Cirrus Curls

Cirrus Curls Hat by Lisa Featherstone

What is Being Made

Cirrus Curls is a knitted hat designed to keep ears warm and toasty in any weather. The design features simple columns of double tendrils or "cirrus" climbing up towards the crown and converging at the top. The hat is inspired by wispy curled clouds, with the name deriving from the Latin word meaning a ringlet or curling lock of hair. This pattern is available in four sizes: Child, Adult Small, Adult Medium, Adult Large, and Adult Extra Large, fitting head circumferences from 40-44 cm (15-17 inches) up to 58.5-61 cm (23-24 inches).

Techniques and Stitches Used

This knitted hat employs a combination of twisted rib and cable design techniques to create its distinctive visual appeal. The pattern features simple cable columns that form the decorative tendrils running vertically up the hat. The twisted rib construction provides structure and elasticity, ensuring a secure fit around the head and ears. These techniques work together to create texture and visual interest while maintaining the hat's functionality as a warm winter accessory.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Cirrus Curls hat is designed for Double Knitting (DK) weight yarn. The pattern requires approximately 149-195 meters (162-213 yards) of yarn depending on the size selected. The sample shown in the pattern is knitted using West Yorkshire Spinners Illustrious, a premium blend of 70% Falkland wool and 30% British Alpaca in Double Knitting weight. This fiber composition provides warmth, softness, and durability suitable for a winter hat. The sample is shown in the colorway Old Lace.

Gauge and Needles

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 27 stitches and 28 rounds per 10 cm (4 inches) in the main pattern when using the larger sized needles. This gauge measurement is taken from the blocked finished hat. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished dimensions and ensuring the hat fits as intended.

Difficulty Level

Cirrus Curls is rated as a beginner-level knitting project, making it an excellent choice for knitters new to hat construction or those looking to practice cable and twisted rib techniques. Despite its beginner classification, the hat produces a sophisticated finished garment with visual depth and texture.