The perfect Musselburgh hat? - What I have learned from making 12 - Best length, circumference, fit

After knitting 12 Musselburgh hats, i have learned the best
weight of yarn
needle to use - I used 3.25mm for fingering and light fingering and 3.5mm for sport
stitch count to reach
length to knit to before starting decreases
fit that i like
amounts of yarn I need
For more details on my projects, i am tashbalaz on ravelry.
Here is a link to my video tutorial for the cast on: • Knitting tutorial: Pin...

[@maryfelton1333]

I'm starting on my third hat from your pattern. Does anyone else realize that after your hat gets a certain length, you can place your ball of yarn inside the the hat while you work. This is very convenient for riding to the drs and especially when you're flying or waiting at the airport for a connecting flight :).

[@mostlyknitting]

That is so clever. Thank you for sharing that tip. I must point out though that this isnt my pattern. It was designed by Ysolda Teague. I have just knit a lot of them. ;)

[@debbyferguson5638]

Nice video. Great suggestions. Liked that you gave all the stats. Thanks ❤❤

[@mostlyknitting]

You are so welcome! x

[@andreamagill7034]

I am just about to join the Musselburgh train and your video was really useful. I loved all the different colour combinations and your tables of information . Thank you 😊

[@mostlyknitting]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment. :)

[@dianelakata1308]

New information for me. Will use this pattern to reduce my stash. Can’t wait to try it!!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much! I’m so glad it was helpful.

[@sunnyhawk]

Very helpful....I'm just casting on my first Musselburgh hat. Thank you!

[@mostlyknitting]

I’m so glad the video was helpful. Happy knitting!

[@sharons5723]

So happy to see this video pop up! You've condensed a great deal of learning in a very usable tutorial. Now I'm ready to cast on!

[@mostlyknitting]

Yay! That makes me really happy. Not sure if you can post photos in the comments section but i would love to see your hat.

[@jennifermoody7363]

Great video! I've made 3 single-colored Musselbourgh hats so far, I have another planned for my dad, but now I want to dive into 2 & 3 colored versions!! I wasn't sure where I'd need to start & stop the colors, so this was very helpful. Thank you!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment. I am so glad you found the video helpful and are enjoying your Musselburgh knitting. :)

[@Bethabara9]

Beautiful work. I like the dark green ones on you, they make your eyes just pop! Thankyou for all the info!

[@mostlyknitting]

Oh thank you so much :)

[@bunkyman8097]

I have never knit a top down hat before but after watching this VERY informative and educational video, you have inspired me! Thank you for all the work, although I dont consider knitting "work", and research you completed to present this most excellent video. You have done the work for us, all we need to do now is knit thanks to you!! Peace....

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much for your lovely comments. I hope you enjoy knitting this hat. :)

[@misscharlotte160]

This vid is SO helpful for deciding how to approach this pattern. Thx so much!

[@mostlyknitting]

You are very welcome! So glad you found it helpful. :)

[@dianescott3515]

I found this video today and it really helped me with all the info you showed on each of your hats! They are all lovely, and I’m really excited to make one. We don’t get a lot of really cold weather in the Texas Panhandle, but it would come in handy those days we do😊

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks for your lovely comment. I am so glad it was helpful! :)

[@nicolekwasny3953]

Thank you for this awesome video! I finally found out, how big the fold up intersection should be! I want to make one with a colorwork fold up section and was kinda lost in how big that section should be. now in KNOW! thank you so much and your hats all look beautiful!!!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Nicole! :)

[@karenjordan1822]

Grateful for your video. I haven’t knit one yet, but found I bought the pattern when it was released and am now looking at starting. Lots of great information! Thank you for the numbers. It will make the process a lot easier.

[@mostlyknitting]

You are welcome! I am glad you think it will be helpful. Good luck. It is a great hat pattern. :)

[@sharongraber4715]

So happy I found this video I was so confused by all the charts. You made it so clear that I now have one on the needles and can’t wait to continue making them for gifts for Christmas. I also followed your video for the cast on and it was the only video I found that actually made sense to me so thank you so much!!!

[@mostlyknitting]

I am so glad you found it helpful. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave such a lovely comment. :)

[@jeaninegunn4118]

Im getting ready to cast on for my daughter and your info is invaluable! thanks

[@mostlyknitting]

You’re welcome! Glad it was helpful! :)

[@leannetroxel6742]

Thank you for showing this method of knit and purl. I have been practicing and am developing some muscle memory for this method. I’m happy to find that it does not cause pain in my hands and does not aggravate carpal tunnel numbness for me. Thanks for your effort in filming this!

[@mostlyknitting]

You are so welcome! :)

[@shantinisabapathy1093]

Love your videos and wish I lived in Sydney so I could come to your classes. I am learning so much from your tutorials. Thank you.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Shantini. I am so glad you are enjoying them. It is nice to be able to reach people who dont live close by. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. :)

[@leeannconners]

What size needle?

[@mostlyknitting]

@@leeannconners I used a 3.25mm needle for the fingering weight and light fingering weight and 3.5mm needle for the sport weight hats.

[@a.leehilliard4716]

I have Sooooo many Musselburgh on the needles and your video has helped immensely. Thanks again!!!

[@mostlyknitting]

I'm so glad! :)

[@shallowpondthisrain]

You are tooo cute and look good in every single hat you made!! I MUST make one?/?/ of these. Thanks for the video.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much for your lovely comment. Hope you make one. They are great, wearable hats. :)

[@wendykelcey1246]

It gets cold here and I can’t wait. To make one of these hats! They’re awesome!! Thank you!

