The Yo hat by Ivanne S.

After sharing an article about scarves and triangular scarves, I thought it would be lovely to suggest a matching hat.

I've chosen to introduce the YO! hat by Ivanne S. for three reasons:

• it offers two designs: a classic one and a more streetwear-inspired version
• the pattern includes both children's and adult versions, so you can make something for the whole family
• the tutorial contains plenty of tips and tricks, including changing the height and making a two-colour version, as well as upcycling advice.

Let's get started and discover this pattern together!

Where can you find the pattern?

You'll find the YO! hat pattern on the website of Ivanne S., a sewing designer who offers books and patterns.

You can download the hat pattern as a PDF for €3.50. Click here to find it. 

The pattern prints on A4 paper and is very easy to assemble. Each design—versions 1 and 2, for both children and adults—fits onto 4 pages, which you simply join using the alignment marks.

Please note: seam allowances are not included. You'll need to add them when cutting out!

Who is the pattern for?

For children, two sizes are offered according to head circumference:

• 45 to 49 cm
• 50 to 53 cm

For adults, the two sizes are:

• 54 to 58 cm
• 59 to 63 cm

Who can sew the YO! hat?

Everyone! If you're a beginner and want to start sewing stretch fabrics, this is a good first project.

Your sewing basket for a YO! hat

To sew the YO! hat, you must use a stretchy material, such as knit fabrics like jersey, tubular ribbing... A knit fabric such as an old jumper could also work. The important thing is that the fabric has good stretch and feels soft.

For the single-colour version, you'll need a fabric remnant measuring between 45 x 55 cm for the smallest child's size and 60 x 70 cm for the largest adult size. It's therefore also a lovely project for using up knit fabric scraps.

• stretch fabric: one remnant, or two for the reversible version or a contrasting turn-up. In the shop, you'll find lovely knit fabrics and tubular ribbing for making your hat.
• thread
• a sewing machine
• a machine needle suitable for stretch or jersey fabrics

What should you pay attention to when sewing the hat?

The usual precautions still apply: prewashing, carefully cutting out the pattern and fabric...

Remember to add the seam allowances, which are not included. I chose to add 0.7 cm to avoid creating too much bulk at the assembly seams.

Take particular care when joining the crown of the hat so the seams meet neatly and you avoid little pointed corners as much as possible. To do this, taper the seams smoothly towards the sides rather than leaving sharp angles. You can also clip the seam allowances to relieve tension.

For a neat join at the top of the hat, align the seams carefully when pinning.

Another thing to remember is to leave an opening for turning the hat right side out when sewing the long side seam. My little reminder to stop sewing is to place glass-headed pins at both ends of the opening. They're my little memory aid: when I reach one while sewing, I remember to stop! You'll find some in the shop. 

Finally, close the opening with a few invisible hand stitches. Ta-da: your first hat is finished! You can make more for the whole family and friends, in one colour or two.

For my godson, I made a rabbit-print hat to match his scarf, and another in two colours to match the two pairs of joggers I'd made him for Christmas. He'll look so smart with everything coordinated ;-)

And if you'd like to take things a step further, why not add a pompom? It's a lovely project to do with a child as a sewing activity together.

I can't wait to see your lovely makes and your scarf-and-hat combinations ;-)

Get your needles ready!