How to begin the Musselburgh Hat | Musselburgh Hat Tutorial Part 1

Knit the popular Musselburgh hat with confidence. I'll walk you through getting started, from choosing your yarn and needles to measuring the gauge on your crown in progress.
The pattern is available on my website
ysolda.com/products/musselburgh
and Ravelry:
www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
MENTIONED
Leith hat: ysolda.com/products/leith-hat
Disappearing loop cast-on: ysolda.com/blogs/journal/disa...
Umbilical cord cast-on: techknitting.blogspot.com/200...
KFB increases: • KFB increase | how to ...
Make 1 increases: • Make 1 increase | M1L ...
How to knit in the round: ysolda.com/blogs/journal/how-...
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
4:33 yarn & needle size
7:00 casting on
11:58 placing markers
14:50 crown increases
16:16 measuring gauge
20:51 following the pattern
Ysolda Newsletter: ysolda.com/pages/subscribe
The Knitwork: www.knitwork.ysolda.com
Join our Preview Knitters list: ysolda.com/pages/preview-knit...
Website: ysolda.com
Ravelry: www.ravelry.com/people/ysolda
Instagram: / ysolda
Pinterest: www.pinterest.co.uk/ysolda
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ABOUT US
At Ysolda we believe in the power of making, slowly and by hand, and that everyone should be able to access that magic. We aim to provide knitting and making inspiration and patterns to fuel your creativity, steady your days, and make beautiful projects. With over 15 years of blogging and designing experience, Ysolda and our team know a thing or two about knitting and craft techniques. To empower you to confidently tackle new skills, and knit the projects you dream of, we're sharing our experience in an extensive library of free tutorials that's growing all the time. ysolda.com

[@saleon84]

Made one for my husband a couple of years ago! He loved it and was his favorite hat I’d knit for him. He unfortunately passed away this past year but I kept this hat as I still remember how much he loved it. I will be making another for myself this year. Great pattern.

[@ysoldateague]

I’m so sorry for your loss

[@jeanlubo2446]

Sorry for your loss.

[@janvanscoygrimmer5271]

So sorry for your loss.❤

[@cassandracurtis7207]

What a beautiful way to remember your husband

[@kellicoffman8440]

So sorry for your loss

[@hannahmoore9520]

This tutorial is a game changer! Learning that I don’t need to try and distribute the stitches straight away and can do the first round on two dpns has made this so much easier to do. Thank you!

[@brendamacdougall3749]

Thank you for a fabulous pattern and your insightful explanation to clear up any misunderstanding that may occur. Much appreciated. You are a very dedicated and knowledgeable knitwear designer.

[@denisewessman1079]

This is my favorite hat!!! It works for everyone in any kind of yarn. You have done an awesome job on this pattern

[@PrayedKnots]

I have struggled with the cast on for two years! However I am a new knitter. But I was determined to make this hat! So many people love it and my son lives where it gets very cold so I really wanted to make this hat! It has so many great features. So about a week ago I had some time alone and I sat down to do it. And I did the cast on EXACTLY how you showed it! In my mind I said "I’m going to do the magic loop, but with two DPNs then work from there". And what do ya know I’m past the increases! Then I had gauge questions. I just kinda figured it out being a long time crocheter and was pretty close. Thank you so much for this video! It answered EVERY LAST QUESTION I had!

[@CarrieMtn]

One of the things I like about this hat is it’s not “afraid”of a top down construction. There are so few hats that start at the top. I think it makes sense to start a hat at the top.

[@stephaniefricke7679]

Your Musselburgh pattern appeals to so many qualities of what I love about knitting: the fun cast on and increasing; fingering weight socks yarn; the option to use other weights of yarn; small project yet meditative for quite a bit of it; I’m using flexiflips or Chaigoo interchangeable shortie needles…….everything I use for knitting socks, but not socks! I love socks but I do like to have something else to pick up for a bit then go back to the socks, and back and forth. And I just love your patterns. ❤

[@phyllisburke4141]

I love knitting this hat with sock yarn. I’m knitting my 4th one. My 10 yo grandson loved his black hat.

