Cross Rails is the latest addition to my collection of hat patterns. it’s knit up in about 190 yards of DK yarn. The knits and purls make for a fun, textural adventure for knitters of all skill levels; a little tangy for newer knitters, more simple but not boring for experienced knitters. You can purchase Cross Rails from my Ravelry Pattern store

The idea for the hat came from going the horse barn in the cold winter months for my daughter’s riding lessons. I discovered wearing my pom-tastic Sorbet Slouch or Afternoon Tea hats were far too tempting for the horses. They really wanted to nuzzle the pom poms. Or in the case of one pony, give the poms serious side-eye because he wasn’t convinced the pom wasn’t out to get him.

So I decided a new cozy, slightly slouchy hat that was fun but pom-less needed to be made. Since the impetus was a hat to wear to the barn, i used the barn itself for inspiration. The barred criss-cross motifs are modelled after the shapes of cross rail jumps. The smaller diamonds are derived from the larger motifs.

It was cold last weekend, just 40 degrees in the morning, when we went to the barn. I wore my Cross Rails, which was nice and cozy. And Lucy didn’t try to nuzzle it.