Split Decision Hat

If you’ve been following me for a bit, you know that I love creating pieces that can be worn in many ways and I love garter stitch with clever construction. Combine those interests with my love of using up leftover scraps, and you’ve got the SPLIT DECISION HAT. This hat can be worn in many ways, and it’s fun to knit. The finished product is just as pleasing in a single color as it is with color blocking or stripes.

I love the multi-directional quality of garter stitch. Because the fabric is square, it is easy to work the fabric in one direction, and you can pick up and work in a perpendicular direction without much fuss in counting stitches. Simple shaping creates the crown in a non-traditional way. This is a great canvas for using up partial skeins, and the change in direction of knitting creates a unique expression of colors and stripes. Make a SPLIT DECISION about how to style your hat: with either side in front or even half of each side showing. I hope you love making this stash-buster hat as much as I loved creating it!

Split Decision Hat on Ravelry

Split Decision Hat on Payhip

Split Decision Hat on Knit Picks Website

Find full gallery images here.

YARN
I created this design using leftovers of DK weight yarn, all 100% Superwash Merino, ranging from 270 yd / 247 m per 100 g to 250 yd / 229 m per 115 g. Any DK weight yarn will work! Fingering weight can also be held double to achieve the DK gauge.

An adult sized hat requires about 65-80 g of DK weight yarn. Mix and match colors as you like, striping partial skeins to make something truly unique. Each half of the hat takes roughly the same amount of yarn, so weigh your project after completing the first half to know how much additional yarn is needed.

DIMENSIONS – FINISHED CIRCUMFERENCE
Sizes 1 (2, 3, 4, 5)
15.2” (16.8”, 18.5”, 20.2”, 21.9”) / 39 (43, 47, 51, 55.6) cm.

DIMENSIONS – FINISHED HEIGHT
Short: 8.2-8.5” (20.8-21.6 cm)
Tall: 9.9-10.2” (25-26 cm)

GAUGE & NEEDLES
19 stitches & 38 rows = 4” (10 cm) in garter stitch knit flat
US 6 (4.0 mm) min. length 24″ (60 cm) or size needed to get gauge. The same size needle in 16” (40 cm) and 32” (80 cm) lengths may also be helpful.

TECHNIQUES
Provisional cast-on, knit stitch, increasing stitches, decreasing stitches, join-as-you-go modular knitting, 3-needle bind-off

PATTERN ATTRIBUTES
This modular reversible design is a written pattern with photo tutorials and includes a schematic and blank coloring page.

EXPLORE ON INSTAGRAM
#SplitDecisionHat

Tech editing: Bronwyn Hahn
Test knitting: Jenny B., Randi B., Rebecca F., Laura G., Becca H., Heather L., Amy Beth M., Mary M., Nikii M., Lindsey P., Lauren S., Anita T., and Cera W.

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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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.