Cover Image: Knit Hats with Woolly Wormhead

Knit Hats with Woolly Wormhead

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

I love to knit hats as they are relatively quick to knit. This book has a nice selection of hats for everyone. I was happy to see men’s and children’s sections. I liked that some of the hats had instructions for both child and adult sizes. There are several unusual children’s hats. I especially plan to try the Wychavon. The provisional cast on, which is illustrated in the book, is something I look forward to trying as well. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Rowman & Littlefield for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Wooly Wormhead makes some of my favorite patterns, so I was so excited for this book! These patterns have something for everyone, from new knitters to experienced ones, along with exciting patterns for everyone!

Was this review helpful?

This is such a FUN hat knitting book! Wooly Wormhead is known for her unusual construction and unique hats, and this book does not disappoint! The hats are beautiful, wearable, and have wide ranges of sizes available. Hats for men, women, and children are photographed from many angles so the reader can really appreciate the features of each hat. Instructions are clear and concise, and include helpful hints about construction and sizing. Perhaps my favorite part is at the end of the book, about how to choose and wear a hat well, even if you think you’re not a “hat person.” Finding the right hat for your face shape, hair length, and putting it on your head in a way that looks good is covered, and I already feel inclined to start wearing hats more often! Techniques are clearly explained and illustrated, sizing and gauge are covered, and the yarn colors and choices are inspiring. The only thing I could have asked for is more description of the inspiration behind each pattern, because I would love more insight into Wooly Wormhead’s design process. A great addition to a library collection, that will not in any way be duplicating what you already have on the shelf.

Was this review helpful?

This book has a great variety of different hats for men, women and children. I would recommend this book to more advanced knitters. Some of the techniques required in this book are: provisional cast on, short rows, grafting, lacework and cables. There’s a section at the back to explain these techniques as well as both written and charted explanations for the hats. If you’re looking for something a bit more challenging than the simple knit hat, this is a great book to try.

Was this review helpful?

In much of the knitting world, the author of this book, Woolly Wormhead is a well-known, well-respected, and highly creative designer of knit hats. She and her designs are unique! This book makes me want to set up a display wall and feature these hats as individual works of art. Instructions are clear and easy to follow, and provide an opportunity to learn how to sculpt and manipulate stitches to create unique textures and pattern.. Woolly Wormhead brings a refreshing, thoughtful, and intentional perspective to knitting. I look forward to knitting my way through the book. #NetGalley

Was this review helpful?

These hats have personality! Looking through them, you can imagine perfect matches for people you know and love.

These are no plain, tuques or beanies. But rather than being intimidating, the author’s clear instructions and illustrations make this a “can do” book. Every element of every design is well explained.

The designs are so clever that you’ll feel clever knitting them. A copy of this book, a couple of skeins of yarn, and your gift list will be covered for years to come.

Was this review helpful?

Woolly Wormhead's collection of 22 patterns for men, women and children is the prefect addition to any knitters library; the patterns are simple and easy for knitters of any skill. so If you're tired of knitting basic hats grab a copy to take your knitting to the next level.

#KnitHatswithWoollyWormhead #NetGalley

Was this review helpful?

Showcasing Woolly’s unique style, this book has a hat for every member of the family. I suggest knitters jump first to the end and read the section “The Basics”. Here, Woolly explores hat sizing and measuring for a good fit, why not every style is best for every head, the effect of ease, why one size doesn’t fit all, as well as some advice on hair and where on your head to wear a hat, especially if you wear glasses. I wish there were some photo examples in this section, but it’s still quite useful.

The hat designs are grouped by who might wear them: women, men, and children. I think this distinction is arbitrary and it’s possible to look past that as the sizing covers a range of circumferences for every design. Each pattern includes all the basic information a knitter needs in a clear and well laid out format. If there are special stitches or techniques required page numbers are included so you don’t have to hunt for the technique within the book. With nearly every design there are hints for a successful knit. I’ve relied on Woolly’s tips for grafting in garter stitch for years and I appreciated the clear tutorial provided.

This is a beautiful book that gathers twenty-two of Woolly’s inventive designs into one nice collection. Which designs caught my eye? I want to knit them all. The stunning photographs help.

Was this review helpful?

This was an amazing pattern book. If you're looking to upgrade your hat knitting skills, this is the book you need to have in your library. Her use of unique stitch combinations, colorwork, and intricate design techniques left me scratching my head (there's no way I can do that) and completely awestruck with the finished project.

Thank you to Netgalley and Rowman & Littlefield for giving me the opportunity to review Knit Hats with Woolly Wormhead.

Was this review helpful?

This would be a good book to add to the collection of someone who knits a lot of hats. There are a number of different youthful patterns that you might not find elsewhere, modeled by young adults and kids. Instructions seem easy to follow, though I'd recommend this for someone who is not a beginner. Lots of interesting ideas here.

Was this review helpful?

--Unique & Beautiful Hat Designs for All Heads--

I received an electronic ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley and here are my thoughts.

I am already familiar with the designer known as "Woolly Wormhead", as I have purchased her hat designs on Ravelry. Therefore, I was thrilled to see many of her outstanding hat designs were being published in a book. With 22 designs, in multiple sizes, and including some designs for children, there is something for most hat lovers in this book.

I suggest you look at the book preview or go to Ravelry and see if the designs appeal to you, as that will tell you more than any review, as taste is a subjective thing.