[@jodydcrawford5470]

I am almost at the halfway point of my first Musselburgh Hat. I cast on using the disappearing loop onto one needle first, and then did all of the rounds until the end of the increase rounds on two circulars, after which I switched to one short circular. I am very happy with the fabric created so far, and I’m finding it a super fast knit. I don’t get loads of knitting time, and yet I only cast on two days ago and am already halfway through! I’m knitting it for a friend who will need a cosy warm hat for winter. As soon as I’m done with hers, I’ll be casting on a second, as my short haircut is making my ears cold!

[@karalealynaeh.4500]

This is the best hat ever. Everyone I have made a hat for is so excited and always reports how it is their favorite after wearing it a time or two.

[@marianemartin2644]

I have been knitting this style of hat for decades, never knew it had a name. My latest one is red, cash/merino from Norway with a tassel. This was fun to watch and you do a very good easy to watch video.

[@et1016]

I love this hat!! You have the most beautiful blue eyes I’ve ever seen!! I’m sure you hear that often.

[@ysoldateague]

Thank you! ☺️

[@karyncook4291]

I love the Musselburgh hat! It’s definitely my favorite hat to knit & wear. It’s my comfort knitting, as well as an easy take along project. I’m halfway through my sixth hat; four of which I’ve made as gifts, each recipient requested a second hat, after receiving and wearing their first Musselburgh. I have 13 other family members waiting for their first Musselburgh, everyone wants one now. I always make the hat a couple inches longer than the pattern calls for; I like a wide brim. I live in Minnesota, so a warm hat is a must (even though we haven’t had much of a winter this year). Thank you for such a wonderful pattern!

[@amandas.439]

I gave up on the pinhole cast on and used the Turkish cast on and it seems to work!

[@Nicky-1293]

I just finished my first ever Musselburgh this past Monday for my Husband with his favorite colors, and he loves it.

[@wendyellis6402]

I’m currently knitting a Japanese knot bag, which begins with the cast on technique you demonstrated. What a time I had! And I consider myself an experienced knitter. Thanks for showing a way to make it easier. I just purchased your Musselburgh pattern, and looking forward to making one - or more ❤

[@Sylvia_1002]

I've knit 5 Musselburgh hats; gifted 2 of them. I'll be starting another soon. I love this pattern SOOOO much. Thank you for sharing your tips!

[@christinaczarnecki625]

love this hat ! the pattern is genius, so well done Ysolda! I´v knitted so many hats, but coudn´t find the right fit- this one sits ! Thank you so so much !!!

[@janetmelenchuk8484]

My absolute favourite hat pattern, thank you for designing it.

[@maryannbergeron9531]

I am on Musselburgh hat #9 right now. I made 7 of them for grandchildren who absolutely their hats. It’s really a great project to have on the needles as it is very portable and so easy to knit once you get it started. ❤

[@user-ww3rf6gw8r]

Do you sew the ends together?

[@maryannbergeron9531]

@@user-ww3rf6gw8r no the hat folds into itself so that is is double. When you fold the brim you have 4 layers to keep your ears warm. It is such a great hat. I am now on number 11. 😊❤️

[@nicolelafontaine1720]

Thanks so much for this great pattern with so many sizes. Thanks also for this tuto !!!

[@anissiabalistreri9612]

I am so glad you shared this.

[@alyssehennessey1837]

Perfect use of sock scraps. So fun to have one mix of colors for one side and another mix for the other.

[@havenmaven76]

Great video.thanks so much. Looking forward to part 2.,.

[@mariecouture7591]

I made four Musselburgh Hats up to now. It is a great pattern. The spreadsheet is absolutely amazing. Always fit perfectly wathever the yarn. I made the last one with Sadnes Garn Alpakka and used 3,25 mm needles to make the knit a bit tighter for it to be warmer. I will certainly make more, they make great gifts. It is a charm when watching Netflix series. 😊

[@ysoldateague]

I bet that’s super cosy in alpaca!