[@mostlyknitting]

Pleasure! They are great for cold weather so I think you will love them. :)

[@lindaellin559]

I love the reversible version of this hat - great idea!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much. Nice to get two hats from one. :)

[@alyssehennessey1837]

This is all so helpful! Thanks for modeling all of them for us. Im making my first out of all different shades of left over pink and grey sock yarn.

[@mostlyknitting]

Oh - that sounds lovely. I love a thoughtful scrappy project. :)

[@missmayflower]

Thanks for modeling these.

[@mostlyknitting]

You're welcome!

[@vadec5909]

First time I saw your podcast, Thanks! I love all your hats they are awesome!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@sonettevermaak9641]

Thank you so much! I can't wait to start working on this!

[@mostlyknitting]

Oh good. I hope you like it. :)

[@coastaljane137]

What a really super and also helpful video - thank you. I attempted a Musselburgh a couple of years ago for my husband but something didn't work out right and he tried it on before I'd finished and it was far too big. I unpicked it and the yarn went back into its bag and my husband didn't get his hat. Your informative video has now motivated me to try again. We live on the south coast of the UK so we don't get massive cold weather but I think this hat design will work well for both of us.

[@mostlyknitting]

I am so glad you found the video helpful. Thank you for taking the time to comment. I hope this pattern works out for both of you as i think it is a really clever design. Happy knitting. :)

[@suetupper9162]

Im so happy to have found you!...excellent video!...I have several on the needles now...these hats are absolutely wonderful to make!

[@mostlyknitting]

I'm so glad you found the video helpful. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. :)

[@BeeBee123ist]

I am on my way! It took me long enough to get around to it and your podcast has been a huge help. I did a tube swatching with 2.75 & 3mm and found the 3mm worked best for the yarn I had purchased for the Musselburgh. I swatched before I got your reply 👍🏼 I also came to the realisation that I forgot to factor in physics. The knitters must trust the pattern for that simple fact because the mass redistributes around a spherical head. Thanks 🙏🏼

[@mostlyknitting]

Hope you enjoy the knit. :)

[@deniselouvet3499]

Hello, What an interesting video, thank you so much for that. I bought the pattern today and it looks really complicated to me. I’m a beginner to knitting so I don’t understand all the terms, I usually crochet 🧶 I need to watch how the crown is done. Your hats are so beautiful and they have given me the courage to do more research and finally take the plunge and try making one. Thanks again 🙏🏻😊🧶

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Denise. I have really enjoyed making this hat. I did a video on the cast on. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYSYmnyeltGcnbssi=0oyc41gXKF3ID3lT Seeing you are familiar with crochet, i believe it is like the magic ring in crochet.

[@maryfelton1333]

Denise I too was afraid to try this pattern at first. Please take time to get the cast on and I promise you will be so glad you did.I'm starting my third one.

[@stitchy_linn]

This video was suggested to me by KZbin and I must say it is perfect timing. A bit odd and disconcerting as I am currently knitting this hat with The Spinsters of Spincycle Yarns and how would KZbin know this? Anyway, enough of that…..All your Musselburghs are lovely! New Subbie here. ;) I

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much for your lovely comment and for subscribing. :)

[@stitchy_linn]

@@mostlyknittingyou’re welcome.

[@elainestiller3063]

Thank you so much for all the very valuable information. I just found you, subscribed and liked! I have been a little nervous to start because of the pinhole cast on! Love this!❤

[@ritaglenn6287]

Thank you Tash! I’ve watched this video many times!! So helpful. Finally cast one on with confidence of outcome because of all your experience! 🎉❤

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you Rita. I am so glad you found the video helpful and it gave you confidence. :)

[@janisolsen595]

Thank you for making this comprehensive video, very helpful ! I was going to use 2 colors but couldn't figure out where to change color, any tips on that would be appreciated. Your stack of hats is amazing! Lovely!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Janis. I would change colour after 11" from the very tip which is about half way for the length i like the hats. I hope that helps. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment. :)

[@erinlee920]

THANK YOU for demystifying this pattern...I purchased it some time ago and after reading through pages and pages and then discovering that somehow (after struggling and mastering the pinhole cast on) that my gauge was barely on the chart I freaked out and haven't tried it since but now I feel inclined to just give it a go and hope for the best! Thank you for your time and effort in adding all the stats in to the video 👌

[@mostlyknitting]

I am so glad you found the video helpful. I hope you will knit on with the pattern and see if, once you have done your increases, you get to a good circumference. If not, you can always rip back a few rows and add a couple more increases if you need. :)

[@rosewoerner176]

Thank you for the video. Much appreciated!

[@mostlyknitting]

Glad it was helpful! :)

[@SusanJane-it8hi]

A wonderful podcast thanks Tash. I had been looking for a colorwork beanie to make for my sister, but I think I will make a Musselburgh instead. Thank you for such helpful information.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Susan: a colorwork beanie is a great introduction to fair isle knitting so if you haven’t done that before, I do recommend it. Having said that, a Musselburgh is such a great gift knit. Hope you will post pics on Instagram so I can see it X

[@carolbyrne3241]

Brilliant video, I have still to knit one so this will be extremely useful when I do ❤

[@mostlyknitting]

Glad it was helpful!

[@melissaemery8686]

❤ this!! I made one and I only knew how to decrease so I did a provisional cast on. I decrease to the top then picked up at the provisional end knit the rest of the hat. Thanks for the pinhole cast on, can’t wait to try it. Also the second to the last hat color really made your eyes stand out. They all look amazing.

