DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Knitters – grab your needles! Diane Serviss has created a collection of knit hats and hood patterns that will make you race to your stash or local yarn shop. There are patterns for every style, each with explicit, easy to read instructions that novice knitters as well as seasoned veterans of the craft can enjoy.

Her introduction, How to Use This Book is straightforward and easy to comprehend no matter what your level of knitting is. She explains how to make changes in needle size to accommodate different knitter’s gauge as well as the different types of needles available and how each is used differently.  Yarn substitution guides will help when you are using stash yarn - which is the yarn that all knitters have in the house from other projects as well as some perfect yarn we had to buy but haven’t used yet.

The pictures of each of the 30 hats and hoods are featured before the patterns. When you choose a pattern, if there are special stitches involved, detailed instructions are included. For example, the Red Vine Cable Beanie (on my list to make) includes Right twist (RT) with a paragraph of instructions on the stitch if you are unfamiliar with it. Additionally, there is a reference section at the end of the book with pictures and step-by-step instructions from casting on to binding off and everything in between.

I chose to knit the Wildflower Fields Beanie. Using some stash yarn I completed it in less than two days. It was fast, easy and turned out perfect. As a member of the Fox Valley Knitting Guild, I participate in Charity Challenges each month. October we are knitting hats and scarves for the Elgin Community Crisis Center ( www.crisiscenter.org), so I was excited to find this beautiful, quick pattern to knit up and donate. I hope to finish a few more before our next meeting.

Whatever your style is, you will find the perfect pattern in this book. It is available on October 1, 2018, just in time to begin holiday knitting. I know more than one of these beautiful hats will find its way under our Christmas tree this year.

Copyright © 2018 Laura Hartman

This book is full of fun hats that will make your knitting fingers itchy for a colder season. It has some wonderful traditional and funky hats that you will want to make and wear. The various pointed elf like hats are my favorite, but I think my first project will be the Hyacinth Bow Beret. The instructions are easy to follow and the book is well laid out. I love that they left the knitting help and hints to the back of the book and let the patterns lead the reader. This is a great book for any personal or library collection.

I’d recommend this book for beginning knitters who are interested in knitting hats. Way too many of the patterns use bulky or super bulky yarn that I do not enjoy working with. The problem with heavier yarn for hats is that the holes between the stitches are large and let cold and wind through. The patterns are cute enough and I did find one DK weight pattern that I’d probably make. Many of these projects are well within the range of a careful beginner. It just isn’t a book for me.

Really beautiful patterns and the instructions are thorough. Looking forward to making a few things this winter - great for making gifts or to fill up your etsy shop with unique items..

This book contains 29 hats for women and one child-size pattern for a matching Mama Bear/ Baby Bear look. Each hat is presented with clear photos showing the hats being worn by a nicely diverse group of young women.

There are many different shapes of hats, from traditional tams and beanies to hat/cowl combinations, slouchy hats, cloches, and a newsy flat cap. The hats also have special touches, including color work, beading, and a wide range of stitch patterns. Some are quite unusual and original. There will doubtless be a pattern to suit you and all the women on your gift list.

The directions are traditional and clear.

I'd say that each of these hats is accessible for a beginning knitter. I was sorry there were no patterns for men, but apart from that, this seems like a very complete compendium of hat patterns. I expect to use this book a lot.

The book has a whole bunch of fun hat patters. They are mostly done in thick yarns and are fast and easy. They do not have too complex shape or stitch patterns. I made one hat from the book, and am finishing another one. Both patterns have the same little designer flaw - there are paired decreases, but the pattern calls for the same K2tog instead of one K2tog and ssk. But it is exactly as pictured, it is not a mistake in a pattern. On the other hand, some of the patterns do have their proper paired decreases, and those look so much better.
The patterns have written instructions, no charts. I did not encounter any errors so far, and patterns were easy to read. There is quite a big illustrated section at the end with knitting instruction. I love the visual index of patterns at the end of the book.

I received a free digital copy of the book via NetGalley

#KnockoutKnitHatsAndHoods #NetGalley

A very 101 course of hats and hoods knitted. The tutorials are easy to follow and illustrated by useful diagrams and result demos.

4 1/2 stars

Of all the gifts I've knitted, hats are the most welcome and requested so I was very pleased to be given the opportunity to read and review Diane Serviss' Knockout Knit Hats and Hoods.
The patterns in Knockout Knit Hats and Hoods are very appealing and accessible, and as I was reading through the patterns, I found myself itching to get at least two of the beanies on the needles immediately.
A variety of yarn weights are used, from dk, worsted, and bulky, which means that if you're planning on gifting a hat, you can probably knit one of these in no time. However, if you have a favorite skein of indie hand-dyed sock yarn, you'll have to look elsewhere.

My one disappointment is that none of these looked like a true unisex hat. The ones pointed out as unisex might just be a little too fussy for the guys I normally knit for, but frankly, there are lots of unfussy hat patterns out there so that really isn't a deciding factor on whether you should add this book to your pattern library or not. 

A great addition is the fact that there is a picture tutorial at the end that walks the knitter through a couple of different cast-on methods as well as some of the stitches incorporated in the patterns making this so excellent for the beginning knitter.

I have a feeling at least one of the hoods knit with bulky yarn as well as a beanie will be added to my queue very soon. I love the idea of the hood, that covers the head as well as the neck, and will be so welcome in January when Scout needs to be walked. The hood also has the option of having ears so that might just make the day for you or a little one.

Hats, hats, hats! Woot!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love to knit for family, friends, and for charity. I love knitting hats and this is just the book I’ve needed for terrific new ideas and new techniques. Ms. Serviss’ creations are beautifully photographed. The pattern directions are clear and easy to follow, as are the instructional pictures at the end of the book. I also really like that so many of the suggested yarns are commercial brands, easy to buy and affordable.

I was initially excited to review this book because... knitting! And I love knitting hats! I'll admit I was just a little disappointed after flipping through the designs the first time however. While there is a variety of designs, I feel like I've seen several of these elsewhere - or at least very similar designs. I also seem to be outside the designer's target audience - not a negative, just an observation. I just can't see someone beyond their teens or twenties wearing many of these hats. With that said, there are designs here that would appeal to a wider age range. The majority of the designs would be suitable for a beginner with a couple offering a bit more challenge. Each design has multiple photos which is a nice touch. Some books don't do this and it can be difficult to see the details. Yarn requirements are listed in yardage and yarn weight - again a nice alternative to only specifying the yarn used for the sample. At the end, there is a section with photo tutorials. This book would be a great fit for a younger or newer knitter.

Thank you to NetGalley and Rowman & Littlefield/Stackpole Books for the opportunity to read and review this book. All comments are my own, unbiased opinion.

Knockout Knit Hats and Hoods is a fresh, contemporary collection of beanies, hoods, slouchy hats plus a few berets, knitted in worsted to bulky weight yarns. There are styles that can be knitted by beginning knitters progressing to intermediate. The author has a variety of techniques represented, from simple garter stitch progressing to knit/purl stitch pattern, simple lace, cables and 2 color Fair Isle knitting. Close fitting beanies are offered in two or three sizes, a feature not usually seen in hats. As a bonus, there is an appendix at the back of the book with tutorials for the major stitches and techniques used through the book, including one for the dreaded Kitchner Stitch that is just about the best I have seen. Most of the samples are shown knitted in moderate priced yarns,

Thank you to Net Galley for providing a copy of this book for review.

Excellent book on hats to knit. Despite the rather spectacular hat on the cover, this book offers do-able patterns that most people would actually wear. Patterns are particularly on trend for young adults and teens. Many patterns actually incorporate yarn available in big box stores for the average knitter. Helpful information in the back for reference. Helpful for making hats for holiday gift-giving.

Very neat collection of knit patterns. A few of them were similar to other patterns I have seen but had unique elements and the majority of them were patterns that were completely new to me! That doesn't happen often! I am definitely going to be adding some of these to my Christmas knitting list!

Knockout Knit Hats and Hoods is a delightful collection of unique patterns. They vary from the whimsical to the stylish including a Mama Bear hood and a Honeycomb split beanie. One of the best aspects of this book is the variety of techniques in the patterns ranging from short rows to brioche to beading. The author includes a helpful guide in the back of the book explaining them. Many of the patterns can be completed in one day.

A great compilation of 30 different hats to knit. Beanies and tams to slouches and hoods this book has a little something for everyone. Not only are there a variety of styles of hats but they are made in a variety of yarns and weights used too. From box store brands like Lion Brand and Loops and Threads to Local yarn shop favourites like Berroco and Malabrigo.
The patterns are set up in an easy to read fashion with helpful stitch and technique instructions in the back of the book.
A great book for beginners and beyond.

Knitting is one of my favorite hobbies, so I am always looking for new ideas and patterns.
This book have some really cute designs with easy to follow instructions.
Love the beanie designs and cute hats. Perfect for winter projects and gift ideas.

I love these hats! I asked for this book just for the cover hat but now I want to make them all!
The instructions are simple to follow and I love that we get more than one picture of each hat so we see it close up and on a model!
Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley which is where I got my e-book to read and review. This has been my own personal opinion after having read the above mentioned book.

"Knockout Knit Hats & Hoods" is a fun collection of assorted head coverings - from beanies and berets to more whimsical hoods and a bit of everything in between. Simple stockinette - cables - colorwork - lace - this pattern provides a variety of flavors of knit styles as well as a variety of yarn weights used throughout. This book isn't just for those in colder climates - several hats have a lighter look/drape and could be worn in any climate. Several of these patterns look like fun ways to use up some solo skeins in my stash. Focusing so many pattern names on the color of the yarn that was used doesn't add to the pattern and could hinder some people from making the connection that a good pattern + your preferred yarn = a great hat...you don't have to go with the exact yarn/color as written. Overall, I see several patterns being added to my Ravelry queue.

Free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Book is available October 1st.

Lots of soft hats

This book is a hard one to review fairly because I dislike many of the hat designs and I certainly would not use the yarns Ms Serviss has chosen. As I went through this collection of knit hats the first time, my eye was drawn to bits of construction mechanics showing though – colored body showing in the hat brim or badly (or at least oddly) matched seams. Some of the designs seemed unattractive. Will adults wear "bonnet type hoods", meaning hats with long knitted or braided hangy things at the sides of the face like the one on the cover, which are "chic and trendy" ? Not me. I thought too, that the models (even the women of color) should get their hemoglobin checked they are so pale. (What is it with pale models in knitting books???) But some of that is the fault of the photographer and the color editor, and as I went through the book a second and third time, several of the patterns started t grow on me, assuming you changed the yarn gauge and color. Others no way.

Most of these hats are knitted in the round which appeals to me but might not to everyone. These are not particularly complicated patterns and the patterns seem adequate.

I suggest that you look through the book before you buy.

Several trendy pattern options, beautiful color pictures, lots of style varieties using different yarn weights, colors, and types. I’ve already tagged some pages and I’m going to whip some of these up for gifts. Thanks, NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.