London Fog

London Fog Beanie by Bristol Ivy

What Is Being Made

The London Fog is a classic adult beanie hat designed by Bristol Ivy, featuring clean lines with graphic architectural interest. The hat showcases gradual diagonal elements and purl ridges that create visual texture while maintaining a sophisticated, understated aesthetic. This intermediate-level knitting project produces a finished beanie with a 17 1/2" circumference at the brim and 20 3/4" circumference at the widest point, measuring 9 1/4" in length to fit an average adult head with a 18-24" circumference.

Knitting Techniques Used

This knitting pattern employs several fundamental and intermediate techniques appropriate for knitters with some experience. The construction begins with a tubular cast-on method (optional but recommended for a professional finish), followed by working in the round using circular needles. The design incorporates strategic increases to shape the crown and transitions between different needle sizes to manage the decreasing stitch count as the hat is completed. The pattern demonstrates how gradual diagonals and purl ridges can be integrated into a stockinette base to create architectural visual interest without requiring complex colorwork or advanced stitch patterns.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• 1x1 Ribbing: Used for the brim section, this fundamental stitch pattern alternates knit and purl stitches on a multiple of 2 stitches. Ribbing provides elasticity and helps the hat maintain its shape and fit around the head.
• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch used throughout the body of the hat, creating a smooth, classic fabric with a V-pattern on the knit side. Stockinette provides the ideal canvas for the graphic diagonal and purl ridge details.
• Purl Ridges: Horizontal lines created by working purl stitches against the stockinette background, contributing to the architectural aesthetic of the design.
• Gradual Diagonals: Slanted lines created through strategic stitch placement and shaping, adding geometric interest to the crown area.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

Yarn: The pattern calls for Edna by Dirty Water Dyeworks, a DK-weight yarn composed of 85% Polwarth and 15% silk, offering 380 yards (347 meters) per 130-gram skein. One skein in the Slate colorway is required for this project. The Polwarth and silk blend provides both warmth and a subtle sheen, creating a refined finished hat.

Needles: This pattern requires multiple circular needle sizes to accommodate the shaping and gauge changes. Knitters will need one 16" circular needle in US size 5 [3.75 mm], one 16" circular needle in US size 4 [3.5 mm], and one 16" circular needle in US size 3 [3.25 mm] for the optional tubular cast-on. Additionally, a set of double-pointed needles (DPNs) in US size 5 [3.75 mm] is needed for working the crown decreases when stitches become too few for circular needles.

Notions and Finishing: A tapestry needle is essential for weaving in yarn ends and seaming if needed. A stitch marker helps track the beginning of each round. The pattern offers optional finishing touches: either an alpaca fur pom pom by Toft Alpaca Shop in Silver or a handmade pom pom created using a Clover 2 1/2" pom pom maker can crown the hat.

Gauge and Construction Notes

The pattern specifies a gauge of 23 stitches and 33 rounds equaling 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is critical for obtaining the proper finished measurements and fit. The intermediate difficulty level reflects the combination of techniques required: working in the round with multiple needle sizes, executing the optional tubular cast-on for a polished edge, managing decreases for crown shaping, and incorporating the architectural stitch details that define the design.