Crafting

LitKnits: Nine Literary Hat Patterns

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Leila Roy

Staff Writer

After a lengthy stint as a children's bookseller, Leila Roy took a step sideways into the library world. There, she does the same thing she did as a bookseller—matching people with stories in any and all formats, whether print, audio, film, comic, or some newfangled hybrid—but doesn't have to deal with changing the tape on the cash register. She lives in Maine with her husband, where she runs her small-town library and occasionally tries to rescue wildlife from her cat, who is a murderer. In addition to talking books at her long-running blog, Bookshelves of Doom, she's a weekly columnist at Kirkus Reviews. Blog: Bookshelves of Doom Twitter: @bkshelvesofdoom

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Here in Maine, we’re smack-dab in the middle of a heatwave… but we’ll be firing up the woodstove soon enough, so I’m already eyeing my knitting needles and crochet hooks. With that in mind, I’ve started compiling a list of patterns I’m thinking about trying out this fall and winter—all with a literary theme, naturally!

Non-Compliant, by Jules Ius

non-compliant-hat by jules ius from ravelry

This pattern was inspired by the phenomenally awesome comic Bitch Planet—if you haven’t read it yet, you are in for a serious treat: it’s subversive and smart and feminist and wonderful in every way. If I only get around to making one item on this list, this is definitely going to be it.

Edmund Crown/Hat, by Nikol Lohr 

edmund crown hat by Nikol Lohr from ravelry

This Narnia-inspired hat is from the book Literary Knits, which also includes patterns for Lyra’s Hood, from Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials series, as well as a GORGEOUS take on a hooded dress for J.R.R. Tolkien’s Galadriel. (That one, I think, is beyond my skill level or attention span, so please do feel free to make one for me.)

Lovecraft’s Bane, by Lisa Wilt
Sea Monster, by Les Tuques De Stephanie

lovecrafts bane by lisa wilt from ravelry

Sea Monster Cthulhu Inspired by Les Tuques De Stephanie from ravelry

There are, as you might imagine, a plethora of Cthulhu patterns out there, ranging from somewhat-subtle to OH MY GOD TENTACLES. These two are my current favorites—feel free to prove me wrong in the comments, but I find that crocheted tentacles generally look better than knitted ones.

Hogwarts House Hats, by Sarah Belcher 

Hogwarts House Hats by sarah belcher from ravelry

There are lots of Harry Potter patterns out there as well, but these Hogwarts house hats are my easily my favorites—the pompoms just kill me.

A Most Sensible Bonnet, by Theressa Silver
Regency Riding Hat, by T.L. Alexandria Volk

a most sensible bonnet by theressa silver from ravelry

regency riding hat by t.l. alexandria volk from ravelry

Jane Austen patterns are also available in abundance. I especially love the flat back on the bonnet, but the riding hat is also QUITE JAUNTY.

Hunger Games Inspired Tribute’s Training Beanie, by Nancy Fry

hunger games inspired tribute training beanie by nancy fry from ravelry

I wouldn’t want to LIVE in the world of Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games, let alone be unlucky enough to be chosen as tribute… but I’d wear the hell out of this hat.

Elementary, by Gari Lynn

Elementary - Deerstalker hat by gari lynn from ravelry

No explanation necessary here, I think? If you’re going to be out and about solving mysteries this winter, earflaps are CLEARLY a must.

There are loads more out there—I’d love to see your favorites in the comments!