Split Decision Hat - Shanalines Designs

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 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 Sara D.

I had the pleasure of testing this pattern for Shana. She is very responsive, and receptive to feedback. I would definitely work with her again.

Sara test knit Athleisure Cowl.

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 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 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 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 Lisa M.

Shana’s deigns are addictive. They are easy to follow, look great in all types of yarn (handspun and commercial) , and make great gifts.

Lisa has test knit many Shanalines Designs patterns including L’dor Va Dor Shawl, Tater Tots Bandana, Coexist, and Always Forward Poncho.

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 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 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 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.