Lynx Hat in Berroco Vintage Handpaint - Downloadable PDF

Lynx Hat and Cowl in Berroco Vintage Handpaint – Knitting Pattern Summary

The Lynx pattern, designed by Åsa Buchta and published by Berroco, is a free downloadable PDF offering two coordinating accessories: a knitted hat and a knitted cowl. Both pieces are worked in the round from the bottom up and feature a striking textured stitch pattern that creates dimensional, looped detailing reminiscent of the wild, tufted coat of a lynx. This is rated as an intermediate skill level project, making it an excellent next step for knitters who are comfortable working in the round and ready to explore more expressive stitch construction techniques.

Designs Included

Lynx Hat

The Lynx Hat is a generously sized knitted hat with finished measurements of 22 inches (56 cm) in circumference and 11 inches (28 cm) in height. It is worked entirely in the round, beginning at the brim and finishing at the crown, which is shaped using decreases and worked on double-pointed needles or a preferred method for small circumferences. The hat is a satisfying single-skein project, requiring just 1 hank of Berroco Vintage Handpaint.

Lynx Cowl

The Lynx Cowl is a roomy, circular cowl with finished measurements of 30¾ inches (78 cm) in circumference and 13 inches (33 cm) in height. Like the hat, it is worked seamlessly in the round from the bottom up. Its larger dimensions allow the handpainted colorway to pool and flow beautifully across a wider canvas. The cowl requires 2 hanks of Berroco Vintage Handpaint.

Yarn and Materials

Both designs are worked in Berroco Vintage Handpaint, a worsted weight yarn sold in 100 g hanks. The pattern specifically calls for colorway #5203 Wisteria Dream, a hand-dyed yarn that brings organic, painterly color variation to the finished fabric. Berroco Vintage Handpaint is known for its soft, approachable feel and the way its tonal shifts interact beautifully with textured stitch patterns.

• Yarn: Berroco Vintage Handpaint, 100 g hanks, colorway #5203 Wisteria Dream
• Hat yarn requirement: 1 hank
• Cowl yarn requirement: 2 hanks

Needles Required

• Hat: 16-inch (40 cm) circular needles in sizes US 5 / 3.75 mm and US 7 / 4.5 mm; 1 set of double-pointed needles (or preferred method for small circumferences) in size US 7 / 4.5 mm
• Cowl: 24-inch (60 cm) circular needles in sizes US 5 / 3.75 mm and US 7 / 4.5 mm
• Notions: Stitch marker and tapestry needle

Two needle sizes are used for each project: the smaller needle creates a neat, firm ribbed brim or edge, while the larger needle is used for the body of the fabric. As with all Berroco patterns, knitters are encouraged to swatch and adjust needle size as needed to achieve the correct gauge.

Gauge

The gauge for both designs is 20 stitches and 28 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch on the larger needles, measured after blocking. Blocking is an important finishing step for these projects, particularly because the handpainted yarn blooms and evens out with wet finishing, and the loop stitch detailing settles into its full, textured character once the fabric has been washed and dried.

Construction Method

Both the hat and the cowl are constructed in the round, worked from the bottom up. This seamless construction method eliminates the need for seaming and allows the pattern stitch to flow continuously around the circumference of the fabric. The hat crown is shaped with decreases and finished on double-pointed needles