Walk on the wild side this fall with a new hat featuring the trendy leopard print. With a folded brim and topped with a pom pom, this hat will make sure your style is spot on this season.

Skill Level: Beginner

Size: 21.25” circumference x 12.25” length (brim unfolded)

Gauge: 18 sts and 18 rows = 4” [10 cm] in stitch pattern

Materials

Yarn: Ophelia Italy Kate (70% Acrylic, 30% Virgin Wool; 211 yards [193 meters]/50 grams): Beige (MC, 2 ball), Black (CC1, 1 ball), Brown (CC2, 1 ball)

Hook: US size G/6 (4 mm), US size 7 (4.5 mm)

Notions: Tapestry needle, pompom makers

Pattern Notes

To follow the chart to make leopard motif, always start in chart square Row 1, stitch 1.

Each row of the pattern should equal 1 complete round of hat.

For each round, start back at the beginning of the next row up on your chart.

Following the pattern simply involves changes colours to match the colour changes on chart.

Working the last sc before a colour change:

Insert hook, YO, pull up lp, YO with new colour, pull through both lps on hook. Continue with new colour.

Pattern

Ribbing

Row 1: With smaller hook, ch 32, sc into 2nd ch from hook and next 30 ch. Ch 1. Turn. (31 sts)

Rows 2-90: Sc 31 in BL. Ch 1. Turn.

Row 91: Working in BL, without removing hook, bring the other end of the strip in front on your work and fold in half, lining up the ends, sl st ends together through the starting ch and BL of the last row worked. Ch 1, Turn. Work Horizontal.

Main Hat

Change to larger hook, sc in end of each row of ribbing, joining to first sc with sl st. Ch 1. (90 sts)

Rnd 1: *Sc in next 7 sts, sc2tog; rep from * around, join to first st. Ch 1. (80 sts)

Rnd 2: *Sc in next 6 sts, sc2tog; rep from * around, join to first st. Ch 1. (70 sts)

Rnds 3-17: Working in the rnd follow chart.

Rnd 18: *Sc in next 5 sts, sc2tog; rep from * around, join to first st. Ch 1. (60 sts)

Rnd 19: *Sc in next 4 sts, sc2tog; rep from * around, join to first st. Ch 1. (50 sts)

Rnd 20: *Sc in next 3 sts, sc2tog; rep from * around, join to first st. Ch 1. (40 sts)

Rnds 21-22: Sc all, join to first st. Ch 1. (40 sts)

Rnd 23: *Sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog; rep from * around, join to first st. Ch 1. (30 sts)

Rnds 24-25: Sc all, join to first st. Ch 1. (30 sts)

Cut a 10” tail.

Using tapestry needle, weave in and out of each 2nd st and pull tight to close the top of Hat.

Fasten off.

Finishing

Weave in all ends.

Make a pompom.

Using cotton thread, sew the pompom to the top of Hat.