Entrelac Hat

Entrelac Hat by Rian Anderson

What is Being Made

The Entrelac Hat is a knitted beanie available in six sizes ranging from baby to adult. This downloadable PDF pattern by designer Rian Anderson provides comprehensive instructions for creating fitted hats with head circumferences from 32 cm (12.5 inches) to 55 cm (21.75 inches). The hat heights range from 13 cm (5 inches) for the smallest size to 23.5 cm (9.25 inches) for the largest adult size. Each size is specifically engineered to fit snugly, with the finished hat circumference intentionally smaller than the actual head measurement to ensure the hat stays securely in place during wear.

Techniques and Construction Method

This pattern showcases the entrelac technique, an advanced knitting method that creates a distinctive interlocked diamond pattern. The entrelac construction works by knitting small diamonds on the bias, with each successive diamond picked up from the sides of the diamond positioned directly below it. This creates a woven, three-dimensional appearance that is both visually striking and structurally sound.

The hat is worked in the round, meaning you knit continuously in a circular direction rather than flat pieces that require seaming. This seamless construction method produces a more polished, professional finish and eliminates the need for finishing work. You have flexibility in your needle choice: the pattern accommodates both double-pointed needles and circular needles, allowing you to select the tool that feels most comfortable for your knitting style.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is stocking stitch (also called stockinette stitch), which creates the smooth, classic knit fabric appearance. This foundational stitch is combined with the entrelac technique to produce the characteristic diamond pattern. The entrelac method involves strategic increases and decreases that shape each diamond while maintaining the stocking stitch texture within each section.

Yarn and Materials

The Entrelac Hat pattern is written for Noro 10 ply yarn, specifically Noro Silk Garden or Noro Kureyon varieties. These premium yarns are specified at approximately 100 metres (110 yards) per 50 gram ball. However, the pattern is adaptable to any yarn of similar thickness, classified as aran or worsted weight yarn.

Yarn requirements vary by size:

• Size #1 (baby): approximately 30 grams / 60 metres (66 yards)
• Size #2 (toddler): approximately 40 grams / 80 metres (88 yards)
• Size #3 (child): approximately 50 grams / 100 metres (110 yards)
• Size #4 (older child): approximately 60 grams / 120 metres (132 yards)
• Size #5 (teen/small adult): approximately 70 grams / 140 metres (154 yards)
• Size #6 (adult): approximately 90 grams / 180 metres (198 yards)

The pattern notes that you can use either long colour change yarn for a variegated, multi-coloured effect, or solid colours worked in stripes for a more controlled colour presentation. The Noro yarns mentioned are known for their beautiful colour variations, making them ideal for showcasing the entrelac pattern's dimensional qualities.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, reflecting the complexity of the entrelac technique. While the stocking stitch itself is fundamental, the entrelac construction requires solid understanding of knitting basics, comfort with picking up stitches from existing fabric, and ability to manage increases and decreases in a coordinated pattern. The circular knitting method adds another layer of skill, though experienced knitters will find this manageable.