Note: Pattern updated Feb 2, 2010. Date will be on PDF; check your copy before beginning and download a new version if it does not say “updated 2/8/10” at the top.

The ribbing in the hat contains a secret message in binary! If you’re not geek enough to figure out your own binary messages, I’ve included links to an online ascii-to-binary translator. (Don’t know what ascii is? It’s what you’re reading right now and type with every day. It’s ok. Your Geek will love you anyway.)

This is a ribbed 96-st hat, so it will fit 21-23” heads pretty well. My Hubby has a 22” head, fyi. To make the hat smaller or larger, add or subtract stitches in multiples of eight.

The pattern will vary depending on your message, so it’s a great first pattern for a creative beginner who has knit and purl down cold and wants to try using DPNs and decreases.