Therefore, flip the band inside out so the seam allowance (and the not so good side) are on the inside of the band.Ħ. (above) Because you want to see the good side of the fabric when you peer inside your hat, you must put the not so good side against the inside of the hat. If you find a standard 3/8 inch seam allowance too bulky, you can cut it closer-Polar fleece does not unravel or fray, so you can get away with narrower seam allowances if you prefer them.ĥ. Then, once you have the length correct, sew the headband shut across the short end.Ĥ. (above) When you're pinning the headband, arrange matters so the 'good' side (green side) is on the inside and the 'not so good' side (blue side in these illustrations) is on the outside. What seems comfortably snug at first can seem ear-numbingly tight after a quarter of an hour.ģ. Experience shows that it's best to wear the pinned headband around the house for a little while before you commit to sewing it shut. For example, the headband strip for the lining is sized by wrapping it around your forehead and pinning it shut. (above) Once you've cut your headband strip, the method illustrated here lets you go forward without taking any further measurements-everything from here out is done intuitively, and the tape measure can be put away. Polar fleece is pretty cheap, so there's no real reason to be sparing with it.Ģ. Some folks prefer a narrower headband, so experiment and see what suits you. The illustration suggests a 4' deep headband, which is generous. (above) The first step is to cut your headband out of Polar fleece yard goods, as shown. Today's post shows the headband method, while the full-lining method is described here.ġ. The fully-lined method is warmer, while the headband method is less bulky and suits active folk well-more heat can escape from the crown of a hat lined by the headband method than from a fully lined hat. There are really two methods of lining a hat-the headband method and the fully-lined method. Further information about Polar fleece can be found here Oh-it's also very easy to cut and sew and it never, ever, comes unraveled. Finally, Polar fleece has many virtues of its own-it's cuddly, sturdy and comes in lots of pretty colors and prints. A hat lined with Polar fleece will remain comfortable long after a woolen hat is sodden. Third, for athletes and active types, Polar fleece 'wicks' - it draws moisture away. Second, Polar fleece completely alleviates 'itchy forehead' syndrome. First, if the hat is too large, you get a second chance to make it fit-you can ease the hat smaller by sewing in a correctly-sized Polar fleece lining. This video shows the technique.Lining a hat with Polar fleece is a splendid idea for several reasons. The photos below show the start of the seam on the smooth side and on the bumpy. I see this all the time in my students' work. If you take the time to use both of the strands in the seam, it happens less. If you do this, the seam is slightly off and the rows don't line up. I do this as, in the past and I'm in a hurry, I have lined up the second strand on one side and the strand from the first row. I use both of these strands in my seams and I start the seam in the lowest strand. The long-tail cast on produces the first row of stitches and there are two strands of yarn below the stitch. My method is different but I've found it works quite well and it avoids the issue of rows not lining up. I've done several entries on it before but I realized I need to focus more on exactly where to begin. The Figure 8 method for beginning a seam causes all sort of problems. I've reviewed several finishing lessons and the same question has come up. I keep them until the course is complete to keep the cost the same. Just a reminder for non-US students, please photograph your swatches, front and back, before you send them to me. Since I use, I actually prefer the way the new First Class postage is calculated. The postal rates changed on January 27th. Now that the holidays are over, I'm getting more and more lessons. I hope my friends don't mind a bit of cat spit. I took this video of George when he discovered the roving I'm using for the booties (see below). It never ends! After I make this post that is what I will be doing.

Today is the deadline for submissions for Summer. I've finally recovered from getting the Spring 2019 issue of Cast On out.

Invisible seam knitting