[@caredwen]

The mini tutorial you give for the cast on is so helpful! I am like ten rounds in, and despite the fact that I usually don’t enjoy DPNs, I am loving this project even though I haven’t switched to circs yet.

[@ysoldateague]

There is also a more in-depth tutorial for the disappearing loop cast on on the channel!

[@sandrasavoie8641]

Made 2…so far! Love the pattern and it’s so warm for our cold Canadian winters. Gearing up to knit a third. This pattern is perfect for evening TV watching

[@theresecartier5224]

Thank you so much for those informations...I will begin my first one this weekend! Thank's again!

[@janec9038]

I have made 6 so far. Getting ready to begin my 7th one. It’s like I have to have that project on my needles at all times. I love it so much. And the fit is great. Thanks for such a wonderful pattern! 🧶❣️

[@sqrrlzview]

Not so scared to try it now!! I will be giving it a go.

[@susanjones8938]

Brand new to this hat. I’m excited.

[@midwestvegan2787]

Thank you for this! I am a fiber arts instructor and I am on my 3rd Musselburgh! I recommend this hat to everyone so it is even more wonderful to have this video to reference.

[@acswild5205]

Finally finally finally! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

[@patriciamm9859]

I'e made my 1st mussselburgh and love it. I will be making more and taking into account your tips here. Very inspiring and helpful.

[@dostopitnow]

Definitely my favorite hat pattern, I have knitted four so far and will be casting on another soon. Thanks for a great pattern ❤

[@kathleenmccrory7166]

I’ve made I think 9 of these! Love the pattern! Especially fun with self striping sock yarn. I appreciate the challenge when first attempting the different cast on. Yes fiddly but worth learning! Congratulations on the success of your design.

[@dozergetscrafty]

I just posted a short of my first finished musselburgh 😊 love this pattern. I'm already starting another.

[@mirandavikanderson6958]

I love this pattern, i love it with on side my straps yarns , and the other side a solid, then you got a choice. 2 hats in one.

[@maryhull1000]

Thank you so much for making this video! I’m a fairly good knitter but for some reason struggled with the start, and ultimately put it aside. Can’t wait to pick up and start over using your video as a guide! It’s a beautiful pattern! ❤️

[@cflower9458]

Thank you so very much for making this video. I have tried this about 25 times and finally am on way after watching your video. ❤

[@tarascrogin5504]

This is so helpful. Thank you!

[@doritaday6005]

I'm finishing up my first Mussel burgh hat!

[@erin19798]

Yay! Thanks for this video...I'm determined to work through the fiddly parts. I love the look of this hat, and was getting discouraged with the beginning. Also, I love the sweater (and color) you are wearing.

[@knitting_knerd]

I recently finished my first musselburgh hat and I love it so much! It’s such a great fit, and a great way to use some special single skeins 🤩🤩

[@bevallen2832]

Thanks for the tutorial. I've made 7 of these. So warm. They've been different weights and are so warm.

[@katieteach2882]

This was a very helpful tip and I’m going to unknit the my first crown of the Musselburgh Hat and start over. You made the pattern and techniques very clear. Thank you.

[@mariatorres3171]

I have not started one yet due to the cast on. Thank you for posting this instructional video. It surely has been very helpful. I intend to cast on asap💕💕💕💕

[@ritatannehill7487]

Looking forward to making this hat!! I made a baby blanket several years ago that started like this - used a worsted cotton with 10.5 US needles and it turned out beautiful

[@joycedollar1198]

Thank you for extra help. I had to cast on 8 times to get mine going. Newish knitter. I like the tip of going up a needle size. I did not do that and struggled for a bit. Loving the pattern now that I'm to the round section. I will be knitting another.

[@beverlybochenek8845]

I first made this fourteen years ago when it was called the Silver Linings Hat. They are quite fun and easy!

[@ZebraKitten]

Been struggling with the start and was going to have a practice with the cast on and the increases so the advice here is pretty much what I was thinking. I will definitely have a bit of practice time and then give the pattern another go.

