Through the years, I’ve taken all sorts of art classes to explore new techniques and sharpen my creative skills. Among other exercises, I’ve tried blind contour drawings, which are created with a single line without looking at the subject and without lifting the pencil off the page. There’s a beauty and simplicity to using a single line to define an object. BLIND CONTOUR HAT uses a single elegant line with intuitive German short rows to create a subtly slouchy hat with only the starting and ending tails to weave in.
Find full gallery images here.
YARN
Sample 1: Knit Picks Brava Worsted, 100% Acrylic, 219 yd / 200 m per 100 g, 1 skein.
Sample 2: Knit Picks Chroma Twist Worsted Weight, 70% Wool, 30% Nylon, 218 yd / 199 m per 100 g, 1 skein.
www.knitpicks.com
Use any worsted weight yarn you prefer to achieve gauge.
GAUGE & NEEDLES
22 stitches & 28 rounds = 4” / 10 cm on larger needles in stockinette stitch after blocking
US 5 / 3.75 mm circular needle, 16” / 40 cm or 1 size smaller than main body needle
US 6 / 4.0 mm circular needle, 16” / 40 cm and 32” / 80 cm for magic loop decreases, or double-pointed needles
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
1 (2, 3, 4)
Circumference: 17.5” (18.5”, 19.6”, 20.7”) / 40.5 (44.5, 48, 52.5) cm
Front height: 8.4” (8.6”, 8.6”, 9”) / 21 (22, 22, 23) cm
Back height: 11” (11.25”, 11.25”, 11.5”) / 28 (28.5, 28.5, 29) cm
Choose a size with 2”-4” / 5-10 cm of negative ease for a snug fit.
Sample 1: Size 4 shown in Knit Picks Brava Worsted in colorway Tranquil, 171 yd / 156 m (78 g).
Sample 2: Size 3 shown in Knit Picks Chroma Twist Worsted weight, colorway Wednesday, 139.5 yd / 127.6 m (64 g)
TOOLS
6 stitch markers, 1 unique for beginning of round
Scissors
Tapestry needle
Tubular cast-on with waste yarn will also require a small amount of smooth waste yarn and crochet hook
TECHNIQUES
Tubular cast-on with waste yarn, knit stitch, purl stitch, German short rows
PATTERN ATTRIBUTES
This is a written pattern with 4 size options.
EXPLORE ON INSTAGRAM
#BlindContourHat
Tech Editing: Bronwyn Hahn
Test knitting: Cathy A., Gabriella B., Leslie C-R., Valerie J., Kathrin K., Laura L., Tiffany N. & Lauren S.
From Kim C-G.
I have knit many of Shana’s designs, and they never disappoint. I’m at a place where I want to create more hand knit garments as I move into a capsule wardrobe, and I love that each of her patterns are size inclusive. I know I will not need to make adjustments to the stitch count to fit around my chest or hips. There is enough size range to satisfy preferences for oversized fit and more form fitting, well into a 60″ chest. Moreover, there is so much flexibility with color patterning that stripes, variegated or tonal all work well. I also love the modular construction which is elegant but easy enough for a beginner. Stitch patterns are well defined, and links to tutorials are provided where having a video-based tutorial is beneficial. I recommend Shanalines Designs every opportunity I get because of the creative construction, unlimited styling/color options and size inclusivity.
Kim has knit many Shanalines Designs patterns and has test knit Doubled Up Hat, Semantics, Coin Flip Hat, Shoulder Season, and Split Decision Mitts.
From Gwynethnotpaltrow
I really appreciate how organized Shana was with this test knit. The pattern was straightforward to knit, but she was very open and responsive to knitter feedback. It really made the test feel like a collaborative effort.
Gwyneth test knit L’Dor Va Dor Shawl.
From Marieke, Solace in Stitches
Duplex is a quick and fun to make. The striping and modular joining kept me engaged throughout the project without being to complicated. It’s a great pattern to use up sock yarn leftovers and play with colors. Excited to cast on another one.
Marieke test knit Duplex, and has knit many other Shanalines Designs patterns.
From Leah S. – Gratitude_Knits
I first met Shana through a retreat where she taught her modular knitting technique with her modular knit case and bowl. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a class with her. Her teaching style is engaging and inclusive to all students.
I was immediately fascinated with her unique approach to design. Her patterns take techniques I’ve used in much simpler ways and make them hers in a seriously fun and unexpected way. Since the retreat, I’ve knit the modular Bento Bag and test knit the Turnover mitts. I’m looking forward to knitting one of her sweater designs. I just need to decide which one and if I have to wait to spin enough yarn for it.
Leah S. – Gratitude_Knits took a class at Super Summer Knitogether 2023. She has knit Modular Knit Cast, Modular Bento Bag, and test knit Turnover.
From Katie T.
I always love Shana’s patterns – they are so clear but leave so much room for creativity! They are the perfect balance of direction and inspiration that I often make more than one of all her patterns. I especially love the analogous shawl and can imagine it in so many different color combos!
Katie test knit Analogous.
From Rebecca F.
I’ve tested multiple patterns for Shana and they’re always already well-written and well thought out before we see the testing version. She’s very responsive with answers to questions and clearly cares about making patterns accessible to knitters of all skill levels, budgets, and bodies. I love the way her patterns flow and present a canvas for your creativity and individuality.
Rebecca has knit many Shanalines Designs patterns, and test knit Space Positive Wrap, Upstanding Hat, Adulthood and Side Hustle Wrap (Light).
From Mary H.
After admiring Shana’s designs for a long time, I was excited to actually knit one of her patterns, and it did not disappoint! I am always interested in new construction and unique knits and this was a pleasure to knit up. Fun, engaging and easy to modify — Shoulder Season is a great pattern!
Mary was a test knitter for Shoulder Season.
From Allena W. / Starknits
Shana is such a fun person and I enjoy spending time with her. Her energy comes through in classes and her patterns. I love the modular knitting and how her patterns are written. I love how open to making it your own Shana is. I’ve test knit a few of her patterns and she always is down for using handspun or different yarn or adding a detail to make it specific to the knitter.
Allena was a test knitter for Semantics, Modular Coffee Cup Cozy, Shoulder Season and Split Decision Mitts.
From Claudia W.
Very fun pattern and probably the best tutorial I’ve ever seen for the tubular cast-on. The fit is perfect and the way the thumb gusset flows out of the ribbing is just so satisfying!
Claudia W. test knit Office Hours.
From Pia
Shana’s designs are always on point! Her attention to finishing details result in handknits that are both unique and classic. Her patterns are well written and thoughtful. I’m a fan!
Pia has test knit several Shanalines Designs patterns!
From Christen C.
Recalibrate was interesting and fun to knit. Designer tips and helpful schematics throughout the pattern made the modular construction easy to work.
Christen has knit and test knit many Shanalines Designs patterns including PB Sandwich Hat, Shot Reverse Shot Poncho, Air Hugs Wrap, and Recalibrate.
From Lisa M.
Testing the Coexist Cowl was a pleasure. The pattern was easy to follow and communication with Shana was terrific. All questions were answered promptly and professionally.
Lisa test knit Coexist.