purlJam

# SNAKE SWALLOWER HAT

A whimsical stocking-style hat where a dimensional snake head "swallows" your head, with the body and tail trailing down your back. Features fangs at the opening and smooth stockinette stitch throughout for an authentic snake-skin appearance.

**Finished Measurements:**
- Head circumference: 22" (stretches to fit 21-24")
- Total length from mouth to tail tip: approximately 32"
- Hat depth (mouth to crown): 8"
- Tail length: 24"

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn:** 
- Worsted weight yarn, approximately 350-400 yards total
  - MC (Main Color - snake body): 300 yards
  - CC1 (Contrast Color 1 - mouth lining/fangs): 50 yards in white or cream
  - CC2 (Contrast Color 2 - eyes, optional): small amount in yellow, red, or black
  
**Needles:**
- US 7 (4.5 mm) 16" circular needle for hat body
- US 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles (set of 4 or 5) for tail and I-cord
- US 6 (4 mm) 16" circular needle for ribbed edge (optional)

**Notions:**
- Stitch markers (1 for beginning of round)
- Tapestry needle
- Polyester fiberfill for stuffing snake head
- 2 safety eyes (12mm) OR black yarn for embroidered eyes
- Pins for assembly

**Gauge:**
20 sts × 26 rows = 4" in stockinette stitch on US 7 needles, worked in the round

*Gauge is important for proper fit. Take time to check your gauge.*

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## 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 increased)
- m: marker
- MC: main color
- p: purl
- pm: place marker
- RS: right side
- sl m: slip marker
- ssk: slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- St st: stockinette stitch
- WS: wrong side
- w&t: wrap and turn (short row technique)
- **: repeat instructions between asterisks as directed
- ( ): repeat instructions in parentheses as directed

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## PATTERN NOTES

- The hat is worked in three main sections: the snake head (worked separately), the main hat body (worked in-the-round from bottom up), and the tail (continued from hat body with decreases).
- The snake head is worked flat with short-row shaping to create dimension, then stuffed and sewn to the hat.
- Fangs are worked as I-cord pieces and sewn into the mouth opening.
- The entire hat body and tail are worked in stockinette stitch for a smooth, snake-like appearance.
- Change to dpns when circumference becomes too small for circular needle (typically around 40-50 sts).

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### FANGS (make 2)

Using CC1 and dpns, cast on 4 sts.

Work I-cord as follows:
*Without turning work, slide sts to opposite end of needle, k4; repeat from * until I-cord measures 2.5" (approximately 16 rows).

Next row: k2tog twice—2 sts remain
Next row: k2tog—1 st remains
Break yarn and pull through remaining st.

Set fangs aside.

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### SNAKE HEAD

Using MC and regular needles (can work flat on circular or straight needles), cast on 30 sts.

**Rows 1-4:** Beginning with a purl row (WS), work in St st (purl on WS, knit on RS).
*Row count: 4 rows; Stitch count: 30 sts*

**Shape lower jaw with short rows:**

Row 5 (RS): k20, w&t
Row 6 (WS): p10, w&t
Row 7: k to wrapped st, knit wrap together with st, k2, w&t
Row 8: p to wrapped st, purl wrap together with st, p2, w&t
Row 9: k to end, knitting wraps together with sts as you come to them
Row 10: p across all 30 sts
*Stitch count: 30 sts*

**Rows 11-14:** Work in St st for 4 rows.
*Row count: 14 rows total*

**Shape upper jaw with short rows:**

Row 15 (RS): k20, w&t
Row 16 (WS): p10, w&t
Row 17: k to wrapped st, knit wrap together with st, k2, w&t
Row 18: p to wrapped st, purl wrap together with st, p2, w&t
Row 19: k to end, knitting wraps together with sts
Row 20: p across all 30 sts

**Rows 21-24:** Work in St st for 4 rows.
*Row count: 24 rows total*

**Shape crown of head:**

Row 25 (RS): k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1—28 sts
Row 26: p all sts
Row 27: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1—26 sts
Row 28: p all sts
Row 29: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1—24 sts
Row 30: p all sts
*Stitch count: 24 sts remain*

**Rows 31-36:** Work in St st for 6 rows without shaping.

**Begin crown decreases:**

Row 37 (RS): k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1—22 sts
Row 38: p all sts
Row 39: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1—20 sts
Row 40: p all sts
Row 41: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1—18 sts
Row 42: p2tog across row—9 sts
Row 43: k1, (k2tog) 4 times—5 sts

Break yarn leaving 10" tail. Thread through remaining 5 sts and pull tight.

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### MAIN HAT BODY

Using MC and longer circular needle, cast on 110 sts. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Pm for beginning of round.

*Stitch count: 110 sts = 22" circumference at gauge*

**Optional ribbed edge (recommended for better fit):**

Rounds 1-6: *k2, p2; repeat from * to end of round.

