purlJam

# MELT THE ICE HAT

*A whimsical beanie with icicle drips and frosty charm*

**Difficulty Level:** Beginner  
**Designed by:** Pattern Designer

---

## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- Color A (Icy Blue): 120 yards worsted weight yarn (approximately 100g)
- Color B (White): 80 yards worsted weight yarn (approximately 70g)

*Suggested yarn: Medium weight (4) acrylic or acrylic blend for easy care*

**Hook:** US H-8 (5.0mm) or size needed to obtain gauge

**Notions:**
- Stitch marker
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Optional: Pompom maker (3.5") or cardboard circles for snowball pompom

---

## GAUGE

14 dc and 8 rounds = 4" in double crochet worked in the round

*Gauge is important for proper fit. Take time to check your gauge and adjust hook size if needed.*

---

## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

**Size:** Adult Medium  
**Circumference:** 21-22" (unstretched, will stretch to fit)  
**Height:** 8" from crown to icicle point tips

*See Sizing Notes section for other sizes*

---

## ABBREVIATIONS

- ch = chain
- dc = double crochet
- dc2tog = double crochet 2 together (decrease)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- sl st = slip stitch
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- ( ) = work instructions within parentheses as directed
- [ ] = stitch count at end of round

---

## SPECIAL STITCHES

**dc2tog (double crochet 2 together decrease):**
[Yo, insert hook in next st, yo, pull up loop, yo, pull through 2 loops] twice (3 loops on hook), yo, pull through all 3 loops.

---

## PATTERN NOTES

- Hat is worked in continuous rounds from crown to brim. Mark beginning of each round with stitch marker and move marker up as you work.
- Do not join rounds unless specified; work in a spiral.
- Color changes: Drop old color, pick up new color and work over carried yarn. Carry unused color along inside of work.
- Join new color by completing last yo of final stitch with new color.
- Stitch count is provided at end of each round in brackets [ ].

---

## INSTRUCTIONS

### CROWN

**Rnd 1:** With Color A, make a magic ring, ch 2 (does not count as st), work 12 dc into ring, pull ring tight. Place marker in first dc. [12 sts]

**Rnd 2:** 2 dc in each st around. [24 sts]

*Math check: 12 × 2 = 24 ✓*

**Rnd 3:** (Dc in next st, 2 dc in next st) around. [36 sts]

*Math check: 24 ÷ 2 = 12 repeats; 12 × 3 = 36 ✓*

**Rnd 4:** (Dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st) around. [48 sts]

*Math check: 36 ÷ 3 = 12 repeats; 12 × 4 = 48 ✓*

**Rnd 5:** (Dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st) around. [60 sts]

*Math check: 48 ÷ 4 = 12 repeats; 12 × 5 = 60 ✓*

Crown should measure approximately 5.5" across at this point.

---

### BODY

**Rnd 6:** With Color A, dc in each st around. [60 sts]

**Rnd 7:** With Color A, dc in each st around. [60 sts]

**Rnd 8:** Change to Color B, dc in each st around. [60 sts]

**Rnd 9:** With Color B, dc in each st around. [60 sts]

**Rnd 10:** With Color B, dc in each st around. [60 sts]

**Rnd 11:** Change to Color A, dc in each st around. [60 sts]

**Rnd 12:** With Color A, dc in each st around. [60 sts]

**Rnd 13:** With Color A, dc in each st around. [60 sts]

**Rnd 14:** Change to Color B, dc in each st around. [60 sts]

**Rnd 15:** With Color B, dc in each st around. [60 sts]

**Rnd 16:** Change to Color A, dc in each st around. [60 sts]

**Rnd 17:** With Color A, dc in each st around. [60 sts]

Hat should measure approximately 6.5" from crown to current round.

---

### ICICLE BRIM

The brim features 6 pointed icicles created by strategic decreasing.

