Voyager Cap

Voyager Cap by Two of Wands

What is Being Made

The Voyager Cap is a beginner-friendly knitted hat designed to fit an average adult head with a finished circumference of 14 inches (35.5 centimeters) that stretches to accommodate various head sizes. The cap features an uncuffed length of 12.5 inches (32 centimeters), making it a versatile everyday hat suitable for various seasons and occasions.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques that make it ideal for those new to the craft. The Voyager Cap is worked from the bottom up in the round, beginning with a cast-on foundation and progressing toward the crown. The construction method transitions from circular needles during the body of the hat to double-pointed needles when executing the crown shaping. This technique change allows for seamless decreasing as the stitches narrow toward the top of the cap.

The crown shaping features mirrored decreases, a technique that creates balanced, symmetrical tapering at the top of the hat. This professional finishing detail ensures an even, aesthetically pleasing crown that sits properly on the head.

Stitches Used

The Voyager Cap utilizes essential knitting stitches appropriate for beginners:

• 2x2 Rib Stitch — The primary stitch pattern, created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a two-stitch repeat. This textured stitch provides elasticity and structure, allowing the hat to stretch comfortably while maintaining its shape.
• Knit (K) — The fundamental knitting stitch used throughout the pattern
• Purl (P) — The reverse of the knit stitch, combined with knits to create the rib texture
• Knit 2 Together (K2tog) — A basic decrease technique used during crown shaping to reduce stitch count
• Slip, Slip, Knit (SSK) — A left-leaning decrease stitch that pairs with K2tog to create mirrored decreases at the crown

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Voyager Cap pattern calls for 2 skeins of Lion Brand Yarn LB Collection Merino Camel in Tan (product code 461-123). This yarn is a sport weight yarn, which is a lightweight option that knits quickly while producing a fabric with excellent drape and breathability. Merino wool provides natural temperature regulation, moisture-wicking properties, and softness against the skin, making it an excellent choice for a hat that can be worn comfortably in various conditions.

The pattern requires Size US 6 (4mm) circular knitting needles measuring 16 inches (40 centimeters) long for working the body of the hat in the round, and a set of 5 Size US 6 (4mm) double-pointed needles for the crown shaping phase. Additional materials include a stitch holder for managing stitches during construction and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 32 stitches and 30 rows equal 4 inches (10 centimeters) in 2x2 rib stitch when un-stretched. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for ensuring the finished hat matches the intended dimensions and fits properly.

Pattern Details

The pattern begins with casting on 112 stitches and joining them in the round, with careful attention to avoid twisting the cast-on edge. All instructions are written in standard US knitting terminology. The pattern progresses systematically from the ribbed base through the body and concludes with the mirrored crown decreases that shape the top of the hat.