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 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 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 Adrian S.

This top was a joy to test and I appreciate all your work in cultivating an inclusive test knitting group. ❤️

Adrian was a test knitter for Shoulder Season.

From Nan P.

Shana consistently produces engaging and fun to knit designs, and offers great pattern support. She is really fun to test knit for, as well. I love the playful and meditative aspects of her knits.

Nan test knit Coexist, and has knit other Shanalines Designs patterns.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Kim C-G.

I have knit many of Shana’s designs, and they never disappoint. I’m at a place where I want to create more hand knit garments as I move into a capsule wardrobe, and I love that each of her patterns are size inclusive. I know I will not need to make adjustments to the stitch count to fit around my chest or hips. There is enough size range to satisfy preferences for oversized fit and more form fitting, well into a 60″ chest. Moreover, there is so much flexibility with color patterning that stripes, variegated or tonal all work well. I also love the modular construction which is elegant but easy enough for a beginner. Stitch patterns are well defined, and links to tutorials are provided where having a video-based tutorial is beneficial. I recommend Shanalines Designs every opportunity I get because of the creative construction, unlimited styling/color options and size inclusivity.

Kim has knit many Shanalines Designs patterns and has test knit Doubled Up Hat, Semantics, Coin Flip Hat, Shoulder Season, and Split Decision Mitts.