[@mostlyknitting]

Wow - that is a great workaround to only use decreases. I never thought about that. I have a video on increases as well - M1R and M1L - if you havent learned those already. Thank you for the lovely comments. :)

[@melissaemery8686]

@@mostlyknitting I will have to look up that tutorial when I start my next one.

[@missmayflower]

Love that idea. Very clever. I hate fiddly cast ons.

[@rosemaryeveleigh3562]

Thank you for this informative podcast on the Musselburgh I am a hat knitter and have not tried this hat. Take care ❤😊

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Rosemary. If you like stockinette in the round and have a need for portable knitting, it is a fantastic project. Let me know if you make one. :)

[@GummyBear1972]

I'm so glad you put this video together. All your hats look great! I'm just starting on my first one now and hope to apply your wisdom to this one and all my future ones! Excited!

[@mostlyknitting]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for taking the time to comment. :)

[@DillyDahlia]

Thank you so much for all of this info after making so many Musselburghs. Your stats on each one are very helpful. I’ve made two, but they have turned out too large in circumference so I need to adjust how I’m making them.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much. I hope the video will help you are able to make the changes you need for them to come out a bit smaller. :)

[@michelleann4259]

Thankyou so much for doing this video! I will start it shortly. And thank you so much for your weekly videos I so look forward to them!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Michelle. That is really lovely to hear. :)

[@Sheryl1223]

Nice! All the hats are cute on you.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much. :)

[@lindawood6956]

Love to see some Aussie content

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Linda. :)

[@loismiller7742]

Wonderful video! Thank you for the info. I have this pattern.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Lois. I'm glad it was helpful. :)

[@kathykeller3430]

Thank you for this video, very helpful. I’ve had the pattern sitting in my queue waiting to be cast on. I was going to make my first one in a DK weight but after watching your video I’m going to use a Tosh Light and learn magic loop technique. I think this will be the perfect project to learn magic loop.

[@mostlyknitting]

You are so welcome! I agree, it is a great project for magic loop. You might find the beginning a bit fiddly if you haven’t done it before. Probably the easiest way to actually learn magic loop for the first time is on a bottom up hat and you start magic looping when you get too few stitches on the needles for a fixed circular. Let me know if you have any struggles and I will do a magic loop video where you start a project with magic loop. Hope you enjoy the pattern. Tosh merino light is a great choice. X

[@kathykeller3430]

@@mostlyknitting Thank you for the feedback concerning Magic Loop. I will start it off on DPNs and switch to the magic loop. I'm comfortable with DPNs but have always felt I should give Magic Loop a go. I have a Craftsy Class on Magic Loop so more than past time I used it! I went through my stash and found a skein of Ancient Arts Socknado yarn in the colourway A Rolling Stone. I'm going to use it for what I suspect will be the first of many Musselburgh hats. Your video was inspiring! 🥰

[@martelvonc]

Thank you for this very helpful video. I've been looking for a basic knitted hat pattern to use hand dyed yarn for. I want to showcase the yarn and not a pattern and this will work perfectly.

[@mostlyknitting]

Glad it was helpful! :)

[@evelynmehrkens6668]

Thank you so much for this video. I now feel more confident to make one. I have owned the pattern for over a year and was a little confused and kept wishing real numbers to get me going correctly.

[@mostlyknitting]

You are very welcome. I found all the numbers a bit overwhelming as well. I am glad to have been able to help as it really is a lovely hat pattern. :)

[@rhiarnevans9420]

After hearing your accent I was so excited to hear a pattern in cms haha. Guess I’ll keep jsing my inchs side of the tape 🥹

[@mostlyknitting]

Ha! I am so used to using inches as most of the patterns I knit early on were from the US. Sorry about that. ;)

[@candisscott6267]

I learned so much. Thank you

[@mostlyknitting]

I’m so glad you found it helpful. :)

[@lauralunetta4100]

Lovely and informative video! Thank you!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Laura. :)

[@kellee1609]

love the tri colour!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much. 😊

[@janetbulloch3697]

Hi there, love your help,and wondered how you blocked during knitting. Hope you can help. Thanks again. Janet.

[@mostlyknitting]

I just fully wet block the project by sumberging it in water, leaving the needles hanging out of the tub but the project on the cables (magic looping). Then i roll it in a towel, avoiding the needles, to get rid of most of the water. Then lay it flat to dry and leave it for a day. I plan to do a video of blocking mid-way through a project shortly. :)

[@judithcarter7898]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Such an informative Post❤

[@mostlyknitting]

You are so welcome! Glad it was helpful. :)

[@maureenlehman139]

Fantastic video. Thank you

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Maureen. :)

[@Jessesmom12]

Good comprehensive video. Thanks.

[@mostlyknitting]

I'm so glad you found it helpful. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment. :)

[@SwamiMommy]

🙏🏽💜🙏🏽 beautiful hats great info

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much. :)

[@BeeBee123ist]

Also, I learned the pinhole cast on many years ago from my friend Daniel Yuhas who was in our knitting group. He published his book on concentric knitting some years ago

[@mostlyknitting]

It is such a great cast on. 😀

[@Glooww24]

This was sooooo helpful ❤❤

[@mostlyknitting]

I'm so glad! Thanks for taking the time to comment. :)

[@noelleparris9451]

This was very helpful info. Thank you!!!

[@mostlyknitting]

You are so welcome!

[@beaky29]

I’ve just bought the pattern today. Going to study hard!

[@mostlyknitting]

I hope you enjoy it. x

[@kathleenmccann3120]

Great information. Thank you

[@mostlyknitting]

Glad it was helpful! :)

[@paulamcmellon6171]

Thank you so much for this video and the one for the pinhole cast on. I’ve been dying to make one but so afraid. My goal is story one this summer while I’m off from work. Fingers crossed!!💜

[@mostlyknitting]

I hope you do and the video gives the confidence to get started. Feel free to ask questions. Happy to help. :)

[@paulamcmellon6171]

@@mostlyknitting thank you! And that was very kind of you and I just may have to bother you while knitting it!!

