Knitted Lace Butterfly Hat

Picture yourself wearing a delicate and intricate knitted lace butterfly hat. This unique accessory combines the elegance of lace with the whimsical charm of butterflies, creating a stunning piece that is sure to turn heads wherever you go. The intricate details of the knitted lace pattern mimic the delicate wings of a butterfly, adding a touch of femininity and grace to your outfit. The butterfly hat is not only a fashion statement but also a symbol of transformation and beauty. As you don this exquisite piece, you embody the essence of a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis, ready to spread its wings and take flight. The soft and lightweight knit ensures comfort while the butterfly motif adds a playful and enchanting touch to your look. Embrace your inner butterfly with this knitted lace hat and let your style soar to new heights.

Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light (50% Super Fine Alpaca, 50% Peruvian Wool; 144 yards [133 meters]/50 grams); #4277 Peat Mix - one skein

Needles: One 16" circular needle in size 5, one 16" circular needle in size 8, one set of double pointed needles (dpns) in size 8

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker or yarn scrap to mark end of round (the scrap might work better, given the gauge)

Gauge: 23 stitches = 4 inches on size 5 needles

So let's get started! Using the size 5 circular needle, cast on 120 stitches loosely, place marker, and join in round. Work one inch in a k1, p1 ribbing and then switch to your size 8 needle; now it's time to begin the main pattern, which is Lace Butterfly from page 189 of Barbara G. Walker's A Treasury of Knitting Patterns, except adapted for the round.

Row 1: * (yo) twice, ssk, k2tog; rep from *

(p1, p1-back) in double yo, k1 * (same as row 6)

Repeat rows 1 - 8 until piece measures roughly 6 inches and you've just completed row 8. Now we're going to start towards the decrease, although you'll need the following notation to proceed:

rt (right twist): knit two together, leaving stitches on left-hand needle; next, insert right-hand needle from the front between the two stitches just knitted together, and knit the first stitch again. Finally, slip both stitches from left-hand needle together

lt (left twist): with right-hand needle behind left-hand needle, skip one stitch and knit the second stitch in back loop; then insert right-hand needle into the backs of both stitches and k2tog-b (knit two together through back loops, inserting right needle from the right)

Row 1: * (yo) twice, ssk, k2tog; rep from *

Row 2: * [(k1, k1-back) in double yo, k2] twice, (p1, p1-back) in double yo, k2 *

Row 3: * k1, rt, lt, k2, k2tog, (yo) twice, ssk, k1 *

Row 4: * k8, (p1, p1-back) in double yo, k2 *

Row 5: * rt, k2, lt, k1, k2tog, (yo) twice, ssk, k1 *

Row 6: remove marker, slip first stitch, replace marker; then * k4, ssk, k1, (p1, p1-back) in double yo, k1, k2tog *

Row 7: * k5, k2tog, (yo) twice, ssk, k1 *

Now's probably a good time to switch to your dpns

Row 8: * k4, ssk, (p1, p1-back) in double yo, k2tog *

Row 9: * k4, ssk, k2tog *

Row 10: * k4, k2tog *

Row 11: * p3, p2tog *

Row 12: * k2, k2tog *

Row 13: * p1, p2tog *

Row 14: * k2tog *

Clip thread; thread through final 10 stitches, bring to inside of hat and knot. Tuck in ends.