Corriedale Hat in Rowan Moordale - Downloadable PDF

Corriedale Hat by Chloe Thurlow in Rowan Moordale – Knitting Pattern Summary

About This Pattern

The Corriedale Hat is a beautifully crafted knitted hat designed by Chloe Thurlow and published by Rowan. Rated as an intermediate skill level project, this pattern is an excellent choice for knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques and ready to explore the classic craft of Fair Isle colourwork. The finished hat features a richly patterned colourwork band worked in three carefully chosen shades, creating a striking and wearable accessory with a traditional feel and a contemporary colour palette.

Yarn and Colourway

This pattern is specifically designed for Rowan Moordale, a DK weight yarn sold in 100g balls. Three colours are used to achieve the signature Fair Isle effect:

• Yarn A – Feather 001: 1 ball
• Yarn B – Beetroot 007: 1 ball
• Yarn C – Ash 010: 1 ball

The combination of Feather, Beetroot, and Ash creates a warm, earthy palette that reflects the natural tones associated with the Moordale yarn range. Because only one ball of each shade is required, this is also an efficient and economical project, making it ideal for using up small quantities of Rowan Moordale from a larger project.

Needles Required

The pattern is worked in the round using sets of double-pointed needles, which are the traditional choice for knitting seamless hats and small circumference projects in the round. Two sizes are required:

• 3.5mm (US 4) double-pointed needles – typically used for the ribbed brim or lower section to create a neat, firm edge
• 4mm (US 6) double-pointed needles – used for the main body of the hat, including the colourwork section

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is important for a well-fitting hat. The pattern specifies 25 stitches and 27 rounds to 10cm, measured over pattern using 4mm (US 6) needles. Knitters should always work a tension swatch before beginning, particularly when working Fair Isle colourwork, as carrying multiple yarns across the back of the work can tighten tension if the floats are not managed carefully.

Techniques and Construction

The Corriedale Hat is worked entirely in the round from the brim upward, making it a seamless construction with no sewing up required. The main body of the hat is worked in stocking stitch (knit every round when working in the round), which forms the smooth right-side fabric ideal for displaying colourwork motifs clearly.

The standout technique in this pattern is Fair Isle, also known as stranded colourwork. This method involves carrying two or more yarn colours across each round, knitting with one colour at a time while the other yarn or yarns are stranded loosely across the wrong side of the fabric. The colourwork section follows Chart A, a four-stitch pattern repeat that is worked 55 times around each round, creating a continuous, all-over patterned band. Knitters should be familiar with reading colourwork charts and managing yarn floats to ensure the fabric remains elastic and even.

Stitches and Shaping

The pattern uses a focused set of knitting stitches and shaping techniques appropriate for an intermediate knitter:

• Knit stitch (K) – the foundation of the stocking stitch fabric throughout
• M1 (Make 1) – a increase stitch used to expand the stitch count after the brim, building the hat to its full circumference of 220 stitches
• K2tog (Knit two together) – a right-leaning decrease used progressively during the crown shaping to reduce the stitch count in a structured way, working down from 220 stitches through 176 stitches and continuing to close the crown

The shaping rounds are interspersed with plain knit rounds in specific yarn colours, creating subtle stripe details