The following is a pattern I found on Ravelry.
As per the Ravelry site, this pattern is Free and is to be used for Charity purposes only.
Scrap-Happy Celebration Hat
Needles...7US (4 -4.5 mm) 16 in. circular and DPNs
Yarns...any scrap or worsteded weight (any yarn that you may have that works well with # 4-4.5mm needles)
Size...Infant to Adult. Depending on needle size and the length of the overall hat.
This is a looser style hat verses a Beanie style that fits snug to the head.
Because of this styling, this hat can fit many different sizes of heads.
So, if you want this hat to fit a young child to a small/med. adult, just increase the overall length by an inch or two. If you want it to fit a smaller head, subtract 8 stitches from all totals.
Choose 4 colours...have fun with the combinations!
Colour # 1....CO 96 sts.
Ribbing...K3, P1 for a bit over 1"
...using the same colour, continue in stocking stitch, until it measures 1-1/2"
At this point, change colours...Purl the first row.
Continue in stocking stitch for 1-1/2"
Change colours again, Purl first row, then stocking stitch for 1-1/2"...etc
Continue doing this, until the length is to your liking...eg. at 5-3/4" start your decreases.
Decrease Rows:
Keep working your colour changes..Purl the first row (if a decrease lands on a Purl ridge, work a purl decrease instead of a knit (eg...P5, P2tog, instead of K5, K2tog)
*Please note, as you work down the decrease you will have to transfer your live stitches to DPNs*
R1...*K6, K2tog*
R2...Knit row complete (84 sts.)
R3...*K5, K2tog*
R4...Knit row complete (72 sts.)
R5...*K4, K2tog*
R6...Knit row (60 sts.)
R7...*K3, K2tog*
R8...Knit row (48 sts.)
R9...*K2, K2tog*
R10...Knit row (36 sts)
R11...*K1, K2tog*
R12...Knit row (24 sts)
R13...*K2tog* (12 sts)
R14...*K2tog* (6 sts)
At this point, using a tapestry needle, cut your yarn (8") and thread tail through remaining stitches and pull to the inside of the hat, knot and sew in end to secure it.
Sew in all your remaining tails....Done
Or descrese further, by putting these 6 stitches on 2 needles, K2tog until you have 3-4 stitches left, place these live stitches onto one needle.
Knit one row. Now make an I-Cord (as long as you like) bind off and tie the cord into a knot. Nice topper for the hat.
Have fun with the colours! Enjoy!
Tina Davis"
Replies
I like this pattern - especially the "running stitch" effect of the purl row at the color change.
One modification I'm going to try: with acrylic worsted it's coming out a bit stiff on the suggested 4-4.5mm needles. So I'm moving up the needle sizes: 5 mm (US 8) for the ribbing and 5.5 or 6 mm (US 9 or 10) for the main stripes. The aim is to make a looser, softer fabric, and possibly stretchier too.