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 Marieke, Solace in Stitches

Duplex is a quick and fun to make. The striping and modular joining kept me engaged throughout the project without being to complicated. It’s a great pattern to use up sock yarn leftovers and play with colors. Excited to cast on another one.

Marieke test knit Duplex, and has knit many other Shanalines Designs patterns.

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 Christen C.

Recalibrate was interesting and fun to knit. Designer tips and helpful schematics throughout the pattern made the modular construction easy to work.

Christen has knit and test knit many Shanalines Designs patterns including PB Sandwich Hat, Shot Reverse Shot Poncho, Air Hugs Wrap, and Recalibrate.

From Sara D.

I test knit the puff cuff mitts for Shana. She was a pleasure to work with, she answered questions promptly and took suggestions gracefully. The pattern was easy to follow and fun to knit. The videos included in the pattern are helpful and well done.

Sara test knit Puff Cuffs.

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 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 Jen G.

Shanalines Designs patterns are clever in their design and enjoyable to knit. I’ve had the opportunity to take a class from Shana at Zombie Knitpocalypse and she is encouraging and patient and always open to feedback. I especially enjoyed knitting her Shoulder Season top. It is a lovely knit and easy to adjust to a longer length which I prefer. I’m never disappointed when I choose to knit one of Shana’s patterns.

Jen was a test knitter for Modular Coffee Cup Cozy, Shoulder Season, and Reach For It.

From Mary H.

After admiring Shana’s designs for a long time, I was excited to actually knit one of her patterns, and it did not disappoint! I am always interested in new construction and unique knits and this was a pleasure to knit up. Fun, engaging and easy to modify — Shoulder Season is a great pattern!

Mary was a test knitter for Shoulder Season.

From Eimear B.

I only recently became aware of Shana’s patterns and I chose to knit Recalibrate. I’m usually a top down in the round kind of knitter so I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy this pattern – wow was I wrong! It was so enjoyable! A fun well written pattern that I just flew through! I really love the end result too!

I then was lucky enough to meet and take a class with Shana at SSK this year and all I can say is she’s an all round great person and fantastic teacher! If you get the chance to knit a Shana pattern, meet or take a class with Shana then don’t hesitate.

Eimear has knit Recalibrate, and attended a class at Super Summer Knitogether (SSK) retreat in Nashville, TN in July, 2023.

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 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 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.