purlJam

# EYE-LEVEL BUCKET HAT

A modern two-tone bucket hat worked seamlessly from the crown down. This relaxed-fit hat features a generous depth that extends to eye level and a classic sloped brim for that perfect bucket hat silhouette.

## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
- **Circumference**: 22" (56 cm), unstretched
- **Depth**: 8.5" (21.5 cm) from crown to brim edge

## MATERIALS
- **Yarn**: Worsted weight yarn in 2 contrasting colors
  - **MC (Main Color)**: 120 yards (110 m)
  - **CC (Contrast Color)**: 100 yards (91 m)
  - *Suggested: Red Heart Super Saver, Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, or similar worsted weight*
  
- **Needles**: 
  - US 10.5 (6.5 mm) 16" circular needle
  - US 10.5 (6.5 mm) DPNs or preferred small-circumference method (for crown)
  
- **Notions**: 
  - Stitch marker
  - Tapestry needle
  - Scissors

## GAUGE
**14 stitches × 20 rows = 4" (10 cm)** in stockinette stitch in the round, worked on US 10.5 needles

*Gauge is critical for proper fit. Take time to check your gauge and adjust needle size if necessary.*

## ABBREVIATIONS
- **CC**: contrast color
- **DPN(s)**: double-pointed needle(s)
- **k**: knit
- **k2tog**: knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
- **kfb**: knit into front and back of stitch (1 stitch increase)
- **MC**: main color
- **pm**: place marker
- **rnd(s)**: round(s)
- **RS**: right side
- **sm**: slip marker
- **st(s)**: stitch(es)

## PATTERN NOTES
- This hat is worked seamlessly in the round from the crown down.
- The loose gauge creates a relaxed, drapey fabric perfect for a bucket hat.
- To avoid jogs in color changes, work the first stitch of each new color round in the new color, then when you come back around, lift the stitch below the first stitch of the round onto the left needle and knit it together with the first stitch.
- Crown increases are worked every other round for smooth shaping.
- Carry unused color loosely up the inside when working stripes.

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### CROWN

Using MC and DPNs, cast on 8 sts. Divide evenly onto DPNs (or use your preferred small-circumference method), pm, and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.

**Rnd 1**: Knit.
**Rnd 2**: *Kfb; repeat from * to end. **(16 sts)**
**Rnd 3**: Knit.
**Rnd 4**: *Kfb; repeat from * to end. **(32 sts)**
**Rnd 5**: Knit.
**Rnd 6**: *K1, kfb; repeat from * to end. **(48 sts)**
**Rnd 7**: Knit.
**Rnd 8**: *K2, kfb; repeat from * to end. **(64 sts)**
**Rnd 9**: Knit.
**Rnd 10**: *K7, kfb; repeat from * to end. **(72 sts)**

Switch to 16" circular needle when comfortable.

**Rnd 11**: Knit.
**Rnd 12**: *K14, kfb; repeat from * 4 times, k2. **(77 sts)**
**Rnds 13-14**: Knit.

*Math check: Starting with 8 sts → 16 → 32 → 48 → 64 → 72 → 77 sts ✓*

### BODY - COLORWORK SECTION

Now work the main body of the hat with colorwork stripes.

**With MC:**
**Rnds 15-20**: Knit (6 rnds MC). *Piece measures approximately 4" from cast-on.*

**Switch to CC:**
**Rnds 21-26**: Knit (6 rnds CC).

**Switch to MC:**
**Rnds 27-32**: Knit (6 rnds MC).

**Switch to CC:**
**Rnds 33-36**: Knit (4 rnds CC). *Piece measures approximately 7.25" from cast-on.*

### BRIM

The brim is worked with increases to create the classic downward slope of a bucket hat.

**Continuing with CC:**

**Rnd 37**: *K10, kfb; repeat from * to end. **(84 sts)**
*Math check: 77 sts with 7 increases = 84 sts ✓*

**Rnds 38-39**: Knit.

**Rnd 40**: *K11, kfb; repeat from * to end. **(91 sts)**
*Math check: 84 sts with 7 increases = 91 sts ✓*

**Rnds 41-42**: Knit.

**Switch to MC:**

**Rnd 43**: *K12, kfb; repeat from * to end. **(98 sts)**
*Math check: 91 sts with 7 increases = 98 sts ✓*

**Rnds 44-46**: Knit (3 rnds).

**Rnd 47**: *K13, kfb; repeat from * to end. **(105 sts)**
*Math check: 98 sts with 7 increases = 105 sts ✓*

**Rnds 48-50**: Knit (3 rnds). *Piece measures approximately 8.5" from cast-on.*

Bind off all stitches loosely.

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## FINISHING

1. **Weave in all ends** securely on the wrong side, being careful to maintain the stretchiness of the fabric.

2. **Block** lightly by steaming or wet blocking. Pin brim flat to emphasize the bucket hat shape, allowing it to dry completely.

3. **Shape the brim** by folding it slightly downward to create the classic bucket hat silhouette.

## CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS

**Adjusting Depth**: 
- To make the hat shorter, work fewer rounds in the Body section before beginning the Brim.
- To make it longer (covering more of the face), add additional rounds to the CC stripe section (Rnds 33-36).

**Color Variations**:
- Work the entire hat in one color for a classic look
- Add more stripe variations in the Body section
- Alternate single-round stripes for a different effect

**Brim Width**: 
- For a wider brim, add one more increase round: work Rnd 51 as *K14, kfb; repeat from * to end (112 sts), then knit 3 more rounds before binding off

## YARN SUBSTITUTION NOTES

Any worsted weight yarn will work for this pattern. Consider:
- **Cotton blends** for summer wear (less stretch, holds shape well)
- **Acrylic** for easy care and affordability
- **Wool blends** for warmth and elasticity

Ensure your gauge matches to achieve the correct fit.

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*Pattern designed for advanced knitters comfortable with increases, colorwork, and working in the round.*

© 2024 This pattern is for personal use only.