[@mostlyknitting]

@@paulamcmellon6171 - All good. It is no bother. :)

[@missmayflower]

I hope you made the hat! Do you love it? Don’t be afraid. It’s only knitting. Nobody gets hurt ❤️

[@paulamcmellon6171]

@@missmayflower I did make one and I loved the princess and the hat!!

[@alisonreeves7414]

Hi there Tash. Firstly thank you so much for such an informative video on the Musselburgh pattern. Showing the hats you’ve made gave a brilliant overview and covered so many aspects of the sizing, points to switch colour if required etc. I notice you used a stitch count of 136 for all your hats with your gauge of 7.5 so these were all the adult medium size including the one for your Son? Whilst I know the yarns differ drastically I’m still dithering over the size to choose for my Son given the size given by the pattern based on head circumference. It directs me to an adult large but I need it to be a close fitting beanie type. I’m using a yarn I’ve never knit with before ‘Schachenmayr Regia Premium merino Yak 58% wool 28% Polyamide and 14% Yak fingering (4ply) on 2.75 needles with a gauge of 8sts per inch. If I were knitting socks with this I’d use a 2.25 needle so I’m wondering if I should size down with this hat to adult medium the same as yours. What do you think? You live in a gorgeous part of the world, my daughter lives in Sydney, in Dee Why on the northern beaches. Again, many thanks for a brilliant podcast. Ali

[@mostlyknitting]

Hi Ali. Thanks for your lovely comments. All my fingering weight hats were 136 sts, including the one for my son. But his head is the same size as mine. The yak yarn is an interesting one. I would think to go to 136 sts but maybe when you are at say 120sts, I would do a bit of a check on the gauge as best you can with the fabric you have. I’m sorry I can’t be more helpful. Having not used the yarn and the fibers being quite different, I couldn’t be sure how it will behave. Whatever size you go with, once you are a couple of inches into knitting straight. I would switch back to magic loop for one round and just check the diameter before you have gone too far. I hope that helps. :)

[@amandas.439]

For the fingering weight hats, what size needle and cable do you use? I'm just getting into hats and yours are beautiful ❤

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much. I use a 3.25mm needle and a 40 cm cable and an 80cm when I magic loop at the start and end. Hope that helps. :)

[@amandas.439]

@@mostlyknitting thank you! I am about to try to cast on!☝🏻️

[@sharons5723]

I know I'll need to go by my gauge to determine stitch counts, but just as a starting point I'm curious what size needles you use for your fingering weight hats and if you switch for your sport weight yarns? Thanks

[@mostlyknitting]

Hi Sharon, Sorry iforgot to mention this in the video - I use a 3.25mm needle for the fingering and light fingering hats and 3.5mm needle for the sport weight hats. I knit at a fairly standard tension. Not especially tight or loose. I have added this information now in the description box. Thanks for asking the question. :)

[@SoulfulSpinning]

Thank you so much for this video! I have a 100 gram , 350 meter skein. Would that be enough for a adult hat, do you think? Beautiful hats 💕

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much. I definitely think that is plenty for a Musselburgh hat. I would just weigh your skein at the start and make a note of how much yarn your increases take. Then leave at least that amount and maybe an extra gram for safety for the decreases. :)

[@SoulfulSpinning]

@@mostlyknitting Thank you so much for your reply. The pattern specifies a bit more for an adult size, but now I feel comfortable getting started. You have a lovely channel and I’ve subscribed. Take care. Lisa 💕

[@mostlyknitting]

@@SoulfulSpinning Just found your reply now. Thank you so much for subscribing. I am so glad i found yours also and have subscribed. x

[@yvonnevigil7489]

Wondering where I could get pattern and needle size you used was what?. New subscriber here. Going to watch your past videos now thanks

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Yvonne. I used a 3.25mm needle for fingering weight and 3.5mm needle for sport. There is a link to the pattern on ravelry i the Description and you can purchase it there. :)

[@lyndabishopp5853]

You are a marvellous teacher. Have bought the pattern and have ripped back twice as MIL and MIR JUST defeat me. I’m using sock yarn on 3mm needles magic loop but I’m just MIL all the way. Do you think it will make much difference? Can’t wait to get on the straight bit!! Thanks for the keyhole cast on which I HAVE managed!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Lynda. I am so glad you persevered. I think M1L the whole way is totally fine. They will all be the same and consistent which is the most important thing. I always rush through the increases as i just want to get to the plain sailing. :)

[@barbaralasky4283]

This was such a helpful video. I am about six inches into my first Musselburgh hat. You shared so many tips that I will use and feel I will have more success.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Barbara. Glad it was helpful! :)

[@RondyaStevenson]

Hi my question on the musselburgh hat ? Superwash yarn? . . should /can I use a Superwash yarn or stick with natural wool? Sorry if this was already covered. Thanks for your advice and U-tube 😊

[@mostlyknitting]

You're welcome. I think you can use any yarn, superwash or not. The pattern works really well for either. :)

[@joannhicks8441]

When using a superwash sock yarn do you compensate for growth superwash typically brings when the project is washed and blocked

[@mostlyknitting]

I expect superwash to grow in length for sure and sometimes a little in width. I usuall block the project while still on the needles when i think i am a couple of inches away from starting the decreases. And if it grows, i have a bit less knitting to do but I havent gone too far. :)

[@sohcahtoa8960]

Hi! I finally started my first Musselburgh hat and I am pumped! Your video inspired me and I finally had the time. In one of your hats, I believe you used Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light. I love that hat so I ordered the yarn in "Fire Opal" which is beautiful! I started with this yarn on 3.25 needles. The fabric was a very loose knit which I do not want in a winter hat. I restarted with a DK yarn I found in my stash and size 4 needle. It is perfect! I really want to use the Tosh Merino Light. Do you have any suggestions on how to make it more dense? Thank you so much!

