What are spiral crown decreases?

The spiral decreases technique uses non-paired decreases evenly spaced around the crown. Because you are only decreases on one side of each section, this creates a "spiral" effect (compared to the paired decreases in a vertical crown).

When to use them

This method is a simple way to work decreases when you don't need to plan for any styling or colorwork on the crown. It works well with both 12 or 24 stitch sizing and creates a beautiful finished design.

Doodle patterns that use this technique

The Base Doodle Beanie 1 is worked with a spiral decrease crown.

INSTRUCTIONS

The numbers in this tutorial refer to our Base Doodle hat/beanie patterns. Work pattern as written up until crown shaping.

Set up round: Using crown color, knit 1 round, placing a marker every 12 stitches (different color than BOR marker).

Decrease rounds:

• Rnd 1: [Knit until 2 sts before marker, k2tog, sm] repeat to end of round. 7, 8, 9 (10, 11, 12) sts dec'd.

• Rnd 2: Knit all sts.

Repeat Rnds 1 & 2 until 10, 8, 8 (8, 8, 8) sts remain between each marker, switching to DPNs or Magic Loop as needed.

Repeat Rnd 1 until 2 sts remain between each marker.

Remove all markers except for BOR marker.

Work in k2tog, until 7, 8, 9 (5, 6, 6) total sts remain.

Break yarn, leaving approx. 8 in [20 cm] tail.

Using tapestry needle, pull yarn tail through remaining stitches, pull tight, and secure.

Happy Doodling!

Written and illustrated by Jamie Lomax. Pattern shown is the Base Doodle Beanie 1