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!
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 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 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 L. Taylor
Love the process and finished product. Will knit this again. Great combination of conversation knitting and some interesting details. Was the perfect vacation project.
L. Taylor test knit Athleisure Cowl.
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 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 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 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 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 Susie W.
I always find Shana’s designs to be a great blend of soothing and relaxing knitting as well as interesting and engaging construction and finishing techniques – basically my favorite kind of project! Her patterns are very well-written and are as enjoyable to knit as they are to wear.
Susie has knit many Shanalines Designs patterns including SuperCape, Space Positive Wrap, Recalibrate, Shoulder Season, and Drawn Together.
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 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.