[@mostlyknitting]

I love your username. I would just go down a needle size or two. Do remember that the hat will be double thick and the brim will be 4 layers. My gauge is 28sts over 4” so maybe whatever needle size would give you around that gauge. Hope that helps. :)

[@sohcahtoa8960]

Thank you very much! I will try that. I am using James C Brett dk stone washed and it is coming out very nicely! I chose that username years ago. I taught high school math for 33 years and I figured I would never forget that one! You shared that you are a math teacher also. That is nice to know! The challenge of learning to knit is just like learning mathematics. There is an infinite amount of knowledge and skills for me to learn. When I retired, I stopped using that part of my brain. Your help is greatly appreciated! @@mostlyknitting

[@juliecorbeil9060]

Love this video. Just started making my first Musselburgh hat for my grandson. I'm making the Toddler size. In the instructions it says the unfolded length is 17 1/2". I would like to have two colours grey and red. I'm a bit confused as I don't know when I should be changing colors. Are you able to shed some light? I would also like to have a brim. Thank you.

[@mostlyknitting]

HI Julie, I would change colours when you are half way through the length which is 17.5" so when it measures 8.75" from the tip cast on to the cable. I hope that helps. :)

[@juliecorbeil9060]

It absolutely does thank you so much

[@juliecorbeil9060]

Hi again Have one last question. The pattern says to SSK but the abbreviation they have in the pattern is slip knitwise slip knitwise insert left needle into the 2 slipped stitches from L to T and knit together. Is this way to mirror the increases at the beginning? This way of doing SSK is unfamiliar to me. If I slip 2 sts knitwise I usually put them back on the left needle then knit them together. Just unsure which method to use. Another method is slip knitwise then slip purlwise then knit together. Thank you

[@htamassy6428]

Have just found you ... loving your videos! I watched your video and then bought the beenie pattern. Found the pattern inadequate and a waste of money. Should have used the info you provided which was much clearer. Thank you for your help! btw I was born in the world of feet & inches but converted to meters & cm many decades ago. Wondering why you still use inches ... just curious. Thanks again!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much for the lovely comments. It's funny. Here in Australia, we use the metric system and I use it all the time as I teach Math and I use it for lengths around the house or distances like km etc. But for body measurements, I still use inches. Probably because most patterns I use are from the US and they still use imperial. :)

[@htamassy6428]

Thank you for your prompt reply. Forgot to mention, I'm also an 'aussie kid' from the picturesque Adelaide Hills. Nice to meet you!

[@mostlyknitting]

You too! x

[@caitlyn3805]

I found a pattern for a double layer beanie similar to the musselburgh but it’s made with 2 strands of mohair on 6mm needles! Do you think it’s possible to make a musselburgh with 2 strands of mohair? I would follow the similar pattern but I love that the musselburgh is one piece vs this other pattern starts from the middle to one end, then you pick up stitches at the center for the other end of the tube

[@mostlyknitting]

Hi Caitlyn. I definitely think you can. It sounds like a lovely, warm beanie. :)

[@sohcahtoa8960]

I was inspired by your video and really appreciate that your shared your knowledge. Thank you so much! I have picked up knitting after retiring from teaching and it is my new passion! I purchased the pattern but have one question before I start. You said you worked up to 136 stitches for a circumference for your hats. When I looked at the pattern, it appears to me (if I am reading the pattern correctly) that is a size for "toddler". Am I correct in that I should follow the instructions for "toddler"?

[@mostlyknitting]

I am so pleased to hear you are enjoying your knitting so much. Thank you for your kind words. The pattern is written for multiple sizes and gauges. I just found that if i knit fingering weight on 3.25mm needles, 136 was the stitch count for me that gave me a good fit for my average sized head of 22". But it does depend on your gauge. Hope that helps. :)

[@sohcahtoa8960]

I did not expect such a quick response! My head measures 21 inches so I will check my gauge with fingering weight yarn and 3.25 mm needles and adjust if needed from there! I can't wait to get started. I don't know if I will make as many hats as you have, but I can see why it is addictive. :)

[@KnottyDeer]

Thanks for the video,, very informative. I saw your pinhole cast-on video last night and even though the concept is like the magic ring in crochet, it is most definitely it's own thing as evidenced by the difficulty I had. The only similarity it has is that you can pull the tail to cinch the hole closed which is always satisfying! I do have a question on understanding the pattern...on fingering weight, my gauge seems to be 7 sts per 1 inch on 2.75mm needles. I'm not sure what the table is telling me. to do next after I get my gauge...do I follow the second table for how many sts per quadrant of increases? I have 80 sts in total right now...

[@mostlyknitting]

What size are you planning on making? These are the sizes - baby [toddler, child-adult small, adult medium] (adult large, adult x-large). At the moment with 80sts at that gauge, that is right number of stitches for the baby size. If you want to make say the adult medium which is the last number in the square brackets, you would need to have 120 sts on the needles (30 in each section). I hope that helps. Feel free to message again if that isnt clear. :)

[@KnottyDeer]

@@mostlyknitting thanks for the reply! I ended up figuring it out and using the customization spreadsheet! It is so helpful! I just had to plug in my measurements and it popped out a “custom” pattern! It even gave me the option to weigh my yarn after the increases to maximize skein usage!

