Casting On: The Spooky & Stunning Arachnid Hat by Tanis Gray! 🕷️
There’s something so satisfying about casting on a colorwork hat when autumn air arrives. 🕷️
I am thrilled to share a brand new design collaboration that has been dancing on my needles! The immensely talented designer Tanis Gray just launched her newest stranded colorwork design: The Arachnid Hat!
As soon as I saw her initial draft, I fell in love. The main body features a bold spider motif with a sneaky little skull detailed right on its back. But the crown of the hat is where the real magic happens. The decreases gather together to create an intricate, jaw-dropping spider web right at the top! 🕸️
A Play on Colors: Classic Spooky vs. Neon Bright
When Tanis designed this pattern, she selected Ewe So Sporty in Black Licorice and Orange Peel for a classic, punchy Halloween look
Naturally, I couldn't resist knitting a sample myself! I wanted to try a bright, electric twist, so I picked Iris Blossom and Citrus Pop. The crisp stitch definition of our 100% fine superwash merino wool makes those graphic motifs pop off the fabric with so much clarity
Because colorwork is all about contrast, we put together 7 designer-curated color combinations of Ewe So Sporty so you can choose the palette that speaks to your needles
How to Get Your Arachnid Hat Setup
To make casting on as simple as possible, here is how to grab your materials
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Pick Your Yarn Pair ($26): Head to our shop to select your favorite 2-ball Ewe So Sporty yarn combination. Shop the Arachnid Hat Yarn Bundle →
(Please note: The listing is for the yarn bundle only!)
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Grab the Pattern: Purchase and download the Arachnid Hat pattern directly from designer Tanis Gray at TanisKnits.com or on Ravelry
Project Specs at a Glance
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Yarn: 2 balls of Ewe So Sporty (1 ball each of 2 contrasting colors). 100% fine superwash merino wool (145 yds / 50g per ball)
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Yarn Weight: Sport weight (#2).
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Finished Size: 8.5” high x 20.5” circumference, blocked.
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Gauge: 22 sts and 30 rounds = 4” in stranded colorwork in the round on larger needles, blocked.
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Needles Required: US 3 (3.25 mm) 16” circulars, US 5 (3.75 mm) 16” circulars, and US 5 DPNs (or size needed to obtain gauge).
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Notions: Stitch markers and tapestry needle.
Whether you go classic black and orange or cast on a neon purple web like mine, this 2-skein project is such a fun, satisfying win for your needles.
Which color pairing are you choosing for your Arachnid Hat? Drop into the Secret Society of Knitters (SSK) community and let me know!
Happy stitching,
Heather
