Snowy Night

Snowy Night Knit Hat by Terri Kruse

What Is Being Made

The Snowy Night is a knitted hat designed by Terri Kruse, an intermediate-level project perfect for knitters looking to expand their skills. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a finished hat with a circumference of 20 inches, suitable for heads up to 22 inches, and a length of 9 inches. The design features colorwork elements that add visual interest and texture to a classic hat silhouette.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several essential knitting techniques that make it ideal for intermediate-level crafters. The hat is constructed using in-the-round knitting, a fundamental method for creating seamless, tubular garments. Knitters will work with colorwork stockinette stitch, which involves carrying two colors throughout the pattern to create a patterned fabric. The pattern begins with ribbed edging using a 2x2 rib stitch (knit 2, purl 2), which provides stretch and a finished appearance at the brim. The transition from smaller to larger needles is a classic technique used to shape the hat and achieve proper gauge after the ribbed cuff.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The Snowy Night pattern incorporates fundamental stitches that create both structure and design:

• 2x2 Ribbing (k2, p2): Used for the cuff to create elasticity and a polished edge that hugs the head comfortably
• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch for the colorwork section, created by alternating knit rows and purl rows when working flat, or knitting every round when working in the round
• Colorwork Stockinette: A technique where two colors (C1 and C2) are worked together in stockinette stitch, creating a patterned fabric by carrying the unused color inside the hat

Materials and Gauge

The Snowy Night pattern calls for Malabrigo Worsted yarn, a premium yarn composed of 100% Merino wool. Two colors are required: Bobby Blue (C1) and Natural (C2), with 1 skein of each color needed. Malabrigo Worsted provides 210 yards per 100 grams, offering excellent stitch definition for colorwork projects. The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 23 rows in 4 inches when worked in colorwork stockinette stitch on the larger needle, measured after washing and blocking to account for yarn behavior.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires specific needle sizes to achieve proper gauge and construction:

• 1 US 6/4.0 mm circular needle, 16-inch: Used for the initial cast-on and ribbed cuff section
• 1 US 7/4.5 mm circular needle, 16-inch: Used for the main colorwork stockinette body of the hat
• 1 set US 7/4.5 mm double-pointed needles: Employed for the crown decreases when the circumference becomes too small for circular needles, or as an alternative to circular needles throughout
• Darning needle: Used for weaving in yarn ends and finishing the hat after completion

Pattern Overview

The Snowy Night begins with casting on 92 stitches using the smaller needle and C1 (Bobby Blue), then joining for in-the-round knitting with a placed marker to indicate the beginning of the round. The pattern progresses from the ribbed cuff into the colorwork stockinette body, where knitters will manage two colors simultaneously. This intermediate project has been test knit and tech edited by designer Terri Kruse to ensure accuracy and clarity for crafters following the pattern.