Friday, January 11, 2008

Lyra's hat knitting pattern

January 28th Update: There has been a lot of attention to this post. Is there any interest in kits for this pattern? Tell you what, if anyone would like a kit that includes a pattern (more precise than the one below) and pattern yarn, please leave a comment and we'll work something out. I'll even put it all in an Alkaline original bag.

Lyra's hat

Have you seen the Golden Compass yet? Did you read the books? You totally should. Remember Lyra's hat that she wears in the movie? This is sort of a sucky picture of it, but you can get the basic idea...

Well, I thought that my daemon and I ought to be prepared in case we ever have to go into the North, so I figured out how to make her hat.

My daemon, Orbit

Want the pattern? It goes a little something like this: I used one hank of very big yarn, about as thick as those old hair ribbons we used to wear in the 80's. You could get an even cooler effect by combining leftovers of all of your favorite yarns until you get about that weight. You could easily go even chunkier than this and it would look more like the movie.

This is a really quick knit. I started mine over three times and was still able to finish it during the National Championship game.

Lyra's Boreal Hat

Gauge: 4" =7 stitches x 10 rows.

Needles: size 19 (or whatever works

-Cast on 36 stitches. Work in stockinette stitch for 20 rows. Add a few extra rows for an even roomier fit. Mine may be a little skimpy for Svalbard.

-Bind off. Now you have a long knitted rectangle.

-Fold cast off edge in half (making roughly a square) so that there are 18 stitches on each side and make a seam using whatever method you like. this will be the back of the hat. In the movie, the seam is very obvious on the outside of the hat, but you could be more discrete if you like.

- make two long braids of coordinating yarn (or an i-cord if you feel up to it) and affix to the two remaining open corners of the former rectangle. These will be the tassels you use to tie the hat snugly.

Tada! A very easy, very warm hat. Plus, the ties keep it on your head, should you find yourself riding a polar bear at great speed.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you Lizzie! It's been polar bear weather here when I take my morning hike so a Lyra Hat is just the ticket!

galeforcewind said...

To make get very obvious seam, you could knit half a row (18 sts in your pattern) and do a three-needle bind-off instead of sewing it up. I love your color choice! Very flattering on you and your daemon is quite regal.

Anonymous said...

what kind of yarn did you use? I was thinking of trying wool-ease thick&quick or whatever it is, but I don't know if even that would be thick enough... It's going to be my first knitting project so I really don't want to use expensive yarn! (someone else recommended I use angora/mohair, which I didn't think would be a good idea for me somehow)

TucsonLizzie said...

Heather, I think the thick and quick would work well, but maybe add another color in with it. You might add something with a little texture in a worsted weight along with the thick and quick. Otherwise, the pattern is very forgiving, so try whatever yarn you like best!

maria santos said...

I recently saw the Golden Compass (I know 2 years late!) and also LOVED Lyra's hat. Thank you for making this pattern and sharing it!!! I am just about to go out and buy some thick yarn and can't wait to start making this adorable hat! Your hat looks great and your "deamon" is so cute!
Thanks again!
Marie

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