Knitted Friend of the Forest Hood

The Forest Hood, a cozy and charming accessory, is handcrafted with love by skilled artisans using soft, high-quality yarn. This knitted friend of the forest is not only stylish but also practical, keeping you warm and snug during chilly days in the woods or around town. The intricate design of the hood features delicate patterns inspired by nature, making it a unique and eye-catching piece that will surely turn heads wherever you go. Whether you're taking a leisurely stroll through the woods, attending a fall festival, or simply running errands on a crisp autumn day, the Forest Hood is the perfect companion. Its versatile design allows you to wear it in different ways, whether pulled up for extra warmth or draped loosely for a more casual look. With its earthy tones and natural textures, this knitted hood embodies the spirit of the forest, bringing a touch of the outdoors into your everyday wardrobe. Add a touch of whimsy and warmth to your outfit with the Forest Hood, a true friend of the forest. 

Sizes: Small (Medium; Large) (Small is perfect for toddlers & young children; medium for large children, teens, and small adults; large for large adults or simply a fuller-fitting hood)

Yarn: Lana Grossa Alta Moda Alpaca (90% Alpaca, 5% Virgin Wool, 5% Polyamide; 153 yards [140 meters]/50 grams); #035 Lime Sherbet - 2 skeins (3 skeins; 3 skeins)

Needles: one 16" circular needle in size US 9, one set of double pointed needles (dpns) in size US 9 for three needle bind off (you can also use regular straight needles and your circular needle for your third)

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker

Gauge: 18 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette

So let's make a hood thingy thing! And let's start by casting on 96 (108; 120) stitches loosely, placing marker, and joining it in the round. Next, purl four rows around as edging. And once that's done, knit until knit section measures roughly 4" (4.5"; 5"). Then we'll work a few transition rows, as follows:

Transition Row 1: * k10, k2tog; rep from * (88; 99; 110 stitches)

Transition Row 2: knit

Transition Row 3: * k9, k2tog * (80; 90; 100 stitches)

Transition Row 4: knit 

Knit transition rows 1 - 4. At this point, you're going to stop knitting in the round, and instead knit back and forth from the stitch marker (you're still going to need your circular needle to do this, however, since otherwise you'll rip your work apart at the break). Anyway, so we'll continue like so:

Row 1 (wrong side): k1, purl until you have 1 stitch left in row, k1

Row 2: knit

Knit rows 1 & 2 until piece measures 6" (7"; 8") from where you started knitting back and forth and you've just finished a wrong side row. Now we'll begin working short rows to shape the crown of the hat.

Size Small

Short Row 1 (right side): k39, wrap and turn (w&t)

Short Rows 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, & 20: purl until you have 1 stitch left in row, k1

Short Row 3: k38, w&t

Short Row 5: k37, w&t

Short Row 7: k36, w&t

Short Row 9: k34, w&t

Short Row 11: k32, w&t

Short Row 13: k30, w&t

Short Row 15: k28, w&t

Short Row 17: k26, w&t

Short Row 19: k24, w&t

Short Row 21: knit (not actually a short row!)

Short Row 22: k1, p38, w&t

Short Rows 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, & 39, & 41: knit until end of row

Short Row 24: k1, p37, w&t

Short Row 26: k1, p36, w&t

Short Row 28: k1, p35, w&t

Short Row 30: k1, p33, w&t

Short Row 32: k1, p31, w&t

Short Row 34: k1, p29, w&t

Short Row 36: k1, p27, w&t

Short Row 38: k1, p25, w&t

Short Row 40: k1, p23, w&t

Short Row 42: k1, purl until 1 stitch left in row, k1 (not actually a short row!)

Size Medium

Short Row 1 (right side): k44, wrap and turn (w&t)

Short Rows 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, & 22: purl until you have 1 stitch left in row, k1

Short Row 3: k43, w&t

Short Row 5: k42, w&t

Short Row 7: k41, w&t

Short Row 9: k40, w&t

Short Row 11: k38, w&t

Short Row 13: k36, w&t

Short Row 15: k34, w&t

Short Row 17: k32, w&t

Short Row 19: k30, w&t

Short Row 21: k28, w&t

Short Row 23: knit (not actually a short row!)

Short Row 24: k1, p43, w&t

Short Rows 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, & 43, & 45: knit until end of row

Short Row 26: k1, p42, w&t

Short Row 28: k1, p41, w&t
Short Row 30: k1, p40, w&t

Short Row 32: k1, p39, w&t

Short Row 34: k1, p37, w&t

Short Row 36: k1, p35, w&t

Short Row 38: k1, p33, w&t

Short Row 40: k1, p31, w&t

Short Row 42: k1, p29, w&t

Short Row 44: k1, p27, w&t

Short Row 46: k1, purl until 1 stitch left in row, k1 (not actually a short row!)

Size Large

Short Row 1 (right side): k49, wrap and turn (w&t)

Short Rows 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, & 24: purl until you have 1 stitch left in row, k1
Short Row 3: k48, w&t

Short Row 5: k47, w&t

Short Row 7: k46, w&t

Short Row 9: k45, w&t

Short Row 11: k44, w&t

Short Row 13: k42, w&t

Short Row 15: k40, w&t

Short Row 17: k38, w&t

Short Row 19: k36, w&t

Short Row 21: k34, w&t

Short Row 23: k32, w&t

Short Row 25: knit (not actually a short row!)
Short Row 26: k1, p48, w&t
Short Rows 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47, & 49: knit
Short Row 28: k1, p47, w&t
Short Row 30: k1, p46, w&t
Short Row 32: k1, p45, w&t
Short Row 34: k1, p44, w&t
Short Row 36: k1, p43, w&t
Short Row 38: k1, p41, w&t
Short Row 40: k1, p39, w&t
Short Row 42: k1, p37, w&t
Short Row 44: k1, p35, w&t
Short Row 46: k1, p33, w&t
Short Row 48: k1, p31, w&t

Short Row 50: k1, purl until 1 stitch left in row, k1 (not actually a short row!)

Complete the short rows given for your size. You have now worked both sides of your crown and are ready to seam the top. Therefore, divide your stitches evenly between two dpns and use third dpn to work three needle bind off to seam hood (you can also bind off regularly and seam, or of course use other needles besides dpns to complete it - I just like them because I don't have to worry which end I insert them through for the bind off!). Finally, using your circular needle again, pick up 86 (96; 110) evenly along face hole (in case any of you are as lazy about this stuff as me: the evenly part is important! Place stitch markers or something to keep your sections even if you need to in order to keep track!). Knit four rows around and bind off loosely. Tuck in ends and block hood, allowing both edgings (at the bottom of the hood and around the face) to curl naturally. And that, friends, is how you make this hood!