..know what size hat to knit?

[Millymollymandy]

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 sizes! (do I have a big head?)

And if this makes a difference - after doing a tension square I will need to go down 1/2 a size in knitting needles. But I don't think that should make a difference as I will be knitting at the right tension Oh god this knitting lark is too mathematical and doing my head in!

[Green Aura]

Don't worry so much - it's only a bob hat!!!!

If your tension is a little loose then simply knit the smaller pattern and change needle sizes. That will make it slightly larger than the small size but not as big as the larger.

The most important bit to check is your casting on. If that too tight it'll hurt. If that's slightly slack as well you can probably knit the smaller size, on the smaller needles and it'll still fit you - knitting stretches.

Now put it away until after Christmas and have a glass of something potent.

[Millymollymandy]

If your tension is a little loose then simply knit the smaller pattern and change needle sizes. That will make it slightly larger than the small size but not as big as the larger.

But it won't though will it, as the tension with smaller needles will be correct therefore I'll have a 20" hat for a 21" head.

I just don't know anything about hat sizes. If I knit a 38" jumper the actual size is bigger than that (cos they aren't skin tight) but these measurements were given for the hat circumference and not head size!

And I'm not doing it today, just wanted to do the tension to see if I needed to buy some new needles!

[83rachel]

I would do the smaller one to be honest it will be more snug, also dont forget your tension square, (i speak from experience there lol)

[Millymollymandy]

I've done the tension square (mentioned twice ) already.

[83rachel]

just re read that, sorry i wasnt looking properly, I would still go for the smaller one to be honest.

[Millymollymandy]

That's what I'm planning to do now, thanks for the advice.