"Little Lark Hat" - Hat Knitting Pattern in Willow & Lark Nest

Little Lark Hat – Fair Isle Beanie Knitting Pattern by Willow & Lark

The Little Lark Hat is a colourwork beanie designed by Willow & Lark as part of The Fledgling Collection, a range of knitting patterns created specifically for children. This downloadable PDF pattern produces a snug, cheerful Fair Isle hat featuring a simplified version of Willow & Lark's signature lark motif — making it a charming and practical accessory for keeping little ones warm in any weather.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a stranded colourwork beanie hat sized for children. Three sizes are available, designed to fit ages 2–4, 5–6, and 7–9 years, with actual head circumference measurements of 44 cm (17¼ in), 47 cm (18½ in), and 51 cm (20 in) respectively. The hat incorporates a distinctive lark bird motif worked in multiple colours, giving it a classic Fair Isle aesthetic that is both eye-catching and wearable.

Techniques Used

• Fair Isle / Stranded Colourwork: The primary decorative technique, in which two or more yarn colours are carried across each row, with the unused colour stranded loosely at the back of the fabric. This creates the characteristic motif panels seen throughout the hat.
• Double-Pointed Needles (DPNs): The hat is constructed using sets of double-pointed needles, allowing knitting to be worked in the round for a seamless finish — essential for producing clean, uninterrupted colourwork motifs.
• Worked Flat (where indicated): Certain sections of the pattern are worked flat, adding a degree of shaping or construction detail that distinguishes this design from a purely in-the-round beanie.

Stitches Used

• Stranded colourwork stitches forming the lark and decorative motif panels
• Standard knit and purl stitches forming the base fabric
• Ribbing or a similar brim stitch typical of beanie construction (used for the hat's lower edge to provide stretch and fit)
• Crown decreases to shape the top of the hat and close it neatly

Materials – Yarn

The pattern is designed specifically for Willow & Lark Nest, a DK weight yarn with a luxurious fibre blend of 69% Wool, 11% Cashmere, and 20% Tencel, sold in 50g / 1¾oz balls. The wool provides warmth and structure, the cashmere adds softness against a child's skin, and the Tencel contributes a subtle sheen and drape. Each of the five colours used in the pattern requires just 1 ball across all three sizes, making this an excellent stash-friendly project.

The pattern lists a primary colourway using the following Willow & Lark Nest shades:

• Shadow Grey 204 – Main colour (M)
• Hunter 213 – Colour A
• Night Sky 219 – Colour B
• Sand 205 – Colour C
• Sunbeam 209 – Colour D
• Snowdrop 200 – Colour E

An alternative colourway is also suggested, offering a warmer palette:

• Sand 205 – Main colour (M)
• Garnet 229 – Colour A
• Verdigris Green 214 – Colour B
• Bark 208 – Colour C
• Red Rose 225 – Colour D
• Sunbeam 209 – Colour E

Materials – Needles