Waffle-Stitch Hat

Materials

Yarn: 1 Skein Malabrigo Rasta, 90yds/150g

Needles: US #13 16” circular and US #13 double points

Gauge

9 sts/ 4”

Pattern Notes

• The waffle stitch has the distinction of being a knit/purl pattern that doesn’t drive me up a wall to knit. I’ve been recommending it to people for years and have finally managed to write-up a pattern with it.
• You can use the waffle stitch in hats using thinner yarn. Just increase by multiples of 12 stitches. You may have to punt on the crown decreases, though.
• Since I sometimes have trouble getting Malabrigo Rasta, you can substitute Cascade Lana Grande or any other super bulky that knits to gauge.

Waffle Stitch

Rounds 1 &2: *K1, P2* repeat around.

Rounds 3 & 4: Knit

Instructions

CO 48 sts, join into the round being careful not to twist. Place a marker at the beginning of the round.

Work in Waffle Stitch for 7” or desired length.

Decrease for the crown as follows:

Round 1: *K5, Sl 2 sts knitwise at the same time (as if you were going to knit 2 together), K1, pass slipped stitches over stitch just knitted (PSSO), you have now decreased 2 sts and the center stitch is sitting on top of the other two, K4*, repeat the section between the stars 3X more. (40 sts)

Round 2: Knit

Round 3: *K4, Sl 2 sts knitwise, K1, PSSO, K3*, repeat 3X more. (32 sts)

Round 4: Knit

Round 5: *K3, Sl 2 sts knitwise, K1, PSSO, K2*, repeat 3X more. (24 sts)

Round 6: Knit

Round 7: *K2, Sl 2 sts knitwise, K1, PSSO, K1*, repeat 3X more. (16 sts)

Round 8: Knit

Round 9: * K1, Sl 2 sts knitwise, K1, PSSO*, repeat 3X more. (8sts)

Break the yarn and pass it though the remaining 8 sts.

Sew ends in.

I would recommend not blocking this hat, because it will flatten out the waffle texture.