Anning Hat

Anning Hat by Emily Wood

What Is Being Made

The Anning Hat is a knitted hat designed by Emily Wood that features a distinctive colorful pattern created through mosaic knitting techniques. This advanced-level project produces a fitted hat available in two sizes: 18" (46 cm) and 20.5" (52 cm) in circumference, designed to fit head circumferences of 20" (51 cm) and 22.5" (57 cm) respectively. The hat showcases woven squares created by combining two yarn colors strategically throughout the pattern.

Techniques Used

The primary technique employed in the Anning Hat is mosaic knitting, a method that creates intricate colorwork patterns without the complexity of traditional stranded colorwork. Mosaic knitting allows knitters to work with one color per row while slipping stitches to create the appearance of a woven or geometric pattern. This approach makes the advanced-level design more manageable than traditional two-color knitting techniques.

The pattern includes strategic decreases to shape the crown of the hat. Knitters will work decreases such as k2tog (knit two together) in specific sequences across rounds to achieve the proper fit and silhouette. The hat construction uses both circular needles and double-pointed needles, allowing knitters to choose their preferred method for working in the round.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch – The primary stitch used in sections of the hat, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric
• Woven Pattern – The signature stitch pattern created through mosaic knitting techniques, featuring geometric woven squares
• K2tog (Knit Two Together) – A right-leaning decrease used in the crown shaping rounds
• Slip Stitches – Essential to the mosaic knitting technique, allowing the creation of colorwork without carrying yarn across multiple stitches

Materials and Specifications

Yarn Requirements: The Anning Hat uses sport weight yarn in two colors. The main color (MC) requires 140 yards (128 meters) for the smaller size and 160 yards (146 meters) for the larger size. The contrasting color (CC) requires 45 yards (41 meters) for the smaller size and 55 yards (50 meters) for the larger size. Additional yarn is needed if knitters choose to create the optional pompom finish.

Needles: This pattern requires US size 3 (3.25 mm) and US size 4 (3.5 mm) needles, both in 16" circular needle or double-pointed needle format. The use of two needle sizes allows for gauge control and potential ribbing or different stitch sections.

Gauge: Proper gauge is essential for this advanced project. Knitters should achieve 24 stitches and 36 rows per 4" (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch after blocking, and 27 stitches and 46 rows per 4" (10 cm) in the Woven Pattern after blocking.

Additional Notions: A stitch marker and tapestry needle are required to complete the project, with the stitch marker essential for tracking rounds in circular knitting and the tapestry needle used for weaving in ends and potential seaming.

Color Options

The Anning Hat offers flexibility in color selection. Knitters can choose to use a neutral color paired with a gradient yarn (as shown in the designer's sample), two solid colors for a bold geometric effect, or any combination of colors that suits their preferences. This versatility makes the pattern accessible to knitters with different aesthetic preferences while maintaining the signature mosaic knitting pattern.