Hat & Muff in Plymouth Encore Worsted - F218

Hat & Muff in Plymouth Encore Worsted

What is Being Made

This free knitting pattern from Plymouth Yarn includes instructions for creating a coordinating set of two accessories: an adult-sized knit hat and a matching muff. The design showcases Plymouth Encore Worsted yarn in a two-color colorway combination, featuring burgundy (color A) and gold (color B), making this an ideal project for creating a cohesive winter accessory set.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern is designed specifically for Plymouth Encore Worsted, a worsted-weight yarn. The project requires 1 to 2 one-hundred-gram balls of Encore Worsted in two coordinating colors: burgundy (#999) and gold (1014). The pattern is available free with yarn purchase from Plymouth Yarn.

Needles and Tools

For the Hat: US size 7 needles (or the size necessary to achieve proper gauge) are used throughout the hat construction.

For the Muff: The muff requires two different needle sizes to create varying stitch textures. Double-pointed needles in US size 7 and a 16-inch circular needle in US size 11 are needed, or substitute sizes as necessary to match the specified gauges.

Gauge and Sizing

Hat Gauge: 18 stitches equals 4 inches when worked over stockinette stitch on US size 7 needles.

Muff Gauge: 18 stitches equals 4 inches on US size 7 needles over stockinette stitch. When working garter stitch with a double strand of yarn on size 11 needles, the gauge is 10 to 11 stitches per 4 inches.

Stitches and Techniques Used

This pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate knitters:

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch structure used in both the hat and muff, created by alternating knit and purl rows to produce a smooth, classic fabric
• Garter Stitch: Used in the muff construction, created by knitting every row to produce a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges
• K2-P2 Ribbing: An elastic ribbed stitch pattern that alternates two knit stitches with two purl stitches. This technique is used to create the opening and cuff sections of the hat, providing stretch and structure. The ribbing is worked flat in rows, with Row 1 (right side) beginning with K2, followed by repeating (P2, K2) to the end of the row, while Row 2 (wrong side) begins with P2, followed by repeating (K2, P2) to the end of the row
• Color Work: The pattern incorporates a two-color design, transitioning from burgundy ribbing to gold ribbing on the hat
• Decreasing: Shaping techniques are employed to form the crown of the hat, though the complete decrease sequence continues beyond the provided excerpt
• Double Strand Knitting: The muff uses a double strand of yarn with larger needles to create a thicker, more textured fabric in garter stitch

Pattern Structure and Construction

Hat Construction: The hat begins with a loose cast-on of 102 stitches using color A (burgundy) and US size 7 needles. The first 4 inches are worked in K2-P2 ribbing to create an elastic cuff. The knitter then changes to color B (gold) and continues the K2-P2 ribbing pattern until the total length reaches 10 inches. Following this ribbed section, decreasing begins to shape the crown of the hat into its finished form.

This two-color approach creates visual interest while the ribbed texture provides a comfortable, stretchy fit around the head and face.

Skill Level

This pattern is suitable for knitters with intermediate experience. Familiarity with basic stitches, gauge measurement, color changes, and simple shaping techniques is recommended for successful completion of both the hat and muff.