One Skein Noro On A Budget Spiral Rib Hat

I think maybe we all have some love for the Noro and if you're like me, you cannot really afford to fully indulge your love of this fab yarnage. I mean, I can get a skein, sure. But what can you make with a SKEIN? Well, a One Skein Wonder from Glampyre maybe (though with Noro, I'm thinkin possibly that'd take a skein and a half or so) and the obvious, a hat. I've seen a couple of Noro hat patterns floating around, all designed to take advantage of the One Skein Is All I Can Afford issue. Here's the one I sortof adapted for myself last winter....


In Kureyon

The One Skein Noro On A Budget Hat

1 skein Noro Kureyon or Silk Garden or Iro
1 16" #10 circular needle (#10.5 if you are using Iro, #9 if you are using Silk Garden)

My pattern gives you a nice loose fabric and there really is no gauge required, just preference. I live in LA. To paraphrase Crazy Aunt Purl, who is quite possibly the funniest knitter/writer/wine drinker/cat lady EVAR? When it gets cold here, the trendanistas put on 8' long skinny scarves over their tank tops and maybe shift to Ugg boots with their teensy skirts. Bwah! She slays me. Is also pathetically true.

You will want to use smaller needles with Silk Garden or it won't fit right. With Iro and Kureyon, there seems to be more elasticity and a slightly more snug fit.

If you live in a cold place and warmth is really an issue, consider using the Iro on a #10 needle. Otherwise, pass me a cold drink with an umbrella in it and my mittens, please.

cast approx 80 stitches give or take. You can adjust it up or down a little depending on desired fit. You'll be working a K2P2 rib. Basically, every 3 rows, just move the ribbing over one stitch and as the hat grows, you get a spiral ribbed hat. When you have approx. 6" of hat on the needles in spiral rib or however much you need for your noggin, go on and start your decreases.

K2tog after every 4 stitches around one row
Knit/Purl around 1 row
K2tog after every 3 stitches around one row
K/Purl in pattern around 1 row
K2tog after every 2 stitches around one row
Knit around 1 row
K2tog after every 1 stitch around one row
Knit around one row
K2tog around

break yarn with a tail, thread through remaining stitches, tie off or braid and you can have a little braided tasselly thing. I suppose if you wanted earflaps annd had extra yarn, you could pick up stitches on either side and make those but here in LA, who needs earflaps?


Iro (top) and Silk Garden (lower)

This is a great pattern for Noro yarn and the spiral ribbing shows off the self striping patterns beautifully. I've made a ginormous amount of these hats and they are always quickly snatched up by someone. Like, my teenager who has a stash of them in various colorways. When I give them as gifts, they are very well received. Plus? Noro. Who can afford a ton of Noro? I can't. This allows me to use wonderful yarn, enjoy the process and I get the joy of giving something utterly luxe, yet stay on a budget when gifting.