a hat in the round, using the right techniques is crucial for achieving a polished and professional finish. There are several methods for decreasing a hat while knitting in the round, each with its own unique advantages and challenges. In this section, we will cover some of the most popular techniques and provide step-by-step instructions on how to execute them successfully.

One of the most common techniques for decreasing a hat in the round is called “knit 2 together” (k2tog). This is a basic decrease that involves knitting two stitches together as one, thus reducing the total number of stitches on your needles. To begin, simply insert your right needle into two stitches as if you were going to knit them normally. Instead of knitting them separately, wrap your yarn around both stitches and pull through to create one loop. Slide the original two stitches off your left needle and continue knitting in this fashion until you have reached the desired number of decreases.

Another popular method for decreasing in the round is known as “ssk” or “slip slip knit.” Similar to k2tog, this technique also reduces two stitches into one. To perform an ssk decrease, slip two stitches from your left needle onto your right needle knitwise (meaning from front to back). Then, insert your left needle into both slipped stitches and knit them together as one. This method creates a slightly slanted decrease that can add an interesting design element to your hat.

For those looking for a more advanced technique, “purl 2 together” (p2tog) offers a unique alternative to standard decreases while knitting in the round. This method is similar to k2tog but is executed on the purl side of your work. Simply purl two stitches together as one by inserting your right needle into both loops at once and wrapping your yarn around as if you were purling normally. Pull through to create one loop and continue purling until you have completed all desired decreases.

Adjusting Your Stitch Count

Decreasing a hat in the round not only involves using the right techniques but also requires careful consideration and planning regarding your stitch count. Depending on your chosen decrease method, your stitch count may change throughout the knitting process. This can impact the overall size and shape of your hat, so it is crucial to make any necessary adjustments along the way.

If you are using a basic decrease method like k2tog or ssk, you will simply need to reduce your total number of stitches by two for each decrease round. For example, if you start with 100 stitches and decrease every other round using k2tog, after four rounds of decreases, you will have 92 stitches remaining. This gradual decrease will create a smooth and symmetrical shape for your hat.

However, if you are using more advanced techniques like p2tog or involve more complex patterns, calculating your stitch count may be a bit trickier. In these cases, it is important to always keep track of how many stitches you have on your needles before each decrease round. You can use stitch markers to denote where decreases should occur or even write out a chart with your stitch counts for reference.

Ensuring Perfect Tension

Decreasing in the round also requires maintaining consistent tension throughout your work to ensure a polished and seamless appearance. While knitting in the round can help eliminate any visible seams or gaps, improper tension can still lead to an uneven or distorted finish.

To avoid this issue, it is helpful to practice with different yarn weights and needle sizes before tackling a project with new techniques or patterns. Familiarizing yourself with different types of yarns and how they behave when knit at different tensions can greatly improve the quality of your work. Additionally, taking breaks and ensuring proper posture while knitting can also help reduce any tension in your hands and allow for more even and relaxed stitches.

Finishing Touches

Once you have successfully decreased your hat to the desired size, it’s time to add some finishing touches to complete your project. Securing the top of your hat is essential to preventing any unraveling or loose ends. To do this, carefully weave in your working yarn into the remaining stitches using a darning needle. Pull tight and knot the yarn to secure it in place.

If you are using a ribbed or patterned design for your hat, you may need to adjust the stitch pattern slightly when decreasing. This will help maintain consistency and prevent any interruptions in the overall design. Taking extra care with these details will give your hat a polished and professional finish.

Lastly, don’t forget to block your hat after completing all decreases. This process involves soaking your hat in lukewarm water, gently squeezing out any excess moisture, and shaping it to its final size using blockings wires or pins. Allowing your hat to dry completely will help set the stitches and give it a smooth appearance.

Celebrate Your Success

Mastering the art of decreasing while knitting in the round

1. What does it mean to “decrease” in knitting a hat in the round?

When knitting a hat in the round, decreasing refers to the technique of decreasing the number of stitches on your needles to create a tapered shape. This is commonly used to shape the crown of a hat or decrease the circumference to fit smaller than the brim.

2. Can I use any decrease method for knitting a hat in the round?

Yes, there are a few different methods for decreasing stitches in knitting, such as knit 2 together (k2tog) or slip slip knit (ssk). For hats, some common decreases used are k2tog and p2tog (purl 2 together).

3. How do I know how many stitches to decrease in each round?

This will depend on your specific pattern and gauge. Generally, your pattern will tell you how many stitches to decrease on each round and at what interval (every other round or every round).

4. Is it possible to decrease too quickly when knitting a hat in the round?

Yes, decreasing too quickly can create an overly tapered or pointed top of your hat. It is important to follow your pattern’s instructions and make sure you are decreasing at the correct rate.

5. Can I use stitch markers when decreasing in knitting a hat in the round?

Absolutely! Stitch markers can be helpful when working with multiple decreases in one round. Place them before and after each set of decreases to easily keep track of where they should be worked.

6. How do I weave in ends when I finish decreasing my hat?

After completing your decreases and binding off, cut your yarn leaving about 6 inches of tail. Thread a darning needle onto the tail and weave it through the remaining stitches on your needle before cinching them closed tightly. Then, weave in the end along the inside of your hat using a duplicate stitch or whip stitch.

In conclusion, decreasing while knitting a hat in the round is a skill that can enhance one’s knitting repertoire and yield impressive results. Through this article, we have explored the step-by-step process and techniques for decreasing stitches in the round, namely using k2tog, ssk, and sl1 k2tog psso methods. Understanding these decrease techniques and their effects on the final product is essential for creating a well-shaped and visually appealing hat.

Furthermore, it is crucial to choose the right type of decrease and carefully plan its placement to achieve the desired results. With practice and patience, even novice knitters can master this technique and create stunning hats that fit perfectly.

It is also important to note that decreasing while knitting in the round allows for a seamless finish without any bulky seams or visible decreases. This not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also ensures comfort when wearing the hat.

Additionally, with proper attention to detail and following necessary precautions such as keeping track of stitch counts and using stitch markers, one can avoid common mistakes while decreasing in the round.

Overall, by incorporating these techniques into your knitting projects, you can elevate your skills as a knitter and produce hats with professional-looking decreases. So whether you are making hats for yourself or as gifts for loved ones, incorporating these

Author Profile

Jill Nammar

My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.