Ski Hat Knitting Pattern

What makes a good ski hat knitting pattern? Warmth is obviously the first factor - you'll want a thick, warm ski hat that's both durable and comfortable against the skin. Making it as waterproof as possible will improve comfort.

A ski hat knitting pattern should create a hat that fits snugly around the head or face so it can't be whipped off in the wind. Some ski hat knitting patterns provide ear flaps to protect tender ears from cold wind and flying snow, and some have a brim to help protect the skier's eyes from sun and snow glare. A popular style is the "balaclava", or full face ski mask, which protects the chin and nose as well as the head. Some patterns might also provide a "gaitor" or "clava" that drapes down to protect the back of the neck.

Look at sturdy, comfortable yarns - wool yarns (which shed water) and durable acrylics are the staples here, but you can also look at cashmere, merino, and other luxury fibers. You may want to consider lining your ski hat with a fleece or waterproof fabric to provide better insulation from cold wet snow. It's pretty easy to sew a lining into the ski hat after the fact.

Your ski hat knitting pattern will probably call for circular needles or double-pointed needles, and stitch markers, if you plan to work it in the round, but there are a few ski hat knitting patterns that can be worked flat and seamed up the side if you prefer.

Go wild with colors - this is a place where your fashion design sense can really shine. Colorful double knit patterns or fair isle knitting can be shown off to its best advantage on the smooth surface of a ski hat pattern. You can also be more adventurous with stitch patterns - a small project like a hat is a wonderful place to try cabling or other techniques that are new to you.

Repeat the stitch pattern for several inches (allowing a brim to be rolled up), then switch to a plain garter or rib stitch with periodic decreases until you reach the top of the hat.