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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.