[@freshwindbrightsky]

Hello from the coast of Maine! After years (?) of considering knitting this hat, and with a looooong trip coming up, I knew it was the perfect time to cast on! I found this tutorial super helpful , 'tho I did go with the Pinhole Cast On over on VeryPink Knits' channel, which was pretty easy. I'm using Purl Soho's Linen Quill in three colors. I can already imagine knitting many many Musselburghs! Thank you for the pattern tutorial, the spreadsheet is amazing too, and now I'll go watch Part 2!

[@bluesheepyarn]

I haven't started my Musselburgh yet but have read the pattern. Even considering myself an intermediate skills knitter, wow, am I grateful for your video :) Many thanks. I am heading to the Wales Wool Festival this weekend and will be purchasing yarn for my Musselburgh. Warm regards, Christine

[@user-zq9uy3ud6g]

I just finished my first one and it is by far my favorite thing that I have made for myself! I plan to make at least 2-3 more with yarn that I currently have in my stash.

[@sunnyw4148]

Thanks about to make my first one for a friend undergoing immunotherapy for cancer. I have also put some yarn aside for a present for my sweetie and then maybe one for me. Thanks for all the tips this should go smoothly.

[@okidoll]

I can't wait to do this! I have been in a slump😊 I am going to use my mountain of Noro Kotori that I need to work through.

[@ysoldateague]

Oh that yarn will make gorgeous hats!

[@debracubitt6191]

A great hat

[@jsnsholle]

I purchased your pattern, and it is very well written. I found I prefer a spiral crown . But I am able to use your stitch count to keep the sizing right

[@Codythefnafnerd]

Thank you for helping with getting started. I have made about 6 of these hats, but struggled too much with cast on, etc. I want to stash bust with all my sock yarn scraps held double.

[@atticusk8548]

A wonderful pattern and I've made six so far. Perfect waiting around project for on the go. Still love the VeryPink slow motion pinhole cast on as I always need a refresher on the technique each time I do a hat. I appreciate that Ysolda tried to get the motion down for the cast on but imo the camera angle just wasn't right for those that are visual learners.

[@lorrainehamilton5051]

I'm on no.4 ... Its addictive!

[@Mollydogdesigns]

I’m on my 5th one😄😄😄😄and I have plans to make some for gifts. My nephew and his family are NY Yankee fans and NY Jets fans. So they’ll get two hats in one 🧶❤️👍thanks for this excellent pattern! I’m so happy it’s been very successful for you!

[@ysoldateague]

Thank you so much! Doing the 2 sides for different teams is a great idea!

[@krisvanallen]

Love making this hat! No cast on choice to make! And I’ve chosen to add one round of purl stitches at the halfway point. It gives a nice edge if worn slouchy or folded up.

[@ysoldateague]

That's a great idea!

[@Nicelady29]

Finishing up my first Musselburgh hat right now. I LOVE this pattern. I used a crochet caston, which works for me as someone who also crochets. I am making a 2-in-1 design with a cheeky band of colorwork flowers on one side and a squirrel on the other. I’m excited to see if I chose the right gauge for myself when I try it on! I will be making many many more.

[@ysoldateague]

A squirrel? I love that!

[@marygrace7538]

Thank you for an awesome pattern…I love knitting hats.. I am on my 6th Mussleburgh hat and have gifted 3…. definitely more to come with all the fun sock yarn in my stash.

[@bergere9]

Aww Grendl looks like my childhood cat, Monkey. 😻

[@auntylinda7640]

I'm about to knit my first one. I have a feeling it won't be my last x

[@ysoldateague]

I haven’t encountered many people who stopped at 1 😂

[@krisvanallen]

About needle choice: I make socks on US 1, but went up to US 3 for the hat. It gives drape, esp since it becomes double layer

[@joanmachado9063]

Great video thank you 🧶☕️😊

[@leylamoossavi]

I love this hat and enjoyed making several. Just a suggestion but when you do a tutorial could you use more color contrast between the yarn/background/needles with a closer view of the ‘action’.

