07. Free Knitting Pattern: The Drunken Sailor Hat by Wolly Roger
Hello, knitters, and raise the anchor!
Today, we're going to make a hat together, but not just any hat: we're going to knit the "Drunken Sailor" hat! This is the first-born of the Wolly Roger collection.
The "Drunken Sailor" Hat: A Warm and Versatile Classic
This hat was designed to be knit with an entire skein of Malabrigo Chunky. But you could also opt for a more rustic yarn like Big Vintage Wool from Erika Knight.
Why "Drunken Sailor"? Because it's the name of the most famous sea shanty, so well known that it was even used in a commercial by a certain captain to sell fish sticks! If the name doesn't ring a bell, whatever you do, don't listen to this incredible version performed by The Irish Rovers, or you'll have it stuck in your head all day...
Sea shanties were a way to set the rhythm for work aboard and to synchronize the crew. We can imagine that before the industrial period, when almost everything relied on the physical efforts of the workers, a little boost of morale was not a luxury!
This pattern is therefore an easy and quick model to make, ideal for a last-minute gift, for example. As you'll have noticed—because you can't hide anything from us—it's a rather thick and very warm hat, and its design and size will suit both men and women.
Essential Knitting Techniques for the Drunken Sailor
To make this hat, 4 specific techniques will be used:
- the elastic cast-on,
- knitting in the round,
- 1x1 ribbing,
- the vertical double decrease (vdd).
I will guide you, step-by-step, to perform these techniques on the Wolly Roger YouTube channel, in the DRUNKEN SAILOR playlist. You can just click on the links above to access them directly.
Drunken Sailor Hat Pattern
Adult hat, one size (fits head circumference from 54 to 62 cm).
Gauge: 16 stitches x 17 rows = 10cm in 1x1 ribbing with 7mm needles.
Materials:
- 1 skein of Malabrigo Chunky, 100% Superwash Merino, 100g/95 m.
- 7mm circular needles with a 60cm cable
- stitch markers
- tapestry needle
Abbreviations:
- st: stitch.
- PM: place marker.
- SM: slip marker.
- MM: move marker. Remove the marker and place it in the previous space, between the 2 stitches you just knit.
- vdd: vertical double decrease. Slip 2 stitches together onto the right needle as if to knit. Then knit the 3rd stitch and pass the first two stitches together over the third. Each vdd reduces by 2 stitches. The vdd is worked over 3 stitches, with the center stitch being a knit stitch.
Instructions:
Cast on 64 sts using the elastic cast-on and join to knit in the round.
Knit in 1x1 ribbing starting with a purl st for 36 rows.
Row 37: (knit 16 sts in 1x1 ribbing, PM) repeat 3 times.
Row 38: (vdd, knit 13 sts in 1x1 ribbing, SM) repeat 3 times. 8 stitches decreased [56 stitches]
Row 39: (MM, knit 14 sts in 1x1 ribbing) repeat 3 times.
Row 40: (vdd, knit 11 sts in 1x1 ribbing, SM) repeat 3 times. 8 stitches decreased [48 stitches]
Row 41: (MM, knit 12 sts in 1x1 ribbing) repeat 3 times.
Row 42: (vdd, knit 9 sts in 1x1 ribbing, SM) repeat 3 times. 8 stitches decreased [40 stitches]
Row 43: (MM, knit 10 sts in 1x1 ribbing) repeat 3 times.
Row 44: (vdd, knit 7 sts in 1x1 ribbing, SM) repeat 3 times. 8 stitches decreased [32 stitches]
Row 45: (MM, knit 8 sts in 1x1 ribbing) repeat 3 times.
Row 46: (vdd, knit 5 sts in 1x1 ribbing, MM) repeat 3 times. 8 stitches decreased [24 stitches]
Row 47: (vdd, knit 6 sts in 1x1 ribbing, MM) repeat 3 times. 8 stitches decreased [16 stitches]
Row 48: (vdd, knit 4 sts in 1x1 ribbing, MM) repeat 3 times. 8 stitches decreased [8 stitches]
Finishing the Hat
Put the yarn on a tapestry needle and thread it through the remaining 8 sts twice, then pull the yarn tightly to close the top opening. Weave in the ends, wash, and let it air dry
without stretching the hat. Don't forget to wring out your hat well before drying; this will speed up the process considerably! Malabrigo Chunky is a thick yarn, and the ribbing forms a dense knit, which will be great when it's on your ears, but unfortunately, it will take some time to dry.
The Drunken Sailor pattern is an exclusive creation of Wolly Roger. Any reproduction for commercial purposes or copying without citing the author will be punished by walking the plank.
Take good care, and see you soon for new adventures!
Hopla, Bis bàll!
Jessica