Laura's Loop: Heel Stitch Hat

It happens to the best of us... You wander into a yarn shop, anxious, antsy, raring to knit, but then, you are faced with it: the Wall. It's packed full of vibrantly colored fiber, cubbies upon cubbies of yarn, arranged to inspire. But instead of igniting direction, this vertical display of skeins causes, what I like to call (in a hushed voice), Knitter's Wall (gasp!).

It's the knitter's version of writer's block. You find yourself standing there, staring aimlessly, hands thrown in the air, asking yourself, asking the wall, "What should I knit?!?!?!"

Although you can't find Knitter's Wall in any psychology books, I don't need to tell you, it is a real affliction. The good news... there's a solution! All you need is a warm-up project, a project to get those finger muscles moving and knitting neurons shooting. Something that's sparks your interest, grabs your attention, and gets you back into your knitting groove.  The even better news... I've got just the thing for you! The Heel Stitch Hat. 

Heel Stitch is traditionally used for, you guessed it, the heel of a sock. Designed for its durability and cushioning effect, I knew such a striking texture and impressive loft would make up an incredibly handsome and cozy hat.  For gorgeous stitch definition and sumptuous warmth, I used Swan's Island's beautiful Worsted weight organic merino, but most any worsted weight yarn, like the yarns picture here, will suit! If you'd like to make your very own, check out our Heel Stitch Hat Project Journal right here! Once you've completed it, you'll have a hat to keep the cool air out and Knitter's Wall at bay! 

Comments

[Amanda]

I love how you wrote this! knitter's wall is all too real ;)

xo
Amanda

[Kelly]

I experience knitter's wall every time I try to plan out my Christmas gift projects! Thanks for sharing this. It's just the thing to help out.

[Steph Wylie]

What a creative way to use a stitch that's normally overlooked except when it comes to socks. Thanks for sharing with us. =)

[Jen]

I'd love to see a photo of what it looks like worn. I'm curious about the corners sticking out (if at all).

[Donna]

I choose by project, not by yarn. It keeps me from being so overwhelmed by the Knitter's Wall. Ugh: I can feel the anxiety setting in as we speak!!!

[Mary OMeara]

It happens to me all the time. Even if I have projects going and I walk into a store I can't resist the yarn and then I think....um now what?

[Purl Bee]

Jen, the corners don't really stick out. The shape is indeed boxier than fitted, but I was careful to not create ear or horn-like points. We will try and shoot the hat on someone soon. Thanks for commenting. -Laura

[Dixie Ipsit]

I love the simplicity. Do you think it would be possible to do the same with a more decorative stitch, even if it was just for the first few rows? (which kind of contradicts loving the simplicity, doesn't it?)

And, thanks for being very explicit about the slip stitch - purlwise with yarn in back. Many patterns aren't quite as explicit abou thtat!

[Maja]

Wow, just a project I've been looking for as a present for someone! Love it

[purl bee]

Thank you all for commenting! Hope you are all keeping Knitters Wall at bay this season. I have calculated the yardage requirements for the five sizes. They can be found in the Project Journal, but here they are for quick reference as well. For the Baby (Toddler, Kid, Small Adult, Large Adult) hats: 80 (105, 135, 160, 185). Also, originally I said it took a every last inch of the 250-yard skein of Swan's Island Worsted to make a Large Adult. Correction: It took every last inch to make the Baby and Large Adult. Thanks again for your interest. Hope you enjoy the pattern! -Laura

[Shannon @ A Mom's Year]

Thank you so much for the post. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one to suffer from this condition. I'm looking forward to giving this hat a try.