By completing this pattern, you'll practise:

• The Basics - Knit, Purl, Cast On & Cast Off
• Decreasing stitches
• Rib stitch
• Learning how to read a chart
• Knitting Flat or in the Round
• Using Double Pointed Needles if knit in the round
• The Mattress Stitch
• Adding Pom-poms
• Adding your Logo
• Crocheting the edge of your hat (optional)

1. Is the SarahMo Girlfriend Hat suitable for beginners?

It’s a next-stage project for knitters who are comfortable with knit and
purl stitches. Graded Level 4 in the SarahMo Knitting Journey, it introduces
techniques that add texture and shape, with video guidance to support you.

2. What skills will I learn?

You’ll learn to slip stitches to create the textured rib and explore
decreasing techniques, including knitting or purling stitches together and
working a slip-based decrease. These techniques gradually reduce the stitch
count to shape the crown—a useful foundation for future projects.

Depending on your chosen method, you’ll also practise mattress stitch
seaming or knitting in the round and using double-pointed needles.

3. Do I need circular needles?

No. You can knit the hat flat using 8 mm and 9 mm straight needles, then
seam the sides. For the in-the-round option, you’ll need 8 mm and 9 mm circular
needles, each with a total length of 40 cm / 16 in, plus 9 mm double-pointed
needles for the crown.

4. Which method should I choose: flat or in the round?

If this is your first hat, the flat option is a helpful starting point:
work back and forth on straight needles, then join the sides using mattress
stitch. Knitting in the round creates a hat without a side seam. Tutorials
cover both methods, so you can try the other approach on your next hat.

5. What yarn do I need, and can I substitute it?

The pattern uses Rowan Big Wool, a 100% merino yarn, with approximately
60–80 metres required depending on size.

You can substitute another yarn that matches the pattern gauge: 13
stitches and 16 rows over 10 cm / 4 in in the pattern stitch using 9 mm
needles. Knit, wash and dry a gauge swatch before starting to check your
tension.

6. What sizes are included?

There are four sizes: Child, Teen, Adult and Bigger Adult, to fit head
circumferences of approximately 45 (51, 56, 61) cm / 17.5 (20, 22, 24) in.

Measure around the head and use the pattern’s sizing table to choose your
size.

7. Is there a video tutorial?

Yes. The pattern includes links to step-by-step YouTube tutorials for
knitting flat, knitting in the round and making up your hat.

8. Do I need to complete the earlier SarahMo patterns first?

No. If you can knit and purl, you can start here. Earlier projects in the
SarahMo Knitting Journey offer practice with the basics if you would like more
preparation.

9. Do I have to add a pom-pom?

No—the choice is yours. Leave your hat plain, add one pom-pom or use two
for a playful finish. Instructions for attaching them are included.

10. Is the pattern written in English?

Yes. The pattern is written in English, with knitting abbreviations
explained and measurements provided in centimetres and inches.

Blocking - it is recommended after you have knit your hat that you block it. Blocking refers to the finishing process used to shape and even out the stitches. Gently hand wash your hat, and lay it flat to dry.

Seaming - this hat uses the mattress stitch to stitch the seams together

Prefer to knit your SarahMo Girlfriend Hat in the round?
Follow this Youtube to knit the SarahMo Girlfriend Hat in the round

For help with seaming and attaching your pom-poms, watch Making Up Your SarahMo Girlfriend Hat.

And if you’re a little rusty, here is a quick refresher English Style Knitting

Hand wash gently in cool water using a wool-friendly detergent. Do not machine wash or tumble dry. Reshape while damp and lay flat to dry.