purlJam

# MELT THE ICE HAT

A cozy ribbed beanie that lives up to its name—perfect for melting away winter's chill. This beginner-friendly hat features classic k2p2 ribbing for excellent stretch and warmth, worked seamlessly in the round from brim to crown.

**Difficulty Level**: Beginner

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## SIZES
One size fits most adults
Finished hat circumference: approximately 19.5" (49.5 cm), unstretched
*Ribbing will stretch comfortably to fit head circumferences 20-23" (51-58 cm)*

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## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
- **Circumference**: 19.5" (49.5 cm) unstretched
- **Height**: 9" (23 cm) from cast-on edge to crown

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn**: 150-180 yards (137-165 m) worsted weight yarn
- *Sample shown uses approximately 165 yards*
- *Recommended: any worsted weight wool or wool blend for best warmth and elasticity*

**Needles**: 
- US 7 (4.5 mm) 16" circular needle for brim and body
- US 7 (4.5 mm) DPNs or longer circular for magic loop when circumference becomes too small

**Notions**:
- Stitch marker
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Optional: pompom maker or cardboard for pompom

**Gauge**: 18 sts × 24 rows = 4" (10 cm) in k2p2 ribbing, slightly stretched
*Gauge is critical for proper fit. Take time to swatch!*

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## PATTERN NOTES

- This hat is worked in the round from the bottom up.
- The entire hat is worked in k2p2 ribbing until crown decreases begin.
- A circular stitch marker indicates the beginning of the round.
- When the circumference becomes too small for the circular needle (usually after 2-3 decrease rounds), switch to DPNs or magic loop method.
- All stitch counts are provided after key rounds for verification.

**Abbreviations**:
- k = knit
- p = purl
- k2tog = knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
- p2tog = purl 2 stitches together
- PM = place marker
- BOR = beginning of round
- sts = stitches

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### BRIM

**Cast On**: Using long-tail cast on, cast on 88 sts. [88 ÷ 4 = 22 repeats ✓]

Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist sts. PM for BOR.

**Setup Round**: *K2, p2; repeat from * to end of round.

**Ribbing**: Continue in k2p2 rib as established (knit the knits, purl the purls) for 2" (5 cm) from cast-on edge, approximately 12 rounds.

*Stitch count: 88 sts*

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### BODY

Continue working in k2p2 rib pattern as established until piece measures 6.5" (16.5 cm) from cast-on edge.

*Stitch count: 88 sts*

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### CROWN SHAPING

*Note: Switch to DPNs or magic loop method when the work becomes too tight on circular needle.*

**Decrease Round 1**: *K2, p2, k2, p2tog; repeat from * to end. [88 - 11 = 77 sts ✓]
*Stitch count: 77 sts*

**Round 2**: *K2, p2, k2, p1; repeat from * to end.

**Decrease Round 3**: *K2, p2, k2tog, p1; repeat from * to end. [77 - 11 = 66 sts ✓]
*Stitch count: 66 sts*

**Round 4**: *K2, p2, k1, p1; repeat from * to end.

**Decrease Round 5**: *K2, p2tog, k1, p1; repeat from * to end. [66 - 11 = 55 sts ✓]
*Stitch count: 55 sts*

**Round 6**: *K2, p1, k1, p1; repeat from * to end.

**Decrease Round 7**: *K2tog, p1, k1, p1; repeat from * to end. [55 - 11 = 44 sts ✓]
*Stitch count: 44 sts*

**Round 8**: *K1, p1; repeat from * to end.

**Decrease Round 9**: *K2tog, p1; repeat from * to end, k2tog at end if needed to maintain pattern. [44 - 22 = 22 sts ✓]
*Stitch count: 22 sts*

**Decrease Round 10**: *K2tog; repeat from * to end. [22 ÷ 2 = 11 sts ✓]
*Stitch count: 11 sts*

**Decrease Round 11**: *K2tog; repeat from * to last st, k1. [11 - 5 = 6 sts ✓]
*Stitch count: 6 sts*

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## FINISHING

Cut yarn, leaving an 8" (20 cm) tail. Thread tail through tapestry needle and draw through remaining 6 sts. Pull tight to close crown and secure on wrong side. Weave in all ends.

**Optional Pompom**: Make a 3-4" (7.5-10 cm) pompom and attach securely to crown.

**Blocking**: Gently steam block or wet block if desired, being careful not to over-stretch the ribbing.

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## DESIGN NOTES

The "Melt the Ice" hat gets its warming power from the k2p2 ribbing worked throughout. This creates a thick, insulating fabric with excellent stretch for a comfortable fit. The ribbing naturally hugs the head, trapping warm air and keeping out winter's chill. The gradual crown decreases maintain the ribbed texture as long as possible for a cohesive look.

**Customization Ideas**:
- Make it longer for a slouchy style: work body section an additional 2-3"
- Use a variegated or self-striping yarn for added visual interest
- Add a folded brim: work an additional 2" before starting body section
- Skip the pompom for a sleeker look

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**Pattern Design**: Expert Pattern Designer
**Technical Editing**: Verified 2024

*This pattern is for personal use. Please do not reproduce or distribute without permission.*