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 Madeline J.
I have made two different Shanalines tops and one I made twice (and I generally don’t like repeating patterns!).
Her patterns are super clear and easily customizable. She offers a lot of size options, but also shows you how to make adjustments.
She is an architect by trade and you can absolutely tell – the patterns I made (Recalibrate and Shoulder Season) are modular and interesting. They are not your typical sweater construction, but the design makes sense and the pattern is not difficult to follow.
She’s very open to feedback and quick to help if you run into an issue. Cannot wait to see what else she comes out with!
Madeline was a test knitter for Shoulder Season, and has also knit Recalibrate.
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 Amanda S.
This was a super meditative or rhythmic knit that once I had the pattern repeats down, I just kept cruising. I really like both sides to this, and actually think it would make a really cute pattern for a tee!
Amanda test knit Coexist.
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 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 Kim R.
I’ve had the opportunity to test knit several designs for Shana. Pattern layout is neat, easy to read format, with helpful photos. I appreciate the video links within the pattern as extra guidance.
Shana is readily available during the testing phase and responds in a timely fashion.
I can’t say enough how wonderful of an experience it has been. The patterns are well written, easy to follow and interesting. I find them carefully thought out, and they keep me engaged. I look forward to every opportunity to knit her patterns!!!
Kim has test knit many Shanalines Designs patterns!
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 Kim R.
I’ve had the pleasure of test knitting Shana’s designs and her creativity never disappoints! Her patterns are interesting and I seem to learn new skills each time. As I’m knitting, my thoughts are always, “well that is clever”! Shana is always available to answer questions during the testing period
Kim has test knit many Shanalines Designs patterns including cowls, hats, and fidget toys.
From Lynn C.
I have made a couple of Shana’s designs and love them. Her patterns are clear, knit up perfectly and are unique. I always learn something new and enjoy both the process and the final product. I look forward to knitting more of her designs.
Lynn has knit Moduloncho and Coin Flip Hat, and was a test knitter for Side Hustle Wrap (Light).
From Cathy A.
I love Shana’s pattern designs. I have knit at least eight different patterns (some multiple times). The patterns have unique construction and are easy to follow. Shana responds to any questions in a very timely manor. She is always very positive and wants to make sure you are comfortable knitting her designs.
The Modular Bento Bag is such a fun, quick knit! The directions are easy to follow. You can’t stop at making just one. Try all four sizes. Makes a great gift bag.
Cathy has knit and test knit many Shanalines Designs patterns including Seeking Balance, Moduloncho, Recalibrate, Semantics, Side Hustle Wrap (Light), Switching Stirpes Hat, and Modular Bento Bag.
From Susie W.
I always find Shana’s designs to be a great blend of soothing and relaxing knitting as well as interesting and engaging construction and finishing techniques – basically my favorite kind of project! Her patterns are very well-written and are as enjoyable to knit as they are to wear.
Susie has knit many Shanalines Designs patterns including SuperCape, Space Positive Wrap, Recalibrate, Shoulder Season, and Drawn Together.
From Katie B.
The Side Hustle Cuffs are a simple, clear, and customizable pattern with an infinite amount of possibilities! Shanalines Designs patterns always allow for personalization, and these cuffs are no exception. Simple and adjustable, this pattern is definitely one that I will return to again and again for the people in my life.
Katie B. test knit Side Hustle Cuffs.