Whit's Knits: Felted Bucket Hat

Two years ago we brought you John's Favorite Bucket Hat, a crocheted hat based on Page's stepfather's beloved LL Bean version. But even classics could use a little updating every now and then, and so this season we decided to send the Bucket Hat to the Laundromat! The result is a beautifully felted topper, good for protection from rain, sun and snow and for increasing general well being.

Besides a new felted finish, we also reworked the Bucket Hat in a fabulous new yarn, Cascade's Eco+. For years we've all relied on Cascade's 220 as our go-to light worsted for felting. Now with the Eco+ we have a gorgeous heavy worsted option. It is 100% Natural Peruvian Wool, free from chemical processing, and positively sure to felt like a dream.

If the men in your life are a little wary of your handmade gifts, wondering if you're trying to make them look like Great Aunt Betty dressed them, then they might appreciate the finished look of this project. No suspect wonkiness or fishy disarray. They may even pay you the dubious compliment of, "I love it! Where did you buy it?".

The Materials

• 1 skein of Cascade's Eco +, 100% Wool. One skein makes one hat, and two skeins makes three (don't waste yardage, though - it's quite close!). These colors, from top to bottom, are Rainier Heather 9454, Pumpkin Spice 2453, and Straw 4010. Please be aware that natural, undyed colors will require more washings to felt.
• 1 size Q crochet hook

The Pattern

Gauge

1 1/2 single crochets = 1 inch (unfelted)

Finished Size

Approximately 24 inch circumference, to fit most men.

Important Note

The yarn is doubled throughout this pattern. You can either roll your skein into two balls or pull from the inside and outside of one ball.

Begin

Chain 3 and slip stitch into the first chain to make a ring.

Round 1: Chain 1, 6 single crochet (sc) into the ring.

Note: Mark the first stitch of the next round with a removable marker. Make sure to reposition the marker at the beginning of each round to mark the new first stitch.

Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch. (12 stitches)

Round 3: Repeat Round 2. (24 stitches)

Round 4: *1 sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch, repeat from * to end of round. (30 stitches)

Round 5: *2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 4 stitches, repeat from * to end of round. (36 stitches)

Round 6: 1 sc in each stitch.

Round 7: *1 sc in next 5 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch, repeat from * to end of round. (42 stitches)

Rounds 8 and 9: 1 sc in each stitch.

Round 10: *2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 6 stitches, repeat from * to end of round. (48 stitches)

Rounds 11-13: 1 sc in each stitch.

Round 14: *1 sc in next 7 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch, repeat from * to end of round. (54 stitches)

Rounds 15-17: 1 sc in each stitch.

Round 18: *2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 5 stitches, repeat from * to end of round. (63 stitches)

Round 19: 1 sc in each stitch.

Round 20: *1 sc in next 6 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch, repeat from * to end of round. (72 stitches)

Rounds 21-23: 1 sc in each stitch.

Round 24: Slip stitch in each stitch.

Weave in the ends.

Here's what your hat should like (pretty huge and wacky!):

Felting

Most people recommend a top loading washing machine for felting so that you can stop mid-cycle to check on your progress. I didn't have access to a top loader, so I just crossed my fingers and headed for my neighborhood Laundromat. I tossed each hat into its own machine along with some soap and a few tennis balls. After two hot cycles, they were perfect! So, if you have a top loader, use it, but, if not, I say, go for it!

Remember, if you're using a natural, undyed color you may have to spend a little more time at the Laundromat. Those colors can be a bit stubborn!