On the Moor Hat

On the Moor Hat by LizClothier

What is Being Made

On the Moor Hat is a lacy slouch hat designed by LizClothier, inspired by the atmospheric moorland settings of Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a stretchy, relaxed-fit hat with lace detailing that evokes the natural beauty of open moorland landscapes. The finished hat measures approximately 20 inches in width and 9.5 inches in height, and the generous stretch makes it suitable for most adult head sizes.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs lace knitting techniques to create an open, delicate fabric that contrasts with the structured ribbing at the brim. The construction uses circular needles or double-pointed needles (dpns) for seamless, in-the-round knitting. Knitters can choose between traditional circular needle construction or the magic loop method, depending on their preference and available tools. The pattern includes ribbing at the base to create a secure, fitted edge that anchors the slouchy upper portion of the hat.

Stitches Used

The hat features ribbed stitching at the brim, which provides elasticity and a neat finished edge. The main body incorporates lace stitches that create an open, airy fabric characteristic of lace knitting. These lace elements are the defining design feature, giving the hat its elegant, moorland-inspired aesthetic while maintaining breathability and drape.

Materials and Yarn Weight

On the Moor Hat is designed for DK weight or Light Worsted weight yarn. The sample was knitted using PotionYarns Celtic DK in the Wuthering Heights colorway. Suggested alternative yarns include Rowan Felted DK and Cascade 220, both of which are well-suited to lace knitting and will produce similar drape and stitch definition.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern requires two sets of circular needles or dpns in different sizes. Use 3.5mm needles (16-inch circular or dpns) for the ribbed brim, which creates the tight, elastic edge. Switch to 5.0mm needles (16-inch circular or dpns, or 32-inch circular if using the magic loop method) for the lace body sections. The gauge is approximately 18 stitches over 4 inches (10cm) on the larger needles. Knitters can adjust the final hat size by going up or down one needle size in both the ribbing and body if needed.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as beginner-friendly, making it accessible to knitters new to lace techniques. The straightforward construction and clear stitch patterns allow newer knitters to learn lace knitting fundamentals while creating a beautiful, wearable finished object.