A hat crown closes in stages. This calculator plans one stage. It is set for 108 stitches and 12 decreases, which leaves 96 stitches for the next round.
Decrease in stages
A flat top needs decreases in the same places each time. A smooth, rounded top needs the decreases to move over a little each round. Use the calculator for the first round, then plan the next one with the new stitch count.
Many hats use 6, 8 or 12 decreases per decrease round. These numbers divide most hat sizes, which makes the crown look like a star or a spiral, depending on whether the decreases line up.
Moving to double-pointed needles
As the crown shrinks, the circle becomes too small for a circular needle. Switch to double-pointed needles or a longer cord with a magic loop when the stitches no longer reach around. Keep your marker at the start of the round.
Stitch count after each round
Each round removes the number you entered. From 108, with 12 decreases, the next round has 96. Then 84, and so on. The total under the pattern line shows the new count.
The same case on a flat row
With 108 stitches and 12 decreases on a flat row, the line is:
K4, K2tog, K6, K2tog, (K7, K2tog) 10 times, K4.
Check: 12 K2tog and 84 K. You end with 96 stitches.
Nearby counts for 108 stitches
Other decrease counts for the same 108 stitches, in the round. The calculator wrote each line.
| Stitches | Remove | Pattern line | You get |
|---|---|---|---|
| 108 | −10 | (K8, K2tog) twice, (K9, K2tog) 8 times | 98 |
| 108 | −11 | (K7, K2tog) twice, (K8, K2tog) 9 times | 97 |
| 108 | −12 | (K7, K2tog) 12 times | 96 |
| 108 | −13 | (K6, K2tog) 9 times, (K7, K2tog) 4 times | 95 |
| 108 | −14 | (K5, K2tog) 4 times, (K6, K2tog) 10 times | 94 |
Questions
How many decreases should a hat crown have?
Many patterns use 6, 8 or 12 per decrease round. More decreases give a flatter top and fewer give a taller one.
Should the decreases line up from round to round?
If they line up, the lines show as spokes, like a star. If you shift them by a stitch each round, the top looks smoother.