Knitting Question?

[Lacuna]

Hi everyone! I have some Bernat Boa type yarn and would like to knit a hat from it. I only know how to do a basic knit stitch, and have made a hat from plain yarn using this pattern: http://frugalknit12330.goeserv.com/homepage/beghat.htm Is there any way to adapt this to the boa yarn? Meaning, simply knitting and then eventually decreasing and tying it off? I am such a beginner that I do not know how to adapt the pattern or even if it is possible. Any tips? The back of the yarn package has a hat pattern, and also found on their website, but I honestly do not know how to do it...

Thanks

[halfwaynowhere]

well, i don't knit, but i'm assuming because the yarn you are using is smaller, you would add more stitches to each row, and add more rows to the hat... or you could just use a regular weight yarn and mix the two, that way its a thicker hat and you could still use the same pattern... or you could try using the Bernat pattern, but instead of doing all the fancy stitches, just do what you know, it might work out... oh, i know! use the pattern you know, but with larger needles, which will make everything looser, and therefore larger, so it will make up for the difference in yarn size... i don't know if any of my ideas can help you, i mostly crochet, and if i find something i can't do, i just cheat and do it a different way... good luck, and maybe someone else can find you a better method...

[KEishin]

When adapting a pattern from one yarn to another, you first need to know the weight of the yarn and what the oringal pattern calls for. In this case, the Boa is equal to a heavyweight or bulky yarn, not worsted weight as the pattern calls for.

Easy way - here's another version using the Boa http://www.bernat.com/pattern.php?PID=266

Hard way - you need to check your gauge (that little thing that says something like '14 sts - 17 rows = 4" (10 cm)') You need to match your stitches using the new yarn to that of the yarn called for in the pattern. It takes lot of back-and-forth to make sure the new sizes match.

It's likely you'll need to change needle size too. Bulkier yarns require larger needles for the most part. 10's should be fine for that though.

[*Rain*]

Personally i'd use the pattern KEishin mentioned, as it's always a lot easier to find a pattern that matches yarn weight rather than trying to adapt, especially if you're quite new to knitting.

If the new pattern looks a bit complicated, then just cast on the number of stitches it tells you, knit every row and then do the shaping where it gives instruction.