Living in a place with truly brutal winters, I've always loved the idea of knit hats. They look so cute and cozy! But honestly, I've always struggled to find one that actually keeps me warm when the temperature really drops. I'd knit myself a beautiful hat, perfect for those crisp autumn days, but then winter would hit, and my ears would be freezing! It was a constant battle between style and comfort, and comfort usually lost.
I've knitted countless hats, thinking each one would be the magic bullet. They were great for temperatures hovering around 40-50°F (that's about 4-10°C), but as soon as it dipped below freezing or the wind picked up, they just weren't cutting it. The wind seemed to whistle right through the stitches, leaving me shivering. I knew there had to be a better way, so I started experimenting and researching.
Through trial and error (and a lot of cold ears!), I've discovered some techniques that make a huge difference. Here's what I learned:
This was a game-changer! Someone suggested trying a double brim, and it's amazing how much warmer it makes the hat. I even tried a Musselburgh hat, folding up the brim to create four layers over my ears. This is my go-to technique now when I need serious wind protection. The extra layers act as a barrier against the cold, keeping my ears toasty warm.
For hats intended for really deep cold, lining them with fleece is another fantastic option. It adds an extra layer of insulation and blocks the wind effectively. I've even repurposed old fleece blankets to use as lining – it's a great way to recycle and stay warm!
Similar to fleece, using felted cashmere as a lining is incredibly warm and luxurious. I once cut up an old felted cashmere sweater to line a chemo hat for a friend living in a very cold climate. She raved about how warm it was! If you have an old cashmere sweater you're not using, this is a great way to give it new life.
Another approach is to knit a two-layer hat, like Ysolda’s Musselburgh pattern. This design essentially creates a hat within a hat, providing double the warmth and wind protection. It takes a little longer to knit, but the results are worth it!
I've also been experimenting with different yarn types, and I've found that non-superwash wool seems to be warmer than superwash wool. I'm not sure about the science behind it, but it's been my personal experience. Maybe the natural oils in non-superwash wool provide better insulation?
I've heard good things about thrummed hats, which involve incorporating little bits of unspun wool into the knitting to create a fluffy, warm lining. This is something I still need to try, but it sounds promising!
Beyond the construction and materials, the style of the hat can also impact its warmth. I've been looking at different styles, and one that caught my eye is the y2k Fashion Devil fox Ears Thicken Knitted Hats from Wholecustomdesign. I haven't tried this specific one yet, but the thick knit construction looks promising for warmth. I love how it combines a trendy look with the potential for practicality. Maybe the ear flaps offer extra protection from the cold wind!