Shadow Boxes

Shadow Boxes Knit Hat by Alasdair Post-Quinn

What Is Being Made

Shadow Boxes is a knitted hat featuring a sophisticated tumbling-blocks colorwork pattern. This design is a simplified evolution of the Falling Blocks hat, originally released in 2010. The pattern uses a two-color approach to create an optical illusion where blocks appear to fade into the background, resulting in visual depth and dimension across the crown and body of the hat.

Design Inspiration and Development

Designer Alasdair Post-Quinn developed Shadow Boxes as a streamlined interpretation of complex three-color double-knit techniques. When commissioned by Willow Yarns in 2012 to create a series of colorwork patterns, Post-Quinn applied lessons learned from the intricate Falling Blocks design to this more accessible version. The pattern achieves its striking effect by removing strips from the traditional tumbling-blocks motif, creating the illusion of depth without the density of the original design.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Primary Technique: This hat is constructed using double-knit colorwork, a technique that creates reversible fabric with pattern on both sides. Double-knitting allows for the seamless integration of two colors while maintaining structural integrity.

Construction Method: The hat is worked in the round using circular needles, which is the standard approach for hat construction. This method eliminates seams and creates a smooth, professional finish.

Stitch Work: The colorwork pattern is achieved through knit stitches in alternating colors, with strategic placement creating the tumbling-blocks visual effect. The simplified two-color approach reduces the complexity compared to traditional three-color double-knit patterns while maintaining visual impact.

Yarn and Materials

• Yarn: Willow Yarns Daily DK (100% Superwash Wool)
• Yardage: 284 yards per 100-gram skein
• Color A: #0018 Periwinkle (1 skein)
• Color B: #0027 Coffee (1 skein)
• Needles: US 5/3.75 mm or US 6/4.0 mm 16-inch circular needle (size determined by gauge requirements)
• Additional Tools: Double-pointed needles (DPNs) or preferred small-diameter needles for crown decreases

Yarn Weight and Fabric Characteristics

Shadow Boxes is designed for DK (double knit) weight yarn, which produces a fabric with moderate weight and drape. The superwash wool construction ensures durability and easy care. The weight of the resulting fabric is substantial enough that the pattern was not initially designed with a fold-up brim option; however, the instructions provide guidance for knitters who prefer that finishing style.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty. While the two-color double-knit technique is more accessible than the three-color Falling Blocks design, it still requires solid foundational knitting skills, comfort with colorwork techniques, and the ability to manage multiple colors while maintaining consistent tension and gauge. Knitters should be familiar with working in the round and executing decreases for crown shaping.

Pattern Format

Shadow Boxes is available as a downloadable PDF pattern, making it immediately accessible for digital devices and home printing. The pattern was originally published by Willow Yarns and is designed by independent designer Alasdair Post-Quinn, whose work is featured on www.double-knitting.com.