When I created my cadet-style cap pattern, Topi, awhile back for Knitty.com one of the things I really liked about it was its gauge flexibility.
Since it is worked from the top down, you don't have to swatch or have the exact same size yarn if you simply work to the desired size you need. So when a friend requested a Topi and picked out a bulky yarn I was excited about putting the pattern to the test at such a different gauge.
It works! While the pattern does need to be modified from casting on 5 sts to 4 sts to create one less increase wedge section, that is essentially the only change. This modification was necessary because the yarn has such a larger row gauge it was increasing too quickly and causing the top to ripple. From there however you work the pattern pretty much as written. The pattern instructs how to determine your own diameter measurement for the finished size you need and you work to that point.
In the extended entry I've listed my exact modifications. The brim requires less sts as well but this would not need to be exact either- just BO sts stopping when you have left the size you want for your brim then follow the directions working to each wrapped stitch.
For a little extra something I was asked if I could "add a skull" which I was only to happy to do (I could add wee skulls to everything). Unable to fit it in with intarsia in such a small space I contemplated applique and settled on a little embroidery. This was accomplished with basically this technique with sketching out a design on notepad paper, pinning said paper to hat and stitching over it.
Pattern: My design, Topi from knitty.com
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Chunky, #127 Walnut
Needles: US 10½ (6.5 mm), US 10 (6.0 mm)
Mods: Bulky gauge, CO 4 sts instead of 5 - Details in extended entry
Since it is worked from the top down, you don't have to swatch or have the exact same size yarn if you simply work to the desired size you need. So when a friend requested a Topi and picked out a bulky yarn I was excited about putting the pattern to the test at such a different gauge.
It works! While the pattern does need to be modified from casting on 5 sts to 4 sts to create one less increase wedge section, that is essentially the only change. This modification was necessary because the yarn has such a larger row gauge it was increasing too quickly and causing the top to ripple. From there however you work the pattern pretty much as written. The pattern instructs how to determine your own diameter measurement for the finished size you need and you work to that point.
In the extended entry I've listed my exact modifications. The brim requires less sts as well but this would not need to be exact either- just BO sts stopping when you have left the size you want for your brim then follow the directions working to each wrapped stitch.
For a little extra something I was asked if I could "add a skull" which I was only to happy to do (I could add wee skulls to everything). Unable to fit it in with intarsia in such a small space I contemplated applique and settled on a little embroidery. This was accomplished with basically this technique with sketching out a design on notepad paper, pinning said paper to hat and stitching over it.
Pattern: My design, Topi from knitty.com
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Chunky, #127 Walnut
Needles: US 10½ (6.5 mm), US 10 (6.0 mm)
Mods: Bulky gauge, CO 4 sts instead of 5 - Details in extended entry
Topi in Bulky Weight Yarn
Changes have been bolded.
Gauge: 14 sts = 4" in St st
Using needles several sizes smaller for the first two rounds (switch to regular size after) and either the Slip Knot Crochet Cast On from the original pattern or Emily Ocker's Circular Cast on, CO 4 sts. [Omit 1 round of knit] Follow pattern as written but numbers of sts on needles will now be in multiples of 4, with increasing 8 sts per increase round [instead of 10].
Work up to Round 17 (72 sts) then skip too 'All Sizes'.
I decreased 4 sts evenly across the row here to make the band a little tighter (68 sts). I also added a couple short rows to the back half of the hat to bring it down a little; this is optional.
Follow pattern for Slipped Stitch Rib.
BO 39 sts. 29 sts rem.
Top of Brim
Work back and forth in stockinette st until brim measures 1/2", ending with a WS row. (Was 2 rows for me). Follow directions for next 4 lines. Skip to Bottom of Brim. Work as follows:
K18, W&T, P19, W&T.
K20, W&T, P21, W&T.
K22, W&T, P23, W&T.
K24, W&T, P25, W&T.
K28, W&T, P29.
Bind-off all sts. Follow the Finishing section as written
Changes have been bolded.
Gauge: 14 sts = 4" in St st
Using needles several sizes smaller for the first two rounds (switch to regular size after) and either the Slip Knot Crochet Cast On from the original pattern or Emily Ocker's Circular Cast on, CO 4 sts. [Omit 1 round of knit] Follow pattern as written but numbers of sts on needles will now be in multiples of 4, with increasing 8 sts per increase round [instead of 10].
Work up to Round 17 (72 sts) then skip too 'All Sizes'.
I decreased 4 sts evenly across the row here to make the band a little tighter (68 sts). I also added a couple short rows to the back half of the hat to bring it down a little; this is optional.
Follow pattern for Slipped Stitch Rib.
BO 39 sts. 29 sts rem.
Top of Brim
Work back and forth in stockinette st until brim measures 1/2", ending with a WS row. (Was 2 rows for me). Follow directions for next 4 lines. Skip to Bottom of Brim. Work as follows:
K18, W&T, P19, W&T.
K20, W&T, P21, W&T.
K22, W&T, P23, W&T.
K24, W&T, P25, W&T.
K28, W&T, P29.
Bind-off all sts. Follow the Finishing section as written
that hat is so awesome! Love the embroidery detail. I'm such a sucker for embroidery.
I love Topi - I've knit it twice already, and it gets rave reviews whenever I wear it. I think Topi #3 is in the queue! With embroidery, too!
Oh, that is so awesome!
Very nice!
COOL! I think knits & embroidery were meant for each other.
This is a great design, and I do like the detail.
It's really cute - my son would love it!
Very nice looking cap. thanks for sharing,Amy