Cinioch

Cinioch Knitted Hat by Lucy Hague

What Is Being Made

Cinioch is a close-fitting knitted hat designed by Lucy Hague, inspired by ancient Pictish and Celtic artwork. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a sophisticated, cable-detailed hat suitable for intermediate knitters. The design features a distinctive cabled band that forms the foundation of the hat, with the crown worked seamlessly in the round from picked-up stitches.

Construction Technique

The Cinioch hat employs a two-stage construction method that combines flat and circular knitting. The cabled band is worked first in flat knitting, then the live stitches are grafted together to form a seamless join. Once the band is complete, stitches are carefully picked up around the edge of the band and the crown is worked in the round using circular needles or the preferred method for small circumferences. This hybrid approach allows for precise cable placement while maintaining the fitted silhouette of the finished hat.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The pattern incorporates cable stitches as the primary design element, creating the Celtic and Pictish-inspired visual details. Stocking stitch forms the base fabric throughout the hat. The pattern includes a specialized abbreviation called 1-into-5, which involves inserting the right needle between stitches, wrapping yarn, and manipulating stitches between needles to create decorative effects. Grafting is used to join the flat-worked band seamlessly, and the pattern requires basic circular knitting techniques for working the crown.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

• Size M: Fits head circumference 20–21 inches (51–54 cm); finished circumference 20.5 inches (52 cm); height 7 inches (19 cm)
• Size L: Fits head circumference 22–23 inches (56–58.5 cm); finished circumference 22 inches (57 cm); height 8 inches (20.5 cm)

Materials and Yarn Requirements

This pattern uses DK weight yarn, a lightweight yarn that creates a refined, close-fitting hat. The sample shown was knitted in Blacker Classic DK. Yardage requirements are 160 yards (146 meters) for size M and 200 yards (183 meters) for size L. Knitters should use 4.0 mm (US size 6) needles or the size needed to obtain proper gauge. Additional materials include waste yarn for picking up stitches, a cable needle for manipulating cable stitches, and a darning needle for weaving in ends and grafting.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stocking stitch after blocking. Achieving this gauge is essential for the hat to fit properly and maintain the intended close-fitting silhouette. Knitters should swatch and block their gauge swatch before beginning the project.

Difficulty Level

Cinioch is rated as an intermediate knitting project. While the basic techniques—stocking stitch, cables, and circular knitting—are foundational, the combination of flat and circular construction, cable work, and specialized stitches like the 1-into-5 abbreviation requires solid knitting skills and comfort with pattern reading.