Get Ahead Get a Hat

I wasn't happy with the hat as knitted up from the pattern (left), so I devised my own version (right).

Instead of knitting and casting off rim reinforcement, I started with a few rows of garter stitch that could be folded over (and conveniently over a ring of pipecleaners). I also made the underside of the brim - the outside of the flaps - the knit side and swapped over for the crown of the hat. I used a non-slanting decrease, the raised stitches of which are a feature (and help in the folding of the tricorn). I also used pipecleaners to strengthen the base of the crown.

The pipecleaners give the hat some rigidity and shapeability.

There are 6 ridged decreases through the brim and 3 in the crown. The full pattern is below the next progress picture of Samuel.

Next to start on the accessories.

All cast on and ready to go.

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Tricorn Hat Pattern

Abbreviations: 3stdec --- slip 2 stitches knitwise TOGETHER, knit next stitch, pass slipped stitches over
                        3decP -- purl one stitch, slip 2 stitches knitwise TOGETHER, slip all three stitches back to LH   
                                       needle, pass slipped stitches over purl stitch, replace purl stitch on RH needle
(I know the purl decrease is a bit convoluted but I do not think there is a better way to do it, I couldn't find one)

Row 1    K
Row 2    K
Row 3    K
Row 4    K
Row 5    K
Row 6    K
Row 7    P
Row 8    (K12 3stdec K11) 6 times
Row 9 and alternate rows (11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21) Purl
Row 10    (K11 3stdec K10) 6 times
Row 12    (K10 3stdec K9) 6 times
Row 14    (K9 3stdec K8) 6 times
Row 16    (K8 3stdec K7) 6 times
Row 18    (K7 3stdec K6) 6 times
Row 20    (K6 3stdec K5) 6 times
Row 22    (K5 3stdec K4) 6 times
Row 23 - 34 Stocking stitch commencing with a Knit row
Row 35    (K9 3stdec K8) 3 times
Row 36 and alternate rows (38, 40, 42, 44) Purl
Row 37    (K8 3stdes K7) 3 times
Row 39    (K7 3stdec K6) 3 times
Row 41    (K6 3stdec K5) 3 times
Row 43    (K5 3stdec K4) 3 times
Row 45    (K4 3stdec K3) 3 times
Row 46    (P2 3decP P3) 3 times
Row 47    (K2 3stdec K1) 3 times
Row 48    (3decP P1) 3 times

Break yarn and thread through remaining stitches.

To make up:

Sew up seam, keeping in mind the knit side is the right side.
Sew in pipecleaner ring at base of crown.
Turn garter stitch edge over and sew in pipecleaner ring.
Mould hat.