Agnes

Agnes Hat by Faye Perriam-Reed

What Is Being Made

Agnes is a downloadable knitting pattern for a fitted hat designed by Faye Perriam-Reed. This intermediate-level project creates a classic hat that fits snugly on the head with a finished circumference smaller than the head measurement, achieved through strategic shaping and stitch techniques. The pattern is available in four sizes: XS (to fit 53cm head circumference), S (57cm), M (61cm), and L (65cm), with corresponding finished hat circumferences of 48cm, 52cm, 56cm, and 60cm respectively. The hat measures between 22cm and 28cm in length from crown to hem, depending on size selected.

Techniques and Construction Methods

Agnes employs several intermediate knitting techniques that add visual interest and structure to the finished hat. Cable work is a primary design feature, using both right-leaning and left-leaning cable crosses to create textured panels. The pattern utilizes 1/2 right cable (1/2RC) and 1/2 left cable (1/2LC) techniques, which involve slipping stitches onto a cable needle and holding them either at the back or front of the work before knitting across. This creates the characteristic twisted rope effect typical of cable-knit hats.

The construction uses circular knitting methodology, allowing for seamless construction in the round. Knitters can choose between working on a set of double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a circular needle, both measuring 40cm in length. The pattern incorporates decreases to shape the crown, including knit two together (K2tog) and knit three together (K3tog) reductions that taper the hat toward the top. Stitch markers are used to track pattern repeats and shaping points throughout the knitting process.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K): The fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl (P): Used to create textural contrast against knit stitches
• Cable crosses: 1/2 right cable (1/2RC) and 1/2 left cable (1/2LC) for twisted rope effects
• Knit two together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used in crown shaping
• Knit three together (K3tog): A double decrease for more aggressive tapering
• Slip, slip, knit (SSK): A left-leaning decrease option for balanced shaping
• Slip purlwise (sl1pw): A slipped stitch technique for edge definition

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The sample hat shown in the pattern uses Erika Knight Vintage Wool in the colorway Leighton (305), an aran-weight yarn composed of 100% wool. The yardage requirement is 2 to 3 skeins depending on size, with each 50-gram skein providing 87 meters or 95 yards of yarn. This aran-weight classification places the yarn in the medium-heavy category, ideal for creating structured, warm hats with good stitch definition for cable work.

The pattern recommends 4mm (UK 8/US 6) double-pointed needles or a 40cm circular needle for the initial cast-on and ribbing sections, and 5mm (UK 6/US 8) double-pointed needles or a 40cm circular needle for the main body of the hat. This needle size progression allows for a snug, elastic cuff that transitions to a slightly looser gauge for the patterned body, a common technique for achieving proper fit and drape in fitted hat designs. Additional notions include a cable needle for managing cable stitches, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and securing any pompom if desired.