Going Vertical Hat in Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash® Merino - W768 - Downloadable PDF

Going Vertical Hat in Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash® Merino – Pattern Summary (W768)

The Going Vertical Hat is a knitted colorwork hat pattern designed by Lisa Ellis and published by Cascade Yarns® (pattern number W768). Available as a free downloadable PDF, this intermediate-level knitting project produces a stylish, vertically oriented stranded hat worked in two colors. The design is offered in two sizes to fit head circumferences of 19 inches (Small) and 21½ inches (Medium), with finished heights of 7½ inches and 8¾ inches respectively, making it a versatile accessory for a range of adult wearers.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a knitted hat featuring a bold vertical colorwork motif — a striking design choice that sets it apart from the more common horizontal stranded patterns. The vertical orientation of the color pattern creates a lengthening visual effect and gives the finished hat a modern, graphic appearance. The hat is constructed in the round from the brim upward, transitioning from a ribbed or structured brim to the main colorwork body, and finishing with a shaped crown decrease section.

Yarn and Materials

• Yarn: Cascade Yarns® 220 Superwash® Merino, a 100% Superwash Merino Wool yarn. Each skein contains 100 g (3.5 oz) and 220 yards (200 m).
• Main Color (MC): Color #33 Navy — 1 skein required
• Contrast Color (CC): Color #84 Peridot — 1 skein required
• Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) 16-inch circular knitting needles for the brim; US 7 (4.5 mm) 16-inch circular knitting needles for the body; US 7 (4.5 mm) double pointed needles (DPNs) for the crown shaping
• Notions: Yarn needle, crochet hook, and 1 closed stitch marker

Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash® Merino is a DK weight yarn celebrated for its exceptional softness, stitch definition, and machine-washable convenience. The Superwash treatment makes it practical for everyday accessories like hats, while the 100% Merino Wool fiber content ensures warmth and a luxurious feel against the skin. The rich Navy and vibrant Peridot colorway combination creates a bold, high-contrast look well suited to the vertical stripe design.

Yarn Weight and Gauge

This pattern uses DK weight yarn and is worked at a gauge of 25 stitches × 28 rows = 4 inches (10 cm), measured unblocked in pattern using the larger US 7 (4.5 mm) needles. Achieving accurate gauge is important for ensuring the hat fits the intended head circumference, so knitters are encouraged to swatch before beginning.

Techniques and Construction

The Going Vertical Hat is knitted entirely in the round, which eliminates seaming and creates a smooth, continuous fabric ideal for colorwork. Key construction techniques include:

• Circular knitting: The hat body is worked on 16-inch circular needles, transitioning to double pointed needles as the stitch count decreases during crown shaping.
• Two-color stranded colorwork: The vertical motif is achieved by carrying both the Main Color (Navy) and Contrast Color (Peridot) across rounds, a technique that creates a double-layered fabric with added warmth and structure.
• Crown shaping and decreases: The top of the hat is shaped using decrease rounds, giving the finished hat a neat, fitted crown.
• Stitch marker use: A closed stitch marker is used to track the beginning of rounds throughout construction.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs a focused set of knitting stitches and techniques appropriate for an intermediate-level knitter:

• K (Knit)