Having said that, I love the innovativeness of Woolly Wormhead's designs, and the fact that she is taking hat design to new levels, by introducing different construction and design techniques. For a person who wants to improve their knitting skills, the designs in this book are perfect, as different techniques are introduced, and because hats are relatively small projects, it enables you to explore a wide range of techniques with a small time and yarn investment.

So, in short, look at the hat pictures in the preview or on Ravelry, and if you like the designs, get this book!

Was this review helpful?

A lovely book of hat patterns from star knitwear designer Woolly Wormhead! I've knit several Woolly Wormhead patterns over the years and am excited about these! The patterns have lovely photographs, clear directions, and charts are easy to read. They also employ clever colorwork, fetching cables, and interesting construction methods (hats knit sideways!). Several designs caught my eye and I plan to knit Corella and Floralys for myself sometime this summer. The book ends with tips on wearing hats, finding the right hat for ones hairstyle, face shape, and even tips for those of us who wear glasses. Thank you for the ARC!

Was this review helpful?

Knit Hats with Wolf Wormhead is a nice collection of hats for everyone in the family. Great photos, charts, and instructions. My only disappointment with the collection is that it includes only five children’s patterns.

Was this review helpful?

This is not a book for beginners. It is absolutely a book for knitters looking for a challenge.

Pros: Each pattern is well written. Photos for each hat are clear. New techniques needed for each pattern are well explained. If your knitting ability isn't at a point where you feel comfortable with the construction, I think this would still be a great book to have on the shelf for inspiration. Woolly gives an awesome explanation of hat sizing and wearing. I love making hats and her explanation makes me feel like I may actually get a little better at wearing them.

Meh: Some of the yarns used are very bright. There's a lot of reverse stockinette. These things aren't bad, just things that might make me less likely to purchase this kind of book.

Cons: Some techniques seem more difficult than necessary for good hat construction. The main difference between the women's and the men's hats have to do with simplicity. Almost all of the men's hats are more simple in construction and design.

Overall, I found more here that I liked than I didn't. The short-row constructed hats are visually interesting in a way that has me thinking everyone on my Christmas list will be getting one. I'll be adding this to my knitting shelf.

I received a ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Knit Hats with Woolly Wormhead: Styles for the Whole Family is an excellent compendium of seventeen trendy yet timeless and interesting to knit hat patterns. Several of the hats are knit flat then seamed, which is a unique construction technique and one that requires careful attention to row gauge. (Knitters are often more concerned with stitch gauge but in this instance row gauge will be critical to a well-fitting hat.)

The instructions were well written, clear, and easy to follow - even for the more complex designs. The “Hints” sections, included with many of the patterns, were particularly helpful and pointed out the tricky aspects or critical elements, such as row gauge or changing colors.

The black and white charts were crisp and clear. Unfortunately I found the colored charts blurry and hard to read, which may have been because I was reviewing an Advance Reader Copy. I was also disappointed that all of the patterns were previously published. Readers who are only interested in one or two patterns may prefer to buy them individually from Ravelry. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy and all opinions are my own.)



I loved the fact that the author included sections on “The Thing with Hair” and “Hats and Glasses”, since many knitters love to make hats but feel that they can’t wear them. The tutorial section covered the special techniques used in the patterns, such as German Short Rows and Kitchener Stitch, with clear photos and simple to understand instructions.

This was a beautiful book that any knitter will enjoy for hours on end, whether knitting the patterns, reviewing the tutorials, or admiring the lovely hats.

Was this review helpful?

This is amazing! I had just recently come across Woolly Wormhead's website and fall in love with their amazing designs. Can't believe my eyes when this appeared on NetGalley! The designs are all unique and original, patterns are written in a clear and precise manner. Looking forward to knitting these cool beanies/hat!

Was this review helpful?

Woolly Wormhead hats never disappoint. The hats are innovative and very wearable. Instructions are clear, concise and well written. Charts are included where possible, and are easy to read.

Note: Joyce Hat calls for straight needles but it is knit in the round so would require a circular needle or DPNs.
Note: Joyce Hat first abbreviation is written in German.

Was this review helpful?

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.

This includes a variety of hat patterns for men, women and children. I know from experience that Woolly Wormhead patterns are well written and innovative. The foreword reads very much as if a machine translated it from the German, but that would be my only quibble!

Was this review helpful?

Woolly Wormhead does it again!

This pattern book is full of hat patterns that you could never find anywhere else. No other designer has Woolly's eye for the unusual. Like to knit flat? No problem, you can knit a short row hat sideways. Prefer a soft slouch? It's here. Earflaps? Sure, why not. Most of these patterns would be ranked intermediate, but there are some that are quite simple. Whatever your preference, there's something for everyone here.

The patterns are well-organized, well-written, and there are plenty of photos and easy charts. My only complaint is that some of the abbreviations had me looking in the glossary, and I'm no newbie. Fortunately, the explanations are clear and easy to find. Personally, I found that the hats run small. I don't have an exceptionally big head, but I always knitted the largest size when testing these.

All of these patterns can be purchased individually on Ravelry, but I highly recommend getting the book. If you're a fan of handknit hats, you'll need this in your library.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing a copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I am so excited about this book. Wooly Wormhead’s hat patterns are my favorites so of course I jumped at the chance to take a peak of this book. The photographs are beautiful and patterns well written. I’m already planning on casting on soon!

Was this review helpful?