Blind Contour Hat

Knitter: Tiffany N.
Size 3 on 22.5″ (57 cm) head

SHOULDER SEASON — Knitter: Kristen H.
Size 5 with added length

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.

Blind Contour Hat on Ravelry

Blind Contour Hat on Payhip

Blind Contour Hat on Knit Picks Website

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 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 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 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 Patti N.

Shana’s pattern was clear and easy to follow. Her patterns are always fun to knit! Her responsiveness was quick and friendly. She is always happy to help. It is a pleasure to test knit for such a delightful person.

Patti test knit Keep on Striping.

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 Jane R.

Such a fun pattern to knit up instructions are super clear.

Jane R. test knit Quarter Notes Hat.

From Marieke vB.

These cuffs work up extremely quickly, are quick to knit and make a great gift for anyone. They are a perfect introduction if you’re new to short rows in knitting. Shana’s patterns are always written clearly and easy to follow.

Marieke vB. test knit Side Hustle Cuffs. She has also test knit Doubled Up Hat and Shoulder Season and knit many other Shanalines Designs projects!

From Pam S.

I really love Shana’s designs, including Puff Cuffs, which I’ve just recently knit! Cute and fun to knit, with a few challenges to keep it interesting. I especially like how thorough Shana is in her explanations of multi-step techniques! Ive come across some new-to-me ways of doing things while knitting these, but the explanations are clear, and my Puff Cuffs turned out great!

Pam has been to Zombie Knitpocalypse 2021, 2022, and 2023. 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, Shoulder Season, and Puff Cuffs.

From Cori B.

What a great test knitting experience! The expectations were very clear, there was constant communication (I love the use of discord for test knitting- so much more streamlined than using an IG chat or an email)- I love that it was a communal experience without being overwhelming. I would absolutely apply to test knit again.

And the pattern is so ingenious- a fun and quick knit, that feels solid, with minimal finishing (literally two ends to weave per mitt). I’m so excited to use them!

Cori B. was a test knitter for Turnover.

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 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 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.