Whippoorwill Hat

Whippoorwill Hat by Martha Wissing

Project Overview

The Whippoorwill Hat is an intermediate-level knitted hat design available in two sizes: Child (16" circumference, 7" length) and Ladies (18" circumference, 8¾" length). This downloadable PDF pattern from Martha Wissing Designs offers a classic hat construction worked seamlessly in the round from the bottom up, featuring decorative cable details and a tailored fit.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a fitted, round hat suitable for children and adults. The finished hat measures 16 to 18 inches in circumference when slightly stretched, with a length of 7 to 8¾ inches depending on size selection. The hat is designed to be worn as a classic winter accessory with optional pom pom embellishment.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Circular knitting: The entire hat is worked in the round using circular needles and double-pointed needles, eliminating the need for seaming
• Cable work: Two cable rounds worked in close succession (rounds 12 and 16) create tightly gathered fabric that shapes the hat structure
• Ribbing: The primary stitch pattern is K2, P2 rib, which provides elasticity and a classic finished appearance
• Stitch marker placement: Markers are recommended every 12 stitches to track the repeating pattern stitch
• Blocking: Finishing with blocking helps refine the hat's shape and drape

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Whippoorwill Hat employs a 12-stitch repeat pattern as its foundation. The primary stitch work consists of K2, P2 ribbing (knit 2 stitches, purl 2 stitches), which creates vertical columns of texture and provides the elasticity needed for a comfortable, fitted hat. Cable stitches are incorporated strategically at rounds 12 and 16 to create definition and gather the fabric, contributing to the hat's structured silhouette.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The pattern calls for 1 hank of Malabrigo Rios (100 grams / 210 yards). For the Child size, the suggested colorway is #035 Frank Ochre, while the Ladies size recommends #871 Playa. Malabrigo Rios is a worsted-weight, superwash merino wool yarn known for its vibrant colors and soft hand.

Needles and Tools: The pattern requires two 16-inch circular knitting needles—one in size 7 (4.5 mm) for the main fabric and one in size 6 (4 mm) for ribbed sections, or sizes adjusted to obtain proper gauge. Double-pointed knitting needles in size 7 (4.5 mm) are needed for the crown decreases when the circumference becomes too small for circular needles. Additional tools include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and a cable needle for executing cable stitches. An optional pom pom can be added as a finishing embellishment.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 36 stitches and 30 rounds per 4 inches (10.2 cm) when worked in K2, P2 rib on unstretched fabric. Checking gauge before beginning is emphasized as essential to ensure proper fit across both child and ladies sizes. The pattern provides finished measurements in both inches and centimeters for reference.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, the Whippoorwill Hat is suitable for knitters with foundational skills in circular knitting and cable work. The combination of in-the-round construction, stitch marker management, and cable techniques requires comfort with these methods but offers an achievable project for experienced beginners and intermediate crafters.