[@ysoldateague]

It’s always tricky to balance being close enough to see the details and far enough out to give an overview of what’s going on! You might find the more detailed step by step tutorials for techniques linked in the description here useful - they’re in chunkier yarns so it’s easier to see the details 😊

[@lieslnew8247]

Just finishing up a Sophie Shawl and have committed to making my first Musselburgh for my partner. I’m sure I will be watching this vid again and again to help me get started. Very clear. Thanks. 😊

[@megcarr3126]

Hi Ysolda, I am currently making my first Musselburgh with a beautiful skein of Hurkle Durkle yarn which was a collaboration between @layfamilyyarns and @talesfromcookooland. I wanted to make something that would be seen and not hidden in my shoes. I love the pattern and your tutorials have been really helpful. 😁

[@CrazyAuntVal]

I totally agree about how sad is to hide beautiful sock yarn in boots or shoes! I've never found clear Wellies (that aren't really "clear," but rather frosted) that fit me properly, so my "too lovely to knit" sock bin overflows. Now they can come out and show off!

[@nancysici1286]

Love the pattern - have made 2 already in LB Local Grown 100% wool bought specifically for this pattern so it would be super warm. Glad you’re posting some instructions for the start but you should focus your camera more closely on the needles and work. I found Mostly Knitting’s pinhole cast on the easiest to see with magic loop. Can’t deal with DPNs. Your cast on looks simpler but I couldn’t really see what you were doing. Hoping for a video on ending the hat with camera focused on the knitting as I found the instructions unclear. Thanks.

[@drumpointer]

I’ve been knitting this hat since before you were born. My recipe: measure the head, know your gauge (stitches to the inch) Cast on the number, which needs to be a multiple of 8, in waste yarn and knit flat in stocking stitch for a few rows, ending on a knit row. With a circular needle join and knit in the round a few rows, At any point, drop the waste yarn and start knitting with the hat yarn. Mark your rounds with a stitch marker, but technically it matters very little if you do this now. Knit for several inches, or more, but not more than five or six or seven, now place a marker and start shaping your first crown. Knit 6, k2 together. Knit next round, repeat these 2 rounds until you have 8 stitches left, switching to dpns or magic loop when necessary, cut yarn and thread through remaining stitches. Now go back to the beginning and pick out the waste yarn and place the retrieved stitches of the hat yarn onto the circular. Knit for desired length (there will be no visible difference where you began going in the opposite direction; note however to make sure you have the correct number of stitches-you may have to increase 1, sometimes, for some people one stitch goes missing) Shape second crown the same as first , but first, important, darn in the ends where you began going in the opposite direction. Done. I can’t tell you how many of these I’ve made.

[@mamapooki49]

I’ve knitted this hat many years ago and it’s called a Hoosier Hat for the state of Indiana

[@louisemiddleton5069]

Love this hat pattern! What sweater pattern and yarn are you wearing? Love it!

[@josephineshields5869]

I love this hat. I did it find it too tight for me. Will try a larger needle.

[@ysoldateague]

You might want to double check your gauge after knitting a few inches too

[@josephineshields5869]

@ysoldateague I did that, Ysolda. I have a bigger head and lots of hair. I still wear it and get compliments all the time. Used the Planetary Stripes. Had so much fun knitting it.

[@mariehansen2534]

Thank you so much for all the support that I have received. This hat reminds me of child birth because it is terrifying because of the cast on but then when you have mastered that, you end up with something that is beautiful, warm and so useful. Thank you again. All the very Best.

[@Ruby-wise]

TY. This is such a great pattern! My hopes are to get one started wish me luck 🧝🏼🍀

[@ratanahiplple5630]

I must try this hat pattern but I also love your sweater 😊. What pattern did you used? Thank you!

[@michellemaplemoosefibres4322]

Thank you, this is great! (What is the pattern for your sweater in the video??? Love it)

[@lauralea86]

Thank you for the video. Between this video and my friend I am now nearly at the straight knit portion .

[@SharonCodyCowgirlCreations]

You stated you have updated the pattern. What is the newest version. I have V2.1. Is there a newer version? I will be starting the hat soon and look forward to it! Thanks for the tutorial!

[@ysoldateague]

It’s 3.0 😊

[@annariley1468]

I made size c-as 28 stiches per needle . Then I switched to 16 inch circular needle. Where do I put my markers

[@marybeth123]

I love the sweater you are wearing…can you tell me what pattern that is?

[@user-ww3rf6gw8r]

Woohoo, the crown is finished. I want to switch needles, from DPNs to one circular. I need to add 4 markers, but where? Should I place one marker at each corner where the DPNs meet?

[@serenadeniz4843]

Çok güzel bir şapka bizimle paylaştığınız türkçe alt yazı için teşekkür ederim türkiye den selamlar.

[@AriDa14]

Anybody know what Is the yarn of the speckled sample? I am in love❤

[@cndcfree]

What is the sweater you are wearing? It's beautiful

[@user-ww3rf6gw8r]

I’m planning on using a double strand of fingering weight blend of 75% super wash merino, 15% cashmere, & 10% silk. Will this work with Musselburgh, and possibly size US6 needles?

[@ysoldateague]

I think that would work great! Depending on your tension you might even find a larger needle works better

[@yvonnevigil7489]

Haven't knitted this up yet (nervous) and just got a update on pattern so need to print out. Love that yarn you had the hat made out of at the beginning. You had on. What yarn was it. Has all the colors and grey. Wish me luck thanks

[@ysoldateague]

It’s the Our Solar System colourway from Gauge Dyeworks gaugedyeworks.com/products/classic-our-solar-system-one-way-trip

[@yvonnevigil7489]

@@ysoldateague this is the 4 ply you knitted?

[@marticote3442]

I'm fairly new to knitting, having made two pairs of socks and a sweater for my grandson. I have only every knit using magic loop. Do I need DPNs to start the hat, or can I start it on my magic loop needles?

[@ysoldateague]

You can definitely start with magic loop

[@DebraBoucher-cq5er]

10:36 am. What yarn size and needles did you use to make the hats in your videos?

[@carolmorrison5173]

Hi do you determine what size to make?

[@bubnbrat100]

The sweater you are wearing is lovely. What is it?

[@redlexi45]

Will there be a step by step knit along for this hat?

[@mariecote9567]

Bonsoir Isolda, J’ai acheté votre patron de tuque Musselburg. Je l’aime beaucoup. Je ne maitrise malheureusement pas votre langue. Je viens de visionner votre vidéo. Elle semble très intéressante! N’y aurait-il pas une version française? 😊 Merci pour ce patron 2 en un! Bonne continuité!

[@Klouseau-jg1dn]

Bonjour Vous pouvez activer les sous-titres sur KZbin pour cette vidéo. La traduction automatique n'est pas parfait mais vous aurez l'essentiel du dialogue. J'espère que cela vous aidera.

[@krisvanallen]

FYI: I had a hard time remembering which make one was left and right. I discovered that if you look at which direction the WORKING needle is facing at the end of making the stitch, it will tell you if it is a m1r or m1l

[@ysoldateague]

That’s a great trick!

[@mariehansen2534]

Please can you tell me what size needles you used? I am using Fingering weight and on the Ball band the suggestion is 2 - 3 or 5. I thought that you might give me a hint please. I love the pattern and have knitted 1 but ripped it on account of the size. Thank you for your time, I am looking forward to your response. Take care.

[@doritaday6005]

What's the main difference between v2.1 and v3 ? I am finishing up my first hat using v2.1

[@ysoldateague]

We’ve updated the layout, clarified a few directions and there’s a new section at the end about customising the hat with length measurements for each part of the hat (useful if you want to make each side and the brim different colours). There weren’t any errors in v2.1 and the end result is identical so you can choose which to work from ☺️

[@doritaday6005]

Thank you