Hot Rod Flames Cap

Flamed Hot Rod Cap aka Snug Cloche Style/Beanie Cap or Stocking Cap

Head Size:	24” std male	22” std female	20” sml female
Cast On:	105 sts	95 sts	84 sts
Flame Pattern Repeats	5	5	4
Stitches between patterns	5	3	4

Using more or less colors can produce totally different effects using the same chart. I have even produced a “Shadow Flame” effect by using 1 color of yarn and working a reverse stitch in place of changing color.
Flame Chart using 3 colors plus background	Flame Chart using 1 color plus background

Flamed Hot Rod Cap Design Inspired by and Adapted from HOT ROD SOCKS or OLYMPIC FLAME SOCKS designed by Melanie Gibbons Copyright 2006. All rights are reserved. Click the link below to see the Original pattern Pink Lemon Twist

Gauge: 20 sts/24 rows = 4" (5 sts/6 rows =1”)
Materials: Worsted Weight Cotton Yarn 2 - 2½ ozs, Needles Size US 4 (UK 10, 3.5mm) and US 5 (UK 9, 3.75mm). A small amount of contrast yarn can be used for the Inside Band, (2 ozs of yarn was enough to make the small female size including inside band). Crochet hook Size F or Needle Size US 5 (UK 9, 3.75mm), for casting on and binding off.
My "Snug Cloche Style/Beanie Cap" does not have a turned-up cuff therefore I have created a "comfort band" to keep it in place especially in convertibles.
Inside Comfort Band - Link to Alternate Band joining instructions. With Crochet hook Size F make a 105, 95, 84st chain, join into a circle without twisting, pick up 1 loop in each chain and place on needle 105, 95, 84sts or Use Needle Size US 4 (UK 10, 3.5mm). Work in Stockinette Stitch (Stocking Stitch) for 1 inch. Leave sts on a holder or spare needle.
Outside Comfort Band
With Wrong Side of band facing using size US 4 (UK 10, 3.5mm) needles pick up 1 loop in each chain and place on needle 104, 96, 84sts, and work in rib pattern of choice for 1 inch. With Right Side* of work facing fold band so that holder or spare needle is parallel to working needle. Knit first and last stitches together to avoid a “hole” and change direction. Maintain Rib pattern and knit together 1 st from each needle to join the bands. A circle of elastic can be encased in the band if desired. Work 1 more row of Rib Pattern.
Main Part of Hat
Change to size US 5 (UK 9, 3.75mm) needles and follow the Flame Chart directions In Main Color work straight in pattern of choice until work measures approximately 3” male, 2¾”, 2½" from the beginning. (this style of hat is supposed to just cover the top of the ear, adjust length at this point for a custom fit).
Decreasing the Top – approximately 2½”
(Continue in pattern of choice or change to a plain pattern such as st st or garter st). First decrease round: (K2 P2tog) to end 78, 72, 63sts. Work 5 rounds in pattern of choice. Second Decrease round: (K2tog, p1) to end 52, 48, 42sts. Work 3 rounds in pattern of choice. Third Decrease round: (K2tog, P2tog) to end 26, 24, 21sts. Work 1 round in pattern of choice. Fourth Decrease round: K2tog to end 13, 12, 11sts. Work 1 round in pattern of choice. Break off yarn and run it twice through the remaining stitches, pulling the hole tightly closed, secure end.

Stocking Cap Version
Using needle Size US 4 (UK 10, 3.5mm), Cast On 104, 94, 84sts Work a 4 inch Rib. Increase 1 stitch for first 2 sizes (105, 95, 84sts) then follow instructions for Main Part of Hat.