Guernsey Cap

                by Jackson Ninly

--------------
 Introduction
--------------

This toque-like knitted cap is based on pattern stitches and decrease
techniques from the gansey sweater tradition. This pattern is the
product of several improvisational creations, so it leaves several
variables (final size, texture, etc.) very flexible. Gauge and
pattern recommendations below should be taken as mere suggestions --
please experiment!

Yarn:       Worsted weight; 1 skein is probably enough for all but the
            biggest heads.
Needles:    Size 7 DPNs or 16" circular needles

I'm gonna say cast on 80 sts for a small hat, but this really depends
on your yarn, gauge, and the head to be clothed. Most important to
making the pattern work is that you cast on some multiple of 4
stitches -- although this may be flexible, as well, once you
understand how the pattern works.

As this brim includes no ribbing, finding a good fit is relatively
important. Don't be afraid to knit a few rows (or knit a whole
swatch -- imagine that!) and start over if it's coming out too big
or small.

-------
 Setup
-------

CO 80 sts.

Knit back along the CO row to the first st (I like to distribute
the stitches among my DPNs as I do this).

With all sts distributed among DPNs (or on a circular needle), join
in the round, making sure the row is not twisted.

------
 Brim
------

* k 1 round, p 1 round, repeat from * 2 more times (you now have 6
rounds, or 3 ridges, of garter stitch)

-------
 Sides
-------

Repeat PATTERN_STITCH_A 3 times (see below and refer back as
necessary)

PATTERN_STITCH_A 
    {
        k 1 round
        * k4, p4, repeat from * to end of round
    } 

k 1 round

p 2 rounds

Repeat PATTERN_STITCH_A 3 times

k 1 round

p 2 rounds

Repeat PATTERN_STITCH_A 3 times

k 1 round

p 2 rounds

---------------
 DECREASE ROWS
---------------

NOTE: Depending on your yarn and gauge, you may need to adjust the
rate of decrease to suit your tastes.

The p2's below should line up to form four "false seams", as seen
down the sides of some gansey patterns.

* p2, ssk, k16, k2tog, repeat from * 3 more times

* p2, k18, repeat from * 7 more times

* p2, ssk, k14, k2tog, repeat from * 3 more times

* p2, k16, repeat from * 7 more times

* p2, ssk, k12, k2tog, repeat from * 3 more times

* p2, k14, repeat from * 7 more times

* p2, ssk, k10, k2tog, repeat from * 3 more times

* p2, k12, repeat from * 7 more times

* p2, ssk, k8, k2tog, repeat from * 3 more times

* p2, k10, repeat from * 7 more times

* p2, ssk, k6, k2tog, repeat from * 3 more times

* p2, k8, repeat from * 7 more times

* p2, ssk, k4, k2tog, repeat from * 3 more times

* p2, k6, repeat from * 7 more times

* p2, ssk, k2, k2tog, repeat from * 3 more times

* p2, k4, repeat from * 7 more times

* p2, ssk, k2tog, repeat from * 3 more times

break yarn with a foot or so of tail; thread tail through remaining
stitches and pull tight

weave in ends, finish, and block.