Maple Leaf Touque

Maple Leaf Touque by Anna Dalvi

What Is Being Made

The Maple Leaf Touque is an advanced knit hat designed by Anna Dalvi that serves a dual purpose as both a winter hat and scarf. The term "touque" (pronounced /ˈtuːk/) is Canadian terminology for a knit hat. This design is particularly suited for extremely cold winter days when extended length and coverage are needed. The finished blocked dimensions measure 51-56 cm [20-22"] in head circumference and 146 cm [57.5"] in length, providing substantial warmth and versatility.

Techniques and Construction

This pattern employs stranded colorwork knitting, a technique that involves working with two colors of yarn simultaneously to create intricate patterned designs. The Maple Leaf Touque uses a total of six different yarn colors throughout the construction, with two colors worked at a time during the stranded sections. This multi-color approach creates visual interest while maintaining the structural integrity of the knit fabric. The pattern requires blocking after completion to achieve the specified finished dimensions and to even out the stranded colorwork.

Stitches Used

• Stranded stockinette stitch – The primary stitch throughout the hat, worked in the round with two colors held simultaneously to create the colorwork pattern

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 29 stitches and 35 rows over 4 inches [10 cm] in stranded stockinette stitch, measured after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for this advanced project to ensure the finished hat meets the specified dimensions.

Materials and Yarn

The Maple Leaf Touque is designed using Kashmir yarn from Fiber Optic Yarns, a premium blend consisting of 80% merino, 10% nylon, and 10% cashmere. Each skein yields 420 yards/384 meters and weighs 114 grams. The pattern requires the following yarn quantities and colors:

• Main Color (MC): 1 skein (420 yds/384 m – 113 g) in Whaki Khaki (green)
• Contrast Color 1 (CC1): 0.3 skeins (140 yds/128 m – 38 g) in Lumberjack (red)
• Contrast Color 2 (CC2): 0.3 skeins (125 yds/115 m – 34 g) in Brimstone (orange)
• Contrast Color 3 (CC3): 0.25 skeins (77 yds/71 m – 21 g) in Maple leaf rag (rust brown)
• Contrast Color 4 (CC4): 0.3 skeins (114 yds/105 m – 31 g) in Squashed (yellow)
• Contrast Color 5 (CC5): 0.25 skeins (74 yds/67 m – 20 g) in Espresso Batik (dark brown)

Tools Required

• 2.25 mm [US 1] needles for knitting in the round
• Stitch marker for tracking rounds
• Large-eyed, blunt needle for weaving in ends and finishing

Difficulty Level

This is an advanced knitting project that requires experience with stranded colorwork techniques, working in the round, and managing multiple yarn colors simultaneously. The complexity of the multi-color pattern and the precision needed to maintain consistent gauge throughout the lengthy construction make this suitable for experienced knitters.