[@peggytraeg]

Is fingering weight yarn similar to sock weight yarn? Love your hats.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Peggy. Fingering weight is the same as sock weight yarn. It is sometimes called 4ply as well.

[@peggytraeg]

@@mostlyknitting Thank you. Sometimes DK weight looks like fingering...at least to me. :)

[@mostlyknitting]

Depending on the way it is spun, that can definitely be the case. Woollen spun is really lofty and can knit to a larger gauge. :)

[@amandas.439]

I have a lot fingering weight sock yarn that's 75% superwash merino and 25% nylon. Would that work for this hat? Or should I use 100% wool? Your hats are gorgeous ❤❤

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Amanda. Fingering weight sock yarn is a great choice. The 25% nylon wont affect the end result. :)

[@lydiasobocinski9651]

I have been enjoying your videos. I am struggling with the increases in the hat. it indicates the increase then states repeat 3 times. I cannot figure out the three times!! Seems I only have 2 HAHA I have 2 markers.. do i need a beginning of round marker? there is no call for that I am confused. My increases are not enough I believe.

[@mostlyknitting]

Hi Lydia. I am guessing you are doing magic loop. You have two markers on the needles at the centre of each half of the work. You have to imagine you have a marker at the start of round and another marker at the half way point. The issue with magic loop is that you can't actually put a marker at these places or it would just fall off. But you need to mentally consider there is a marker there when it comes to doing the increases. I hope that helps. Let me know if not and i will try and explain another way.

[@lydiasobocinski9651]

@@mostlyknitting AHHH thank you so much!! I re read the pattern. I knew it had to be there lol! I am on my way, hoping I love it as much as you!! You are a natural teacher! I used your cast on video -PERFECT!

[@mostlyknitting]

@@lydiasobocinski9651 Thanks so much. I am really glad it helped. :)

[@amandas.439]

How much negative ease is recommended for a snug fit? Your hats are beautiful ❤

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much. For me, about 2-3" negative ease. So my hat circumference is about 19.5" for a head circumference of 22". Hope that helps. :)

[@amandas.439]

@@mostlyknitting thank you!!

[@bonniestull1982]

Hi I’m late to the party but I’m anxious to start. I’ve only knit socks so I’m hoping I can do this. How do you know when to start your second color? Do I do the crown knit the second hat 11 inches then start the second hat and do 11 inches including the crown? Thank you so much. You helped clarify a lot.

[@mostlyknitting]

Hi Bonnie. Never too late to knit something. If you can knit socks you can definitely knit a Musselburgh. What you have said about when to start the next colour is correct. You might want to block it on the needles when you get to about 9-10", especially if the yarn is superwash as it may grow some. :)

[@carlatae48]

Did you have any problems with gauge? I am doing my first hat and finding my gauge different after increases, 7 to 6 stitches per inch, whiih really throws things off. Seems like calculating gauge in the crown section is not a very good idea, with all the increases and working on dpns or magic loop and then switching to 16 inch circular...

[@mostlyknitting]

That is a really good point. I think it is actually quite hard to tell early on in the knitting for all those reasons you mentioned. I think i ended up working my gauge by initially using yarn that I had knit before in a garment on the same size needles - so i had actually had a "megaswatch" that had been blocked to work off. Some fingering weight yarns are lighter but for the standard ones I knit with, 136sts seems to be the right final stitch count. I would go to 144 if the recipient had a slightly larger head and 128 for a slightly smaller head or for a tween. I think that is one of the reasons I made this video - just going off gauge to work out what stitch count to knit to can be misleading. I hope you found the video helpful. :)

[@carlatae48]

Thanks for your speedy reply. Yes, I found your video more helpful than any other, and than the pattern, which I guess I've been pretty disappointed in, after all the positive hype and number of projects. So little actual pattern and the multi-gauge info seems not that helpful as I've had to figure out all of my own numbers so far anyway... Also thought the video and course should have been included with pattern, rather than as an extra hefty fee, considering how little actual pattern there is. But, anyway -- sorry -- complaining reflects my frustration. Your numbers look good to me. I apparently have a weird head, in-between numbers at 23" circumference and off the chart for length at 9.5". I was going with 144 sts before your response and until my gauge changed. Started over now with different yarn and 144 sts and then going down a needle size if gauge changes when I switch to circular. It'll fit somebody and be good practice. Your hats are lovely and your video was interesting, clear and helpful. I appreciate your speedy reply and more help a LOT. Note: I've been thinking about trying a different approach next time or sometime -- start with provisional cast on and total no. of stitches, work length desired and do decreases, then go back and do decreases to match on first crown. I prefer the appearance and the knitting experience of decreases as well as the idea of matching crowns. Not to mention avoiding fiddly cast on etc. I think it might work.... Cheers!

[@mostlyknitting]

Sorry just replying now. YT is great for notifying me of comments but doesnt notify me of someone replying to my reply. (Probably something they need to rectify). I have heard of people doing a provisional cast on and then only having decreases in both directions. It is a great idea if you dont want to do the increases and want it to look completely the same in both directions. It does still mean you need to know the correct final number right from the beginning. I think with hats I have become a bit fatalistic - like you said - it will fit someone. And i will learn from the process. I hope you have come to a good resolution. I hear and understand your frustration. x

[@syedashobbieschannel58]

Very informative video , thanks for sharing with us. Which nr knitting needles did you use with each hat/ cap

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much. I used a 3.25mm for fingering and light fingering and a 3.5 mm for sport.

