Winter Coronet

Winter Coronet by Teresa Gregorio

What is Being Made

Winter Coronet is a versatile hybrid accessory that functions as both a cowl and a hood, designed to provide flexible warmth for cold weather. This seamless knit piece offers dual styling options: when worn up, it functions as a fitted cowl with earwarmer capabilities, and when worn down, it transforms into a generous hood that drapes around the neck and shoulders. The design features a brim circumference of 21 inches (53.5 cm) and a hood circumference of 40 inches (101.5 cm), making it a one-size-fits-most accessory suitable for various head and neck dimensions.

Techniques Used

Winter Coronet employs several advanced knitting techniques to achieve its sophisticated construction. The garment is knit from the top down, allowing for seamless construction and the ability to try on as you work. Short rows are incorporated into the design to create shaping and structure, enabling the piece to transition smoothly between its cowl and hood configurations. The top-down construction method combined with short-row shaping demonstrates advanced-level knitting skills and provides the designer's intended fit without requiring seaming.

Stitches Used

This advanced pattern incorporates two primary stitch patterns to create visual interest and texture:

• Chevron Cables: Worked on the smaller 2.75 mm (US 2) needles, this stitch pattern creates the interwoven cable details that are highlighted as a beautiful design feature. The chevron cables are worked at a gauge of 46 stitches and 40 rows per 4 inches (10 cm).
• Stockinette stitch: Used on the larger 3.25 mm (US 3) needles for sections requiring a smoother fabric. Stockinette is worked at a gauge of 28 stitches and 32 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) on the larger needles.

The combination of these stitch patterns creates textural contrast while maintaining the seamless construction throughout the piece.

Materials

Yarn: This pattern calls for Anzula Dreamy, a luxury yarn blend consisting of 75% superwash merino, 15% cashmere, and 10% silk. Two hanks are required, providing 385 yards (352 meters) per hank in the Bark colorway. This fiber blend offers softness, breathability, and warmth—essential qualities for a winter accessory worn close to the face and neck.

Needles: The pattern requires two sets of circular needles: 2.75 mm (US 2) circulars and 3.25 mm (US 3) circulars, each approximately 16 inches (40 cm) in length. The smaller needles are used for the chevron cable sections, while the larger needles accommodate the stockinette sections. Circular needles facilitate the seamless, in-the-round construction and allow for easy gauge checking and try-ons during the knitting process.

Gauge: Achieving proper gauge is critical for this pattern's success. Knitters should verify 46 stitches and 40 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm) in the chevron cables on smaller needles, and 28 stitches and 32 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette on larger needles before beginning the project.