Carmen Hat and Poncho in Adriafil Ninnao - Downloadable PDF

Carmen Hat and Poncho Knitting Pattern in Adriafil Ninnao – Free Downloadable PDF

This free downloadable PDF pattern from Adriafil presents the Carmen Hat and Poncho, a coordinating two-piece set worked in the brand's luxuriously textured Ninnao chunky yarn. The set makes an ideal project for knitters looking to create a stylish, warm accessory combination, with both pieces sharing the same yarn and complementary construction techniques. The chunky weight of Ninnao means the project works up quickly while delivering excellent stitch definition and cosy wearability.

About the Carmen Hat

The Carmen Hat is a classic fitted beanie-style hat constructed flat and seamed at the centre back. It is a satisfying intermediate knitting project that combines simple ribbing, straightforward Stockinette stitch, and a neat series of structured crown decreases to shape the top of the hat elegantly.

Hat Construction and Techniques

The hat begins by casting on 62 stitches and working 7 rows of 1x1 Ribbing to create a stretchy, snug brim. On the final wrong-side row of the ribbing section, stitches are evenly increased to 99 stitches, expanding the fabric to accommodate the full circumference of the crown. The body of the hat is then worked in Stockinette stitch until the piece measures 16 cm, building the deep, smooth sidewall that gives the Carmen its structured silhouette.

Once the body is complete, the crown shaping begins on the right side of the work. The decreases are worked across 13 right-side rows (with wrong-side rows worked plain between each decrease row), using a double decrease technique: slip 2 stitches knitwise, knit 1, then pass both slipped stitches over. This method creates a tidy, centred decrease that draws the fabric symmetrically toward the top of the hat. The number of stitches between each decrease point reduces progressively with every right-side row, from 13 stitches down to a single stitch, creating a smooth, even gather at the crown.

After the final decrease row, the remaining stitches are threaded onto a yarn needle, gathered tightly, and fastened off securely. The centre back seam is then sewn to close the hat. A front detail is added by picking up 26 stitches at the centre front and working a small section in Stockinette stitch with decreases at both edges, adding a subtle shaped panel or brim detail to the finished hat.

Stitches Used in the Carmen Hat

• 1x1 Ribbing – alternating knit and purl stitches for a stretchy, elastic brim
• Stockinette Stitch – knit on right side, purl on wrong side, for the smooth body and crown
• Double Decrease (slip 2 knitwise, K1, PSSO) – a centred double decrease used throughout the crown shaping rows
• Pick-up and knit – used to add the centre front detail panel

About the Carmen Poncho

The Carmen Poncho is a cape-style over-garment designed to complement the hat, creating a cohesive coordinated set. Ponchos of this style are typically worked in flat or shaped panels and joined, making them an accessible project for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping and seaming. The chunky weight of Adriafil Ninnao yarn ensures the poncho knits up with speed and produces a fabric with excellent drape and warmth, ideal for cooler seasons.

Poncho Construction and Techniques

As a cape and poncho project, the Carmen Poncho is likely worked in panels or as a shaped flat piece incorporating the same core techniques seen in the hat — Stockinette stitch for the main body fabric and ribbing for any edges or neckline finishes. Shaping is achieved through strategic increases and decreases to create the characteristic sweep and drape of a poncho silhouette. The use of Adriafil Ninnao in a chunky weight means that stitch definition remains clear even across larger fabric panels, and the finished garment will have a pleasingly substantial, cosy feel.

Stitches Used in the Carmen Poncho