[@syedashobbieschannel58]

@@mostlyknittingThanks❤

[@syedashobbieschannel58]

⁠@@mostlyknitting hello, I need your help about Musselburgh. There are 3 pdf files in my library are these little different or all files are the same? I want to make musselburgh in size adult medium I have Alpaca yarn more than 600 meters and want to knit in needle size 3.00 , 3.25 or 3.50mm. Is Alpaca yarn is perfect for this project or I have to knit in sock yarn? Hope you will reply me as soon as possible. Here is cold weather start in copper Denmark. Have a nice evening Happy knitting

[@claudiaandkirkbowen2799]

thank you for your video. Very helpful. Just curious what malabrigo yarn you used?

[@mostlyknitting]

Hi Claudia. I used Malabrigo Sock which is a light fingering.

[@claudiaandkirkbowen2799]

@@mostlyknittingthank you, I thought since it was towards the end of the video it might be a sport or dk.

[@gailallan3063]

Thank you for your videos. Can you please suggest a yarn for my son he is bald or nearly 😅 so was concerned about the itch factor ! I’d like to order it in line as I’m from WA and only 1 yarn store over an hour away. I love your stories about the Musselborough. So yarn and maybe where I can order it from Thank you so much 🙏🏻

[@mostlyknitting]

Hi Gail. I can really recommend Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light or Skein Sisters Fabulous Sock. Both of those yarns are very soft and great for the Musselburgh and you can get them both from Skein Sisters online. :)

[@gailallan3063]

@@mostlyknitting thank you so much for the information I’ll order some and give it a go. Could you talk one day about patterns that are good to follow for first time sweater 😊 It’s hard to jump in and pick the best pattern to navigate wool and design 🤦‍♀️

[@mostlyknitting]

Hi Gail. I can definitely do that. :)

[@kathleenmccrory7166]

QUESTION: How many grams of sock yarn should I allow for the decreases? Great video! Thanks

[@mostlyknitting]

That's a good question. I have always weighed my yarn at the start and then made sure i left enough for the same amount of even rows and decreases. When i start the decreases on my current one, i will weigh the yarn at the start and finish and update the notes on this YT video. Thanks for asking the question. :)

[@kathleenmccrory7166]

Thanks, look forward to it as I will get to my decreases soon. In the meantime I’ll work on the other musselburgh I have on the needles too!

[@mostlyknitting]

@@kathleenmccrory7166 - I had a look at my notes for my previous Musselburghs. I noted that the increases used between 9 and 10 grams and the decreases involve the same number of rows and stitches so that would be my best guide for now - to leave 11 grams to be safe. But I will specifically weigh the decreases on the Musselburgh i am on now and report back when done. :)

[@kathleenmccrory7166]

Thank you so much. Sounds like a great plan. In my research I saw most people comment using around 10-12. I’ll shoot for that. Appreciate your help.

[@mostlyknitting]

@@kathleenmccrory7166 - I just finished my most recent Musselburgh and I used 10.5 grams for the decreases so i would leave 12 grams if you are using a fingering weight yarn to be safe. :)

[@BeeBee123ist]

I am dyslexic so your tutorial along with the stats helps me to cut to the chase. I hate when I have to read and read and read to train my brain cells for such a comprehensive pattern. You did the work. I have had it for awhile now and I never got around to knitting even though I have more than enough yarn for Musselburgh. One question in millimetres, what size of needles did you use on the fingering weight?

[@mostlyknitting]

I used a 3.25mm for the fingering weight hats. I am so glad the information was helpful. :)

[@carollb809y]

This is a very good video showing all the different lengths you can knit. I just have one question about the number of stitches on the needles. You use 136 stitches for approx 22" head circumference. 22" is also me 😊. After the increases there's 3 rounds knit plain then one more increase. Is this before or after your 136 sts?

[@mostlyknitting]

My final stitch count is 136 sts so i am at 128, then three more rows. then last increase to 136. And that is my stitch count for the long tube. :)

[@carollb809y]

@@mostlyknitting Thank you

[@raquelketterman3125]

Can you share the needle size you used for each yarn thickness? Thanks for this video. The first one I made I frogged, since it was way too many stitches (fingering weight).

[@mostlyknitting]

I used a 3.25mm needle for the fingering weight and a 3.5mm needle for the sport. :)

[@FlashOhJoy]

I love knitting these hats, but if I use madelinetosh light, I don’t seem to have quite enough yarn to make them as long as I’d like… could it be that my gauge (8.5 stitches per inch) is using more yarn?

[@mostlyknitting]

That is possible. I find one skein to be just enough with a bit leftover but if you like a longer brim or having them slouchy, it may not be quite enough.

[@carolynclokey7333]

Help. I live in the UK (Scotland) and I need clarity on yarn weights. Is fingering weight comparable with UK 4 ply? Also when you say sport weight is that comparable with UK DK yarn? x

[@mostlyknitting]

Hi there. If people are talking about weights of yarn, there was some historic terminology that can make things a bit confusing. 2ply = Lace weight 3ply = Light Fingering 4ply = Fingering (or sock weight) 5ply = Sport 8ply = DK (Double Knitting) 10ply = Worsted 12ply = Aran 14ply = Bulky There are rough statements past 8ply - things get a bit hazy there with terms like Light Worsted which could be either an 8ply or a 10ply depending on who you are talking to. But up to 8ply, this is the general equivalent. This is not to be confused with the number of plies that make up the construction of the yarn. It is historical terminology where the weight of the yarn was made by adding extra plies to make a heavier weight of yarn. There are plenty of single ply fingering weight yarns but they have been spun to a weight of a 4ply fingering weight yarn. They still may be described as "4ply" because of the weight, not the actual number of plies. Most "4ply" yarns tend to have approximately 400 yards in 100g - give or take, depending on whether they have been woollen or worsted spun. I know that was a long answer for a pretty short question but thought it might help to give a bit more info and context.

