Racer Cap

Racer Cap, by Wormie

2 (or 3 - see variations) colors of worsted weight yarn (I used Caron Simply Soft)
H hook for teen/small adult size, I hook for large adult size


Using main color
Chain 5, slip stitch in first stitch to form a loop.

Row 1: chain 3 (counts as first DC), 10 dc in loop, slip stitch to top of chain 3 to join (11 dc)

Row 2: ch 1, 2 dc in same stitch as the chain 1, 2 dc in each stitch around (22 dc)

Row 3: ch 1, 1 dc in same stitch as chain 1, 1 dc in next stitch, 2 dc in next stitch. Follow this pattern around, slip stitch to top of first dc to join (33 dc)

Row 4: ch 1, 1 dc in same stitch as chain 1, 1 dc in next 2 stitches, 2 dc in next stitch. Follow this pattern around, slip stitch to top of first dc to join (44 dc)

Row 5: ch 1, 1 dc in same stitch as chain 1, 1 dc in next 3 stitches, 2 dc in next stitch. Follow this pattern around, slip stitch to top of first dc to join (55 dc)

Row 6: : ch 1, 1 dc in same stitch as chain 1, 1 dc in next 4 stitches, 2 dc in next stitch. Follow this pattern around, slip stitch to top of first dc to join (66 dc)

Rows 7-10: ch 1, 1 dc in same stitch as chain 1, 1 dc in each stitch around, slip stitch to top of first dc to join (66 dc)

Row 11: ch 1, 1 dc in same stitch as chain 1, 1 dc in next 2 stitches, change to contrast color, dc in next 3 stitches in contrast color, change back to main color. Continue alternating colors for 3 dc each all the way around the hat, slip stitch to top of first dc to join (you should end with your contrast color – do NOT change colors)

Row 12: with contrast color ch 1, 1 dc in same stitch as chain 1, 1 dc in next 2 stitches, change to main color and dc in next 3 stitches, change back to contrast color. Continue alternating colors for 3 dc each all the way around the hat, slip stitch to top of first dc to join (you should end with your main color – do NOT change colors)

Row 13: ch 1, 1 dc in same stitch as chain 1, 1 dc in next 2 stitches, change to contrast color, dc in next 3 stitches in contrast color, change back to main color. Continue alternating colors for 3 dc each all the way around the hat, slip stitch to top of first dc to join (you should end with your contrast color) change back to your main color and slip stitch to top of first dc to join. Cut your contrast color and weave the end in as you work row 14.

Row 14: with main color only - ch 1, 1 dc in same stitch as chain 1, 1 dc in each stitch around, slip stitch to top of first dc to join (66 dc)

Row 15: with main color chain 1 and sc in the same stitch as joining. SC all the way around the hat. Slip stitch to join and finish off.


Variations:

2-color edge –

- after row 13, do NOT cut off your contrast color – let it hang inside your work
- work row 14 as instructed above
- for row 15, pick up your contrast color, and work the row of sc all the way around the edge switching off between the two colors (one stitch in main color, the next in contrast color) This gives a nice pop of color to the edge of the hat.

3-color cap -
Use 3 colors to make the cap.
Do rows 1-10 in your main color
For the checkerboard pattern in rows 11-13, follow the instructions above, but use 2 contrast colors
Use the main color for row 14
Do the 2-color edging variation for row 15 using both contrast colors.
I think this looks great when the cap is made in red with a black and white checkerboard design.

Hints – when doing the checkerboard pattern, do not cut the yarn – carry the unused color working it into the back of the stitches. You can find instructions on how to work over the unused color at Crochet Kim’s site. Her instructions are for single crochet, but you want to do the same thing when working the Racer Cap in DC.

If you lay your 2 color skeins on a table, you can switch colors without wrapping the two colors around each other, and there is no need for bobbins. I have done this hat quickly, without taking care to now wrap my yarns, and more carefully, making sure to keep the yarns from tangling – it is MUCH easier to work without tangles.

This is an original copyrighted pattern. You may use it for personal or charity use. Please do not post this pattern elsewhere, but feel free to link to it here.