Knitty: Winter 2007 - Toasty Topper

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by Alexis Riggs

I'm always looking for a quick project to have in between the bigger ones. I love the feel of this yarn and it comes in a wide range of colors. This project came to me when my son needed a hat and scarf to keep his head and neck toasty warm in NY winters. But there was no way to keep track of two separate pieces with this feisty little one. And I needed something I could easily take off with one hand and toss in my bag!

It's knit in one piece and has very little finishing. I used short rows to create the shape I wanted. A quick cast on in the middle continues the scarf. From the top it starts in stockinette stitch and switches to ribbing to keep it snug around the neck! Since it is double-stranded, the color possibilities are endless! You can easily carry two different colors of yarn to create your own combinations.

model: Max photos: Alexis Riggs

SIZE

One size will fit an infant, toddler or small child.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Hat circumference: 18 inches
Length of scarf: 24 inches from end to end, unstretched

MATERIALS

Berroco Ultra Alpaca [50% Super Fine Alpaca, 50% Peruvian Highland Wool; 215yd/197m per 100g skein]; color: #6234 Cardinal; 1 skein

Recommended needle size:
1 set US #8/5mm double-point needles
1 16-inch US #7/4.5mm circular needle OR set of US #7/4.5mm double-point needles
1 US #7/4.5mm circular needle, 24 inches or longer
[always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below -- every knitter's gauge is unique]

Split ring marker or safety pin
Tapestry needle

GAUGE

16 sts/20 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch using larger needles and 2 strands of yarn held together

PATTERN NOTES

[Knitty’s list of standard abbreviations and techniques can be found here]

This project is worked using 2 strands of yarn held together throughout.

If using 1 skein of yarn, divide the skein into 2 balls, but do not break the yarn between the balls. Make a slip knot at the center of the strand between the 2 balls, and begin your cast on (see pattern) using this slip knot as your first st.

If using 2 skeins of yarn, tie the ends together using a slip knot and begin your cast on (see pattern) using this slip knot as your first st.

Directions for the Long-Tail Cast On and Cable Cast On can be found here.

PATTERN

With a single strand of yarn, and using the Long-Tail Cast On, CO 8 sts.

Divide sts evenly between double-point needles and join to begin working in the round, being careful not to twist.

From this point, begin working with 2 strands of yarn held together.

Place split ring marker or safety pin in work after a few rounds have been worked, to indicate beginning of round.

Odd-numbered Rounds 1-13: K all sts.

Round 2: [Kfb] 8 times. 16 sts.

Round 4: [K1, kfb] 8 times. 24 sts.

Round 6: [K2, kfb] 8 times. 32 sts.

Round 8: [K3, kfb] 8 times. 40 sts.

Round 10: [K4, kfb] 8 times. 48 sts.

Round 12: [K5, kfb] 8 times. 56 sts.

Round 14: [K6, kfb] 8 times. 64 sts.

Continue in stockinette st until work measures 6 inches from beginning.

Next Round: Using US #7/4.5mm short cirular needle or double-point needles, [p2, k2] to end.
This round establishes 2x2 Rib. Repeat this round 3 times more.

Shape Front of Hat:
Next Round: BO 18 sts in pattern, work in pattern to end. 46 sts.
From this point, piece will be worked back and forth in rows.

Work short rows as follows, beginning the next row (a WS row):

Work 7 sts in pattern, W&T. Work in pattern to end.

Work 14 sts in pattern, W&T. Work in pattern to end.

Work 21 sts in pattern, W&T. Work in pattern to end.

Work 1 row in pattern, picking up wraps and working them together with wrapped sts.

Work short rows as above, beginning on a RS row.

When last short row is complete (ending on a WS row), CO 32 sts at end of row using Cable Cast On. 78 sts.

Next Row [RS]: [K2, p2] to last 2 sts, k2, CO 32 sts using Cable Cast On. 110 sts.
Next Row [WS]: [P2, k2] to last 2 sts, p2.Continue in 2x2 Rib as set until work measures 2.5 inches from CO edge of scarf.

Loosely BO all sts in pattern.

FINISHING

Weave in ends. Block if desired.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Alexis was taught by her Great Grandmother how to crochet when she was still in the single digits; she’s been crafty ever since. Knitting didn’t come until much later in her life. In the meantime, professionally, she's a professional tailor, making costumes for theatre, tv, and film.

She tries to squeeze in a little knitting time when she can while hanging out with her husband, son, and 2 cats. All are anxiously awaiting another baby on the way!