What size do I knit?

[Millymollymandy]

I'm going to try again here as apart from GA I didn't get any response in the other section yet there are tons of knitters on the forum!

I'm going to knit a bobble type hat (red posted the pattern) but I don't know which size to knit.

Pattern gives instructions for 20" or 22" (it says this is the hat circumference). I measured my head around the forehead/bit of head where snug bobble hat fits and it is 21".

So which size should I knit? I don't know anything about head/hat sizes!

[red]

I'd do the smalller size, as I knit loosely... but i dont know what your knitting is like

you could knitt just the band bit, sew it together and try it?

[crowsashes]

i havent seem the pattern but if the band on the hat is going to be ribbed you could probably get away with the smaller size!

on the other hand, if the yarn you are using might shrink in the wash id do the bigger size.

[Susie]

Is it ribbed? Unless you're going to end up with a really inelastic fabric (and it's quite difficult to knit a really inelastic fabric...) I'd definitely do the smaller size, because 1 inch of negative ease (stretching) sounds about right for a hat.

Also I've just read your question in the other bit and I'm going to echo GA, use a stretchy cast on (e.g. I wouldn't use the cable cast on).

Good luck with your hat!

[Millymollymandy]

It's this pattern which is ribbed
http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Kni ... an+Hat.htm

Thing is if I do the bigger size and it's too big, I can give it to my hubby, but if I do the smaller size and it's too small, then I'm stuffed!

Oh I think I'll probably do the smaller size as it's not like it's going to take months to knit, and I finally have the right size needles (went to 3 shops yesterday and they didn't have a lot of choice, some of the needle sizes I need I will have to get on the internet and pay postage ).

[snapdragon]

as it's all rib I'd do the smaller size and cast on loosely, is it wool? or acrylic? wool will felt without careful washing and get smaller(and shorter) acrylic should be ok unless hot washed when (in my experience) it will stretch

[Luath]

Knit the smaller size for a better fit.

[Millymollymandy]

It's wool, cotton and acrylic mix, mostly acrylic. Machine washable at 40C apparently (although I only do knitted things at 30C on the wool cycle!).

Luath it's nice to see you again, stranger!

[Susie]

Is it going ok? Because we all told you to knit the smaller size and now I'm worrying that you're sitting there with something that looks like an egg cosy, muttering, that's the last time I listen to anyone on the internet...

[crowsashes]

I'm worrying that you're sitting there with something that looks like an egg cosy, muttering, that's the last time I listen to anyone on the internet...

at least it would keep something warm!

[Millymollymandy]

I haven't started it yet , got so many things on the go this is the problem of getting back into knitting. You see I have so much wool/scraps from all the unfinished things from the past (obviously had many things on the go then too ) that I'm knitting something for my mum for her birthday inspired by my secret santa gift - and it is so much fun with all the different groovy colours and different wool types I can't put it down!

Mind you I need that hat - there's snow out there now! I should get to it by the weekend though.

[Susie]

Yes I always have a lot of woolly things on the go as well, the thing for your mum sounds fun! Glad the knitting is going well

[Millymollymandy]

I've started it and decided to do the bigger size after all as it's rather skin tight in the photo.

It's a bit hard going though as I could only get 40cm long needles and they are a pain in the bum and keep smacking the sofa - so I think my tension is extra loose because they are too long to easily work with.

So watch this space as it might end up being my husband's size after all! But I can always do another smaller one.

[crowsashes]

I've started it and decided to do the bigger size after all as it's rather skin tight in the photo.

It's a bit hard going though as I could only get 40cm long needles and they are a pain in the bum and keep smacking the sofa - so I think my tension is extra loose because they are too long to easily work with.

So watch this space as it might end up being my husband's size after all! But I can always do another smaller one.

it took me several attempts the once to get a hat right!

ive been after some long needles for a while can only get the small 20cm ones at the moment!

[Millymollymandy]

I've finished it, just need to sew it up (oh how I hate that bit). I think it will be a bit too long (the bigger size is an inch longer) but what the hell. Really I think width wise either size would have fitted.

Now I have to knit a purple one for my husband!