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Slipstream by Jennifer Ferrence
Beyond the Pattern
As I was working on this design, my husband and I were rewatching the Star Trek: Voyager series. I decided that the quantum slipstream technology that propels the ship even faster than warp 9 is similar to the way knitters can learn many new skills at once, as in a project such as this hat. Jump into the slipstream and master some new skills in no time! Feel free to chart your own course and use different color or tonal combinations to create a completely different look.
Slipstream Beanie incorporates a simple slip-stitch pattern, as well as a crocheted provisional cast on and a folded brim. Since that is plenty to work on in one hat, the crown shaping is kept simple with garter stitch in the main color.
Sizes
Baby/Child (Adult S, Adult M, Adult L) to fit head circumference of 15–18 (20, 22, 24)”
Finished Measurements
Brim Circumference: 14.5 (17.5, 20.5, 23)”
Length: 6.5 (7.5, 8.5, 9.5)”
Materials
Baah Yarn SHASTA (200yds/183m, 100g/3.5oz, 100% Superwash Merino Wool): 1 skein each: Moroccan Nights (A) and Tequila Lime (B)
Size 6 (4mm) dpns or circular needles (2) or size needed to obtain gauge
Size F or G crochet hook
Waste yarn (WY)
Stitch marker
Tapestry needle
Pompom (optional)
Gauge
In Slipstream pat, 21 sts & 44 rnds = 4”/10cm. To save time, take time to check gauge.
Stitch Pattern
See Slipstream Stitch chart.
Special Techniques
Crocheted Provisional Cast On
This provisional cast on is worked directly onto the needle using a crochet hook and waste yarn. See Heather Storta’s article in the Winter 2022–2023 issue of Cast On. When joining the inner brim to the outer brim, the action is similar to working two layers together during a 3-needle bind off.
Inner Brim
With crochet hook and WY, use the crocheted provisional cast on to CO 70 (84, 98, 112) sts.
Do not turn.
With Color A, knit one row, pm, and join to work in the rnd, being careful not to twist sts.
Knit all rnds until piece measures 1 (1, 1.5, 1.5)” from CO edge.
Next Rnd: Purl.
Outer Brim
Knit all rnds until piece measures 1 (1, 1.5, 1.5)” from purl rnd.
Fold inner brim to inside of hat, with purl sides of brims facing.
TECHNICAL TIP—As inner and outer brims are joined, you will have a corresponding inner brim stitch for each outer brim stitch. Stitch count does not change. Instead of a second circular needle, an option is to use a dpn and transfer the inner brim stitches in stages as you work around joining the two layers.
Undo provisional CO while transferring sts to second circular needle of the same size or smaller.
Work 1 st from outer brim tog with 1 st from inner brim to end of rnd.
DESIGNER NOTE—When slipping stitches, slip the stitch purlwise with the yarn in back. All purling in this pattern is done in stitches of the same color as the working yarn.
Body
Purl 1 rnd.
Join B, and work Rnds 1–4 of Slipstream st until piece measures 5 (6, 7, 8)”, or desired length, to crown shaping, ending with Rnd 2.
DESIGNER NOTE—Crown shaping is worked over 1.5”.
Crown
Setup Rnd: With A, *knit 7, pm; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 1: *Knit to 2 sts before marker, k2tog; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 2: Purl.
Rep Rnds 1 and 2 four more times—20 (24, 28, 32) sts rem.
Next Rnd: K2tog to end of rnd—10 (12, 14, 16) sts rem.
Next Rnd: K2tog to end of rnd—5 (6, 7, 8) sts rem.
Cut yarn and pull tightly through rem sts to close hole at crown.
Finishing
Weave in ends and block to finished measurements. If desired, make a pompom or tassel and attach to the top.
Here is a photograph of the hat design modeled by the designer and Sébastien.
Copyright 2025, The Knitting Guild Association, Cast On Fall 2025, All Rights Reserved
