Danny Boy Hat in Cascade 220 Superwash Merino - W643 - Downloadable PDF

Danny Boy Hat in Cascade 220 Superwash Merino – Pattern Summary

The Danny Boy Hat is a knitted hat pattern designed by Shannon Dunbabin and published by Cascade Yarns. This free, downloadable PDF pattern produces a classically styled, close-fitting knit hat with a distinctive textured stitch pattern that gives it subtle visual interest and a polished, finished look. The hat is worked in the round from the brim upward, making it a satisfying project for knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques and ready to explore a simple repeating pattern stitch.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a knitted hat sized to fit a range of head circumferences: approximately 14 inches, 16 inches, 18 inches, 20 inches, and 22 inches around. The sample shown in the pattern is knitted in size 18 inches. The five size options make this hat suitable for babies, children, and adults alike, depending on the size selected. The finished hat features a ribbed brim for a snug, comfortable fit, followed by a decorative body worked in the signature Danny Boy pattern stitch, and is completed with a tapered crown decrease.

Techniques Used

• Knitting in the round – The entire hat is worked as a seamless tube using circular knitting needles and a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round, eliminating the need for seaming.
• Ribbing – The brim is worked in a P2, K3 rib pattern, which creates a stretchy, form-fitting edge that hugs the head and helps the hat stay in place.
• Repeating pattern stitch – The body of the hat is worked in the Danny Boy Pattern Stitch, a structured repeat that gives the fabric its characteristic texture and visual rhythm.
• Crown shaping and decreases – The hat is tapered at the top using decrease techniques to shape the crown neatly and close the hat.
• Casting on and joining in the round – The pattern begins with a cast on of 70, 80, 90, 100, or 110 stitches depending on size, joined carefully to avoid twisting.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) – The foundational knit stitch forms the base of the fabric and the ribbing columns.
• Purl (P) – Used in both the ribbing and the Danny Boy pattern stitch to create contrast and texture.
• P2, K3 Ribbing – A five-stitch rib repeat that forms the stretchy brim section.
• Slip stitch (Sl) – A slipped stitch is used within the Danny Boy pattern stitch to create elongated, decorative stitch effects.
• Pass Slipped Stitch Over (PSSO) – Combined with the slip stitch to create a decrease that contributes to the pattern's texture and visual detail.
• Knit 2 Together (K2tog) – A right-leaning decrease used in the pattern stitch and likely in the crown shaping.
• Purl 2 Together (P2tog) – A purl-side decrease used as needed within the pattern.
• Yarn Over (YO) – Creates a small decorative eyelet or increase within the pattern stitch, adding an open, lacy quality to the Danny Boy repeat.
• Stockinette Stitch – Referenced in the gauge swatch as the benchmark fabric; 20 stitches by 28 rows equals 4 inches in stockinette.

Materials and Yarn

The pattern calls for Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Merino, a DK weight yarn made from 100% Superwash Merino Wool. Each skein contains 220 yards (200 meters) and weighs 100 grams (3.5 oz). Only one skein is required to complete the hat in any of the five sizes. The sample hat is shown in color #17 Green Tea. Superwash Merino is a popular choice for hat knitting because it combines the natural softness and warmth of merino wool with a superwash treatment that makes the finished item machine washable