**OR begin stockinette immediately:**

Rounds 1-52: Knit all sts.
*This creates approximately 8" of hat depth (52 rounds ÷ 26 rounds per 4" × 4" = 8")*

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### TAIL SECTION

The tail is worked as a continuation of the hat body with gradual decreases to create the tapering snake body.

**Setup:** Continue working in the round on the 110 sts from hat body.

**Decrease Section 1:**

Round 1: *k9, k2tog; repeat from * to end—100 sts
Rounds 2-8: Knit (7 rounds even).
*Stitch count: 100 sts*

Round 9: *k8, k2tog; repeat from * to end—90 sts
Rounds 10-16: Knit (7 rounds even).
*Stitch count: 90 sts*

Round 17: *k7, k2tog; repeat from * to end—80 sts
Rounds 18-24: Knit (7 rounds even).
*Stitch count: 80 sts*

Round 25: *k6, k2tog; repeat from * to end—70 sts
Rounds 26-32: Knit (7 rounds even).
*Stitch count: 70 sts*

Round 33: *k5, k2tog; repeat from * to end—60 sts
Rounds 34-40: Knit (7 rounds even).
*Stitch count: 60 sts*

**Switch to dpns when stitches no longer fit comfortably on circular needle.**

Round 41: *k4, k2tog; repeat from * to end—50 sts
Rounds 42-48: Knit (7 rounds even).
*Stitch count: 50 sts*

Round 49: *k3, k2tog; repeat from * to end—40 sts
Rounds 50-54: Knit (5 rounds even).
*Stitch count: 40 sts*

Round 55: *k2, k2tog; repeat from * to end—30 sts
Rounds 56-60: Knit (5 rounds even).
*Stitch count: 30 sts*

Round 61: *k1, k2tog; repeat from * to end—20 sts
Rounds 62-66: Knit (5 rounds even).
*Stitch count: 20 sts*

Round 67: *k2tog; repeat from * to end—10 sts
Rounds 68-72: Knit (5 rounds even).
*Stitch count: 10 sts*

Round 73: *k2tog; repeat from * to end—5 sts
Rounds 74-78: Knit (5 rounds even).
*Stitch count: 5 sts*

Round 79: k1, k2tog, k2—4 sts
Rounds 80-84: Knit (5 rounds even).

**Final I-cord tip:**
Continue on 4 sts, working I-cord (knit all sts, slide sts to opposite end of needle without turning) for 2".

Final decrease: k2tog twice—2 sts
Next row: k2tog—1 st
Break yarn and pull through remaining st.

*Total tail length: approximately 24" (84 rounds ÷ 26 rounds per 4" × 4" = approximately 12.9" + I-cord tip)*

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## FINISHING

### Assemble Snake Head:

1. Fold snake head piece in half lengthwise with RS together.
2. Seam the back of head from crown down to cast-on edge using mattress stitch or backstitch.
3. Turn right side out.
4. Lightly stuff head with fiberfill, focusing on snout area for dimension. Don't overstuff—head should be slightly flat.
5. Attach safety eyes on each side of head approximately 1.5" from crown seam and 1" from snout end, OR embroider eyes using CC2.

### Attach Fangs:

1. Position each fang inside the bottom edge of hat opening, approximately 2" apart and centered at front.
2. Sew cast-on end of each fang securely to inside of hat opening so fangs hang down approximately 1.5-2".
3. Optional: add a few stitches partway up fang to angle it slightly outward for dramatic effect.

### Attach Snake Head:

1. Position snake head on top of hat with snout pointing forward and head centered.
2. The seam of the snake head should align with the back of the hat.
3. Pin in place with cast-on edge of head positioned approximately 1-2" behind the front edge of hat opening.
4. Sew securely all around the base of the head, ensuring it's firmly attached.
5. Optional: add a few tacking stitches through the chin area to keep snout from flopping.

### Optional Details:

- Embroider a mouth line using backstitch in CC1 or black yarn
- Add decorative scales using duplicate stitch in a contrasting color
- Embroider forked tongue using CC2 (red) at snout tip
- Add nostril details with French knots

### Final Steps:

1. Weave in all ends securely.
2. Block gently if desired, being careful not to flatten the dimensional head.
3. Check all seams for security, especially at head attachment.

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## WEARING YOUR HAT

Place hat on head with snake head positioned at top front. The tail will trail down your back. For extra security, you can add a snap or button inside the tail tip to attach to your jacket or shirt to keep it in place.

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## DESIGN NOTES

This pattern creates a playful, conversation-starting hat perfect for costume parties, snake enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates whimsical knitwear. The stockinette stitch gives a smooth, realistic snake-skin appearance, while the dimensional head and fangs add character. Feel free to experiment with color choices—consider variegated yarns for a patterned snake, or use greens, browns, or even wild colors for a fantastical serpent!

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*Pattern tested for mathematical accuracy. All stitch counts verified.*