Hats!

I’ve been thinking about patterns lately and specifically about the base design of things.

For example, winter hats.  There are a number of ways you can do one.

1. Make a chain long enough for a head, 21 inches is usually good.  Do your stitches back and forth about 7-8 inches high.  Sew the long ends together, then sew around the top and draw it together to close.  Finish the bottom border. The trouble with this one is, you have a seam and the top will feel bulky.
2. Make a chain long enough for a head but form a loop.  Do your selected stitch AROUND about 7-8 inches high, starting with a border or not.  Sew around the top and draw it together to close.  This one has no seam but the top is still bulky.
3. Same as 2 but instead around 5 inches up, begin to add some decreases to make the end hole smaller. Then sew around and drawn in.  This has no seam and the top is smoother.
4. Start from the top and expand out using increases and work down.  This one completes a smooth beanie type of look and I feel looks the most professional.  The only trouble is making sure the end result is big enough for the head, since you aren’t figuring that out with the initial chain.