Hi all,

I want to make a hat that is ribbed the whole way up (wing it with my own pattern)...

I normally CO 90 stitches for an adult hat. What I am wondering, is the ribbing stretchy enough that I should only CO 80? Normally I work the body of the hat in Stockingette stitch and just the starting 1-2 inches in ribbing.

Thanks!!

If you CO 90 for a hat that involves the 2 inches or so of ribbing at the bottom, I would say it's safe to assume that you'd still need about 90 for a hat that's ribbed all the way up. While it would be stretchier, I think that the amount the bottom stretches won't be appreciably different. Could be wrong on this, but that's my guess.

Nope, cast on at least your normal 90. Ribbing does pull in; that's part of it's beauty, warmth, and practical nature.

I think it's worth doing a small swatch and stretching it to see just how much variation there can be in fit and appearance. It's width-wise expansion will also vary depending upon the type of ribbing, ie., 3X1, 2X2, 2X1, etc.