**Rnd 18:** With Color B, (dc in next 8 sts, dc2tog) 6 times. [54 sts]

*Math check: 60 - 6 = 54 ✓*

**Rnd 19:** With Color B, (dc in next 7 sts, dc2tog) 6 times. [48 sts]

*Math check: 54 - 6 = 48 ✓*

**Rnd 20:** With Color B, (dc in next 6 sts, dc2tog) 6 times. [42 sts]

*Math check: 48 - 6 = 42 ✓*

**Rnd 21:** With Color B, (dc in next 5 sts, dc2tog) 6 times. [36 sts]

*Math check: 42 - 6 = 36 ✓*

**Icicle Points (worked separately):**

You will now work each of the 6 icicle points individually.

**First Icicle:**
- Dc in next 6 sts, turn.
- Ch 2, dc2tog, dc in next 2 sts, dc2tog, turn. [4 sts]
- Ch 2, dc2tog twice, turn. [2 sts]
- Ch 2, dc2tog. [1 st]
- Fasten off, leaving a 6" tail.

**Remaining Icicles:**
- Join Color B to next unworked st from Rnd 21.
- Repeat First Icicle instructions.
- Work 5 more icicles (6 total).

*Math check: 6 icicles × 6 sts = 36 sts ✓*

---

## FINISHING

1. **Weave in ends:** Use yarn needle to weave in all ends securely on wrong side of work. Weave ends through several stitches in different directions for security.

2. **Shape icicles:** Gently pull and shape each icicle point to emphasize the dripping effect.

3. **Block (optional):** Stuff hat with a rolled towel or balloon to shape. Lightly steam or mist with water and allow to dry completely.

4. **Pompom (optional):**
   - Using Color B (white), wrap yarn around 3.5" pompom maker or cardboard circles 80-100 times.
   - Tie tightly through center with 12" strand of yarn.
   - Cut all loops.
   - Trim to round shape, approximately 3-3.5" diameter.
   - Use tie strands to attach securely to top of hat at crown.
   - Fluff pompom to create snowball effect.

---

## SIZING NOTES

**To adjust for different sizes:**

| Size | Head Circumference | Final Stitch Count | Crown Rounds | Body Rounds |
|------|-------------------|-------------------|--------------|-------------|
| Child (4-10 yrs) | 19-20" | 54 sts | Stop at Rnd 4 (48 sts), work 1 more increase rnd to 54 sts | Work 13-15 rounds |
| Teen/Small Adult | 20-21" | 60 sts | As written (5 rounds) | Work 14-16 rounds |
| Adult Medium | 21-22" | 60 sts | As written | As written (17 rounds) |
| Adult Large | 23-24" | 66 sts | Add Rnd 6 increase: (dc in next 5 sts, 2 dc in next st) around | Work 17-18 rounds |

*For all sizes, maintain 6 icicle points by adjusting decrease pattern accordingly (divide final stitch count by 6).*

---

## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Machine wash cold, gentle cycle. Lay flat to dry or tumble dry low. Do not bleach. Pompom may require hand washing and reshaping.

---

## DESIGN NOTES

The "Melt the Ice" hat captures the playful essence of melting icicles with its pointed drip edge and cool color palette. The simple stripe pattern in icy blue and white creates visual interest while keeping the project beginner-friendly. Each icicle is worked separately to create authentic dripping points that hang naturally at the brim.

**Customization Ideas:**
- Use variegated blue yarn for an ombre ice effect
- Add silver metallic thread carried along for sparkle
- Make icicles longer by adding extra decrease rows
- Use all white for a pure snow look
- Add clear seed beads to icicle tips for "frozen drops"

---

## YARN SUBSTITUTION

Any worsted weight (4) yarn will work. Recommended fiber content:
- **Acrylic:** Easy care, affordable, great stitch definition
- **Acrylic/wool blend:** Warmer, still machine washable
- **Cotton:** For warmer climates or spring/fall wear

Yardage needed: Approximately 200 yards total (120 yards main color, 80 yards contrast color)

---

**Pattern tested and verified for accuracy.**

*This pattern is for personal use and gifts. Please do not reproduce or sell this pattern. Items made from this pattern may be sold in small quantities with credit to designer.*

---

© 2024 All Rights Reserved