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 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 Tina P.
I have knit many of Shana’s patterns and never been disappointed! Her patterns are always fun to knit with really interesting construction so they’re never boring to knit (sometimes I can be a short attention span knitter!) She provides really clear instructions for techniques and great tutorials as well. Shana is one of my very favorite designers and I am always excited when I see she has a new pattern.
Tina has knit many Shanalines Designs patterns!
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 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 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 TheKnittedBean
I appreciate the recipe or blueprint-like quality of the Shanalines Designs patterns which leave space for the maker to get truly creative and give each piece their own touch whether that be by substitution of yarns, or by the ease with which this allows the use of handspun that might have varying gauge, or even modular play with color. Ten different people can make a pattern by Shana and it can look like ten different patterns, there are no cookie cutters here!
TheKnittedBean test knit Share the Fun.
From Pam S.
I really appreciate Shana’s attention to detail in each of her patterns, and also across the scope of her patterns. There are certain things I can count on from a Shanalines pattern, whether it’s a garment, coffee cozy or fidget toy: The directions will be clear, the design will be innovative, and the thing WILL fit! Her modular knits are good on everybody, and they are also really fun to make! As a bonus, Shana is very interactive and fun to knit with! I’ve had the chance to spend time with her at a couple of events, and I always leave her side smiling!
If you are hedging about one of the shanalines patterns, and you happen to see her at an event, she may even take off that beautiful sweater she’s wearing (with a tank top underneath, of course) to let you see how it works on you, or to point out a specific stitch detail. And if you have questions while you’re knitting, just reach out. She is always ready with a thoughtful answer that makes sense. I always look forward to seeing what pattern will come out next!
Pam has been to Zombie Knitpocalypse 2021 and 2022. She has knit many Shanalines Designs patterns including PB Sandwich Hat and Recalibrate, and has test knit Semantics, Peapod Marble Fidget Toy, Textured Marble Fidget Toy, Modular Coffee Cup Cozy and Shoulder Season.
From Azariah’s Fibre Arts
I met Shana for the first time at an in-person event in early 2020, before the world shut down. She was at a small fiber festival sharing one of her new designs and her story about being an architect who now designs modular knitting patterns. I was hooked. I have tested for her, met her again multiple times and asked her questions about the industry and designing. She is a down to earth fun person. She is also honest and helpful. If you have a chance to work one of her patterns I highly recommend it! Some of the construction is a bit outside the box, but totally worth the effort. Just take it one step at a time and wait until you’re alone to concentrate if needed. Once you get it, you’ve got it! Thank you Shana for making fun knit patterns and sharing them!
Azariah’s Fibre Arts has test knit many Shanalines Designs patterns including Cohenside Cowl (DK), Air Hugs Wrap, and Turnover.
From Kelly O.
This pattern is clever and fun. I was looking for a quick knit with style and the Drawn Together Cowl was perfect! It is a one-skein project, clearly explains new-to-me techniques and produces a show-stopping cowl. I will keep this first one for me and I see gift knitting in the future!
Kelly O. knit Drawn Together.
From Adrian S.
This top was a joy to test and I appreciate all your work in cultivating an inclusive test knitting group. ❤️
Adrian was a test knitter for Shoulder Season.
From Ellie F.
Very clear concise pattern, a joy to test. Cables were fun and unique and the design came together perfectly.
Ellie F. test knit High Desert Headband.
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.