The letters around the band of the hat are the letters used to mark various areas of the arena. These letters give the rider a focus point as to when to change gaits or execute a specific movement.
This wonderfully squishy, soft 100% wool yarn is one of my favorites.
My beautiful daughter, Hayley Brin Lane, is my model.
The beautiful band around the edge of this hat is called the "Latvian Braid." It looks more complicated to knit than it really is and makes for a lovely edging. However, it could be replaced with ribbing.
A-X: DRESSAGE HORSE HAT
Dressage literally means "training" and is considered to be the highest expression of horse training. All areas of equitation can benefit from the flexibility, obedience and balance achieved through dressage. This one size fits most hat was inspired by the beauty and grace of this equestrian sport. The letters around the brim of the hat represent the letters around a dressage arena. They indicate where certain movements should be ridden during a dressage test.
This one size fits most close fitting colorwork toque is knit in the round on circular needles. I used QUINCE & CO Chickadee yarn in my version, but any sport weight yarn will work. For the brim I used US size 3 (3.25mm) and for the body of the hat I used US size 4 (3.5mm) 16 inch circular needles. The design elements (which include the Latvian braid and stranded knitting) are interesting and fun for an intermediate knitter. Video tutorials for the stranded knitting and the Latvian braid will be available in the near future.
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