[@ericacatlett8412]

Tash. Do you think it makes a difference if knit with the stockinette on the inside or outside? I typically knit with my stockinette on the inside, but then I flip it. Even for sweaters. Do you have any opinions or helpful info on this method?

[@mostlyknitting]

I dont think it makes a big difference unless the gauge is especially large and bulky. Knitting inside out can make the stitches a tiny bit bigger, but i only think it would be noticeable if the gauge was really large. Hope that helps. :)

[@Laura-on3sb]

interesting, I have never heard of a Musselburgh hat. Is that the same as a slouchy? Looks too advanced for me at my level!

[@mostlyknitting]

The Musselburgh hat is just the name of this pattern as written by Ysolda Teague. It is a fairly straight forward hat pattern that is double thick. It has a slightly tricky cast on but I have done a tutorial for that if that helps. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYSYmnyeltGcnbssi=sQH8umGRhsSEPEd6

[@JanCrawford-qc5ot]

For the Musselburgh hats, have you found any yarn that is warm and can be machine dried (as well as machine washed)? Am enjoying your videos! Thank you.

[@mostlyknitting]

Hi Jan Most superwash wool yarns should be able to be machine washed but machine dried is a tricky one. I have never put my knits in the dryer. I made socks for my dad and even though they were super wash, when they went in the dryer, they shrunk. Maybe others can comments on this? Anyone found yarn that was ok in the dryer?

[@JanCrawford-qc5ot]

Hi Tash, I love this video with all the variations of the mussellbough hat. I have gone back and watched sections of it several times. I really enjoyed making one. I got impatient after blocking it and put it in the dryer for several minutes causing it to shrink. So my grandson (rather than my adult son) got a new hat : ). I made it to be like a beanie without any slouch (but not super tight) and am making another one. My question is how long do I make the hat for a beanie? Using your measurements 8" plus 6" plus 8" = 22", I figured without turning it up it should be 8" plus 8" = 16" (which is what I blocked my first one to, but it seemed a bit short (even before it shrunk). I am in awe with all your projects and would love to see a short video of you actually knitting : ). Thank you in advance for your help! Jan P.S. I love math too.

[@carolearchambault7560]

Thank you very much, what size needles are you using? 🙏🏻😊

[@mostlyknitting]

3.25mm for fingering weight. :)

[@carolearchambault7560]

@@mostlyknitting thank you so much 😊 if I understand the same amount of stitches is good for you and your husband?

[@syedashobbieschannel58]

Wow, nice color, how did you block the hat

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks! I just wet blocked it by soaking it in 40 degree celsius (roughly) water and then squeezed out the water in a towel and lay it flat like a long tube to dry.

[@syedashobbieschannel58]

@@mostlyknitting thanks, l can’t stop watching your videos. I found your channel recently and saw musselburgh hat video. After watching your video purchased the pattern and now want to knit my 1st musselburgh. I have drops 100%Alpaca recommended needle size is 3mm , I am little confused about that yarn work for this pattern. I have Superwash merino 75%, 25% naylon . Will you please give any suggestions? I like your all musselburgh hats. 3.00mm, 3.25 and 3.50mm want to knit with one of them. Please guide me. I watch your videos many times a day.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I think Drops Alpaca is a great choice for the Musselburgh. I made a couple of dresses out of this yarn and love it. When I knit with this yarn, I used a 3mm needle. I think if you work it up to 136sts, it should work well. It is quite a forgiving pattern. :)

[@syedashobbieschannel58]

@@mostlyknitting thanks for reply and thanks for suggestion about needles size 3mm and there should be 136 for Adult medium size❤️🧶

[@syedashobbieschannel58]

There are 4 PDF files of Musselburgh hat , one is costumisation and 3 for pattern. Is these pattern files are the same pattern or each file has different pattern. Which file did you use for your Middleburg hats? Hope you will reply me as soon as possible. ❤️

[@barbaraburdett9594]

Thank you for all your information but I have one question. Since you like the hat length at 22 inches did you knit it to 21 inches because when you blocked it you make it 22 inches then? Not sure if you if I am clear on my question.

[@mostlyknitting]

Hi Barbara. Sorry i am replying so late. I definitely knit the hats a bit shorter than intended as with the superwash yarn i have been using, it has tended to grow about an inch. I hope that helps. :)

[@SR949900]

Have you used DK weight yarn for this pattern? I hate fingering weight yarn b/c it takes forever to knit. Thanks.

[@mostlyknitting]

I have only used fingering and sport because even with the sport, i felt 4 layers around my head was quite bulky and i didnt think i would like that in DK. The Oslo hat is a good DK hat pattern that gives a similar look but with only 3 layers. So for that gauge, i make the Oslo. Either with DK or fingering and mohair. Yes, the Musselburgh in fingering weight is quite an investment in time.

[@mariehansen2534]

Please may I ask what size needle did you use with fingering weight yarn? I have knit 2 hats and they are way too big. I have frogged them and decided to go with fingering weight, sock yarn. Looking forward to your reply. Take care and Thank you.

[@mostlyknitting]

Hi Marie. I used a 3.25mm needle. If you knit loosely, you might want to go to a 3mm. Hope that helps. Thanks

[@mariehansen2534]

Thank you so much. I am very late to the party but it is probably the most enjoyable knit that I've done since I started knitting socks. Thank you again. Take care