I first encountered yak yarn at Vogue Knitting Live 2013, when I came across the mYak booth. (I later interviewed Paola from mYak about her company’s sustainable partnership with Tibetan yakherders here.)
This post contains affiliate links. The yarn for the sample was generously provided by SHOKAY.
Last year, I was introduced to another brand of yak yarn called SHOKAY. It is spun differently from mYak but both are very insulating.
Yak yarn is perfect for hats. It will definitely keep you cozy, and if you’re worried about price, a one-skein project is a great way to go.
The Yakity Schmakity hat has a gentle texture which the yak yarn really picks up. You can also substitute another smooth yarn – especially one with great stitch definition!
Don’t forget to share a picture on Ravelry or with my Facebook page if you make one!
If you want an easy print format, you can buy an ad-free PDF version on Craftsy.

Yakity Schmakity
Crochet Pattern by Underground Crafter
This textured hat is a great one-skein project in a special yarn.
Finished Sizes
Hat: Newborn (Toddler, Adult).
- Newborn: 12.5” (32 cm) circumference, 5.5” (14 cm) length.
- Toddler (6 months – 2 years): 17.25” (44 cm) circumference, 6.5” (16.5 cm) length.
- Adult (pictured): 22.75” (58 cm) circumference, 7.5” (19 cm) length.
Materials
- SHOKAY Shambala (100% yak, 3.5 oz/100 g/164 yds/150 m) – 1 skein in EM Emerald, or approximately 164 yds (150 m) in any medium weight yarn.
- US Size I-9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook, or any size needed to obtain gauge.
- Stitch marker or scrap yarn.
- Yarn needle.
- Through Rnd 4 in pattern = 4” (10 cm) diameter. For best fit, always check your gauge.
Abbreviations Used in This Pattern
- ch – chain
- cl – cluster – (Yo, insert hook in st, yo and draw up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops) twice, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook.
- ea – each
- hdc – half double crochet
- rep – repeat
- Rnd(s) – Round(s)
- sc – single crochet
- sl st – slip stitch
- sp – space
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- yo – yarn over
- * Rep after asterisks as indicated.
Pattern Notes
- Ch 2 at beginning of Rnd 1 does not count as a stitch.
- Hat is crocheted in the round in spirals without joining. Move marker up at the end of each Rnd to mark last st.
Pattern Instructions
Hat (All Sizes)
- Beginning at crown, ch 4, sk 3 ch, sl st in first ch to join into ring.
- Rnd 1: Ch 2, 8 hdc in ring, place marker in last st. (8 sts)
- Rnd 2: (Cl, ch 1, cl) in ea st around. (16 cl + 8 ch-1 sp)
- Rnd 3: Sc in ea st and ch-1 sp around. (24 sts)
- Rnd 4: *Cl in next 2 sts, 2 cl in next st; rep from * around. (32 sts)
- Continue on to instructions for specified size.
Newborn Size
- Rnd 5: Sc in ea st around.
- Rnd 6: Rep Rnd 5.
- Rnd 7: Cl in ea st around.
- Rep Rnds 5-7 until hat measures approximately 5” (13 cm) from crown.
- Rep Rnd 5 three times, fasten off.
- Continue on to finishing instructions.
- Rnd 5: *2 sc in next st, sc in next 3 sts; rep from * around. (40 sts)
- Rnd 6: *Cl in next 4 sts, 2 cl in next st; rep from * around. (48 sts)
- Rnd 7: Sc in ea st around.
- Rnd 8: Rep Rnd 7.
- Rnd 9: Cl in ea st around.
- Rep Rnds 7-9 until hat measures approximately 6” (15 cm) from crown.
- Rep Rnd 7 three times, fasten off.
- Continue on to finishing instructions.
- Rnd 5: *2 sc in next st, sc in next 3 sts; rep from * around. (40 sts)
- Rnd 6: *Cl in next 4 sts, 2 cl in next st; rep from * around. (48 sts)
- Rnd 7: *2 sc in next st, sc in next 5 sts; rep from * around. (56 sts)
- Rnd 8: *Cl in next 6 sts, 2 cl in next st; rep from * around. (64 sts)
- Rnd 9: Sc in ea st around.
- Rnd 10: Rep Rnd 9.
- Rnd 11: Cl in ea st around.
- Rep Rnds 9-11 until hat measures approximately 7” (18 cm) from crown.
- Rep Rnd 9 three times, fasten off.
- Continue on to finishing instructions.
Finishing
- With yarn needle, weave in yarn tails securely on inside of hat.
© 2015 by Marie Segares (Underground Crafter). This pattern is for personal use only. You may use the pattern to make unlimited items for yourself, for charity, or to give as gifts. You may sell items you personally make by hand from this pattern. Do not violate Marie’s copyright by distributing this pattern or the photos in any form, including but not limited to scanning, photocopying, emailing, or posting on a website or internet discussion group. If you want to share the pattern, point your friends to this link: http://undergroundcrafter.com/2015/10/14/free-pattern-yakity-schmakity-hat-in-3-sizes/. Thanks for supporting indie designers!
Don’t forget to share a picture on Ravelry or with my Facebook page if you make one!
If you want an easy print format, you can buy an ad-free PDF version on Craftsy.
I really like the stitch pattern in this hat!! Thank you for the pattern and especially for working it up in three different sizes. The color is so pretty and the fiber beautiful!
I loved the color, too, as soon as I saw it, Darlene! Thanks for the kind words.
I love it…Thank you so much…
So glad to hear it, Rita! Please share pictures when you make one.
This is a very nice hat! Thankyou for the easy to follow directions. I will be making one for myself for a change! You did a great job! Can’t wait to get at it!
So glad you approve, Vicki. Please share a picture when you finish!