Surface Braid Hat - free pattern!

ETA 11/18/2010: Thanks to a comment from Sirdar (am I to believe that's actually a representative of Sirdar yarn fame? - how cool!!), this stitch has a name! Well, a couple of names it turns out. And it's been around for ages! Also known as Camel Crochet (tm?), the Hump stitch, and a couple of other titles that aren't really used. This stitch is so cool, no matter what it's called. I am surprised it isn't more mainstream. Hopefully, with the pattern now having a presence on Ravelry, Crochet Pattern Central and Crochetville, this neat stitch will become more popular. Can't wait to see what others do with it! Thanks Sirdar!

Now back to the regularly scheduled program...

I guess it's been awhile, eh? I've been busy. Really, really, really busy (as my 2 year old would say). I am working on my first ever graded (sized) wearable pattern, and it's so fun! But also lots of work. Anyway, to take a little break from the grind, I came up with this new hat pattern. Hope you all enjoy! It was a surprise and an accident how I came upon this stitch technique. I know I didn't invent it, but after hours of scouring the internet, I can tell you almost NO ONE is using it. Hopefully this free pattern will excite others on it and we will start to see it used more. It's incredibly stretchy and would make a great chemo cap. (Hint, hint! My fav chemo cap group is Knots Of Love. If you can, make a hat for them!)

Surface Braid hat


Materials:
I or J hook - I crochet tightly and used a J, but the hat is so stretchy that you will probably want to use an I hook for more form-fitting results
ww/aran yarn (probably about 100 yds, but I forgot to weigh it. sorry!)
stitch marker (optional but recommended)

Notes:
This hat is worked seamlessly. Do not join rounds. Use stitch markers if necessary to identify the first stitch in each round. All stitches, after first round, are made into the back spine of the stitch (see video for clear instruction). And, this hat is reversible; either side makes for a great looking hat!

Special stitch:
See video for special stitch technique! (or see bottom of post for written instructions!)



Pattern:
Round 1: Ch 3, 12 hdc in 3rd ch from hook. (12 hdc)
Round 2: 2hdc in of each st around. (24 hdc)
Round 3: 2hdc in first st, hdc next st. *2hdc, hdc. Repeat from * to end. (36 hdc)
Round 4: 2hdc in first st, hdc next 2 st. *2hdc, hdc 2. Repeat from * to end. (48 hdc)
Round 5: 2hdc in first st, hdc next 3 st. *2hdc, hdc 3. Repeat from * to end. (60hdc)
Round 6: 2hdc in first st, hdc next 4 st. *2hdc, hdc 4. Repeat from * to end. (72 hdc)
Round 7: hdc in each hdc around.
Rounds 8 – end: Repeat Round 7 until desired length (between 7 – 8” for adult)
If making a child’s hat, eliminate Round 6 and Repeat Round 7 until the hat reaches between 6 – 7” tall.

Close up of the stitch definition...you can really see the braided feature sitting on the top of the hat.














And, like so many great things, this hat looks just as interesting when turned inside out!













UPDATE:

For those who are unable to view the video, I am so sorry that I didn't write out the instructions. Silly me! Anyway, here goes...

Create a hdc as normal EXCEPT instead of inserting the hook under the front and/or back loops, turn your work towards you slightly and find the horizontal bar just below the top loops. Insert your hook under that bar, and complete the hdc as normal. This pushes the front and back top loops to the front of your work, showcasing the neat braid effect!