The lovely Renee from the Invisible Loom just added a new pattern called “Triple-Z”, which is based off a knit pattern called “Emergency Hat”. On her blog she features the pattern and it’s also available for free on Ravelry. (Here’s the needle knit version, whih is also free)
The hat is made sideways and seamed together at the end. The seaming was the most confusing part to me, but I got it done. It’s a hat, a cowl, and an earwarmer, in one. The trick? You knit it sideways, increasing on one end and decreasing on the other (always have the same # of pegs with stitches, though) so it “walks” around the loom. I would recommend a round loom.
On knit rows, a simple k2tog (knit two together) yo (yarn over) or K/K->K (as in the pattern) makes an eyelet to thread a drawstring through. This is where the magic happens. Once the Triple Z is cast off and seamed, you make a drawstring (I used i-cords over two pegs) or use ribbon, and you can wear the Triple Z in a variety of ways.
So far I’ve made two and am halfway through on a third. Variegated, slow striping yarn is recommended. For my first one I used Knit Picks Chroma Worsted, which is wonderful, and a worsted weight orange yarn to add a pop to the hat. For my second, I found some old Bernat variegated wool in nice colours, so I used that. It’s really unique. It’s so warm and cozy.
The pattern is free, but donations are accepted. They go towards Frankie Brown on Ravelry, who created the needle knit pattern. Renee’s pattern also includes links on how to donate. The money goes towards Frankie’s charity work.
The pattern calls for a 3/8″ loom with at least 51 pegs. This is because 50 pegs are cast on, but you do have 51 stitches on sometimes. (Read the pattern, it’s very easy to understand) I used the AKB 4-in-1 Hat loom, with 56 pegs. For the one I’m currently working on, I’m using bulkier yarn and using 35 pegs on the 51 peg 1/2″ CinDwood adult hat loom.
I can make one of these in a day, and it’s pretty simple. Knit, purl, increase 1, decrease 1, knit 2 together (Knit peg A, move the loop to peg B, knit over, knit the peg, continue) and a knitted cast off. It’s super fun, versatile, and looks so good. I want to make a million. So check out the patterns and try it!