Forest Lake Hat & Cowl in Blue Sky Fibers Extra - 202023 - Downloadable PDF

Forest Lake Hat & Cowl in Blue Sky Fibers Extra – Pattern Summary

The Forest Lake Hat & Cowl is a coordinating two-piece knitwear set designed by Nancy Ekvall for Blue Sky Fibers, part of their Traveler Series. The pattern (No. 202023) includes instructions for a generously sized colorwork cowl and a matching hat, both worked in a warm, earthy palette using four complementary colorways of Blue Sky Fibers Extra yarn. This is a wonderful intermediate-friendly project that combines simple colorwork with classic knitting techniques to produce a striking, wearable accessory set.

About the Yarn: Blue Sky Fibers Extra

Blue Sky Fibers Extra is an aran weight yarn with a luxurious fiber blend of 55% Baby Alpaca and 45% Fine Merino, coming in 150g/218-yard hanks. This blend offers exceptional softness from the baby alpaca alongside the elasticity and stitch definition of fine merino wool, making it an ideal choice for accessories worn close to the face and neck. The pattern calls for four hanks total, one in each of the following colorways:

• No. 3518 Java (Color A)
• No. 3510 Butter Cream (Color B)
• No. 3527 Chestnut (Color C)
• No. 3529 Mulberry Wine (Color D)

Together, these four colors create a rich, nature-inspired palette evocative of a forest lake in autumn — deep browns, warm creams, and jewel-toned berry hues working in harmony across both pieces.

The Forest Lake Hat

What Is Being Made

The hat is a classic knitted beanie with a finished circumference of 18 inches and a height of 10 inches, designed to fit most adult heads with a comfortable, slightly slouchy silhouette. The pattern is sized as a single universal size. A pom-pom (made with a 5.5cm pom-pom maker) tops the hat for a playful, cozy finishing touch.

Techniques and Construction

The hat is worked in the round from the brim upward, a standard bottom-up construction method common in hat knitting. Knitters will use a 16-inch circular needle for the body of the hat, then transition to double pointed needles as the crown decreases reduce the stitch count and the circular needle becomes too large to accommodate the remaining stitches. This technique of switching between circular and double pointed needles is a core skill for knitters working on hats in the round.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch – the primary stitch pattern for the hat body, worked in the round by knitting every round
• Crown decreases – used to shape the top of the hat
• Colorwork – the four colors are used to create the multicolor design across the hat

Needles and Gauge

The hat is worked on Size 10 (6mm) needles — both a 16-inch circular and double pointed needles. Gauge is 16 stitches and 24 rounds = 4 inches in Stockinette stitch. Achieving correct gauge is important for the hat to reach its intended 18-inch circumference.

The Forest Lake Cowl

What Is Being Made

The cowl is a long, generous wrap-style cowl with a finished length of 64 inches and a width of 12 inches. At 64 inches long, this cowl is substantial enough to be wrapped multiple times around the neck, providing exceptional warmth and a dramatic, layered look. It coordinates beautifully with the matching hat, making the set ideal as a gift or a personal cold-weather wardrobe staple.

Techniques and Construction

The cowl is worked flat (back and forth in rows rather than in the round), which suits the long rectangular format of the design. The use of multiple colors across both the hat and cowl ties the two pieces