Bunny Swirl Hat
Free Knitting Pattern

60 yards heavy worsted weight yarn for earband (Shown in 1 skein Malabrigo Angora yarn.)
215 yards light worsted weight yarn for top of hat (Shown in 1 skein Berroco Ultra Alpaca yarn.)
US 9/16" circular needles
US 7/16" circular and US 7 double pointed needles

Gauge
4 sts/in using heavy worsted in 1x1 rib for band on larger needles
5 sts/in using light worsted yarn in stockinette stitch on smaller needles

Size: one size – average adult. Please note: This hat measures approximately 19" in circumference unstretched by 9 ½" high when finished. The ribbing and the pattern stitch are quite stretchy and this hat should fit most adults but may require height adjustment for larger heads.

Pattern Stitch
SSK, P3, YO, K1

Instructions

Using heavy worsted yarn and larger circular needles CO 74 stitches, pm, and join in the round being careful not to twist. Work in K1, P1 ribbing for desired length of earband. (The band shown is 2" tall from CO edge to top of band when not folded and uses ½ a skein of Malabrigo Angora yarn.)

Change to US 7 circular needles and light weight worsted yarn. Knit one row increasing 16 sts evenly around hat. (90sts)
Begin pattern stitch. There will be 15 repeats of the pattern stitch around the hat.
Continue to work the pattern stitch until the hat measures 7 1/2 ". (For a deeper hat you may wish to work an additional 1-2" before beginning decreases.)

Begin decreases as follows:
Row 1: *SL 1, K2tog, PSSO, P2, YO, K1*
Row 2 & 3: *SSK, P2, YO, K1*
Row 4: *SL 1, K2tog, PSSO, P1, YO, K1*
Row 5 & 6: *SSK, P1, YO, K1*
Row 7: *SL 1, K2tog, PSSO, YO, K1*
Row 8: *SSK, YO, K1*
Row 9: *SSK, K1*
Row 10: SSK around
Row 11: SSK around and knit the last remaining stitch

Cut yarn and using tapestry needle draw tail through remaining live stitches and gather tightly. Weave in ends.