This optional cast on helps create a stretchy, knot free edge at the bottom of your ribbing. If you’re not feeling this cast on it’s absolutely optional and can be replaced by any long tail, knitted, or cabled cast on. Don’t stress it!

New to casting on or need a refresher? I walk you through three cast on options you can use in this video!

What You’ll Need:

Finished Size 20” hat circumference. 

Yarn Gnome Depot Fiber Shiitake DK, 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon; 245yds/100g: Camp Workroom Social Fall 2025.

Needles Size 5 (3.75 mm): 16” circular needle.

Notions Markers (m), waste yarn.

Gauge 20 sts = 4”.

Notes If you’d like your hat to be bigger or smaller, CO sts in multiples of 4. 

Directions:

With waste yarn, CO 51 sts. Cut waste yarn. Do not join the round. Join hat yarn.

Set Up Row 1 (RS): *K1, yo; rep from * to last st, k1 - 101 sts. 

Set Up Row 2 (WS): K1, *k1, slip 1 pw wyif; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2. 

Set Up Row 3: K1, *slip 1 pw wyif, k1; rep from * to last 2 sts, slip 1 pw wyif, k1. 

Set Up Row 4: Rep Set Up Row 2.