Are you ready for game day? Whether you're a die-hard football fan or just in it for the snacks and commercials, there's one thing we can all agree on—knitting makes everything better! Our very own Bean, Rae, has created the perfect game day knitting project and is taking us through the process. If you're looking for a quick and fun knit to work on while watching the game, why not create your very own Big Game Day Hat?
The Inspiration
Every year, I bring a knitting project to my father-in-law’s football party. But this time, I was feeling uninspired by my current WIPs. Fresh off finishing a large poncho for a friend, I wanted something simple and quick—something I could finish in one sitting.
While sorting through my stash (because let’s be honest, it was overdue for a reorganization), I had a last-minute idea: a hat that tracks the progress of the game! My father-in-law runs a fantasy football league, so it seemed fitting to knit something football-themed. Plus, it was the perfect excuse to use up some leftover yarn in team colors.
How It’s Made
The hat starts with the main colors of both teams—teal for the Eagles and red for the Chiefs. Before kickoff, I knit a few white rows to represent the pre-game festivities (announcements, national anthem, coin toss, etc.).
Once the game began, I let the scores dictate my knitting! When the first team scored (Eagles), I switched to their color until the opposing team scored. Each time a team took the lead, I added two rows in their colors. To mark halftime, I incorporated black rows as a visual break in the game’s timeline.
The result? A unique, game-inspired hat that not only keeps me warm but also tells the story of the matchup!
All of this yarn was pulled from my stash, which made the project even more fun—a little Berroco here, a little "fingering yarn I'll never use" there! It’s always satisfying to find creative ways to use what you already have. I just cast on with US 13 needles and got to stitching!
The Takeaway
This project was a blast to knit, and it’s a great way to engage with the game while keeping your hands busy. Whether you’re knitting for yourself, a football-loving friend, or just looking for a fun way to use up your stash, a game-inspired hat is the perfect quick-knit project.
So, next time you’re watching the big game, grab some yarn in team colors, cast on, and let the action on the field determine your stitches!
