The Knit Hat Book: 25 Hats from Basic Shapes

by Nicky Epstein, Marcus Tullis (Photographer)

This is the perfect small-project book for all knitters. Popular knitwear designer Nicky Epstein gives knitters a wide variety of fanciful and stylish hat projects to choose from. There are 25 patterns in all and tips to help readers design their own hats.

Genres: Knitting, Crafts

89 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Nicky Epstein is a knitting designer and author of numerous books on knitting. She is known for her creative combinations of knitting stitches, and for the colorful patterns often found in her sweaters, especially involving applique of separately knitted motifs.[1] In 2005, she was given a prestigious award by the National NeedleArts Association. In 2006, her work was featured in a retrospective fashion show at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City. Since the (winter) Holiday 2005 issue, Epstein has written a regular column in Vogue Knitting called simply "Nicky Epstein".

Reviews

[Elise Cohen]

"Nicky Epstein is as always brilliant and creative. I have knit a number of these hats with success. For the most part, I have toned down the styling a bit (I'm just not that willing to wear a showpiece) but the patterns and ideas are first rate.[return]There are a number of different shapes to the hats herein, as well as various ideas for decoration and embellishment. Many are self-lined, so there is a little extra knitting, but the extra body and wear is worth it. None of the patterns I used in this book required more than advanced beginner skills (and I am a pretty experienced knitter at this point, for reference)."

[Sharon]

This book was published in 1997 and I rate it among my most favorite knitting books. The photography is gorgeous and the whimsical designs go far beyond what you will find in any other pattern book. Even if you can't see yourself wearing a pillbox hat topped with a flower basket or a beret with swinging cherries, you may find the information you need to design just what you want.

I love this book and when I'm not using it as a reference guide, I page through it just to enjoy the pictures.

[Apryl Anderson]

This one is flat-out fun! Hard to believe it's 20 years old, because the designs are that classic. Hats are so quick to make, these are excellent for trying out new techniques and designs.

[Sarah]

I liked some of the designs, classic Nicky Epstein style. A mixture of whimsy and flamboyance and texture and shape. I wish there had been more pictures. Probably only one pattern I would make.

[Susan]

Not too thrilling.

[Anne]

Just what it says: variations on a few basics. Clear instructions, as you'd expect from Epstein, a designer who always follows through on what she promises.

[Mary Ann]

This book was okay. It had some pretty hats